California · Hiking · Near Yosemite Valley

Mono Pass Trailhead

Mono Pass TrailheadPhoto: NPS Photo / S. Nobles
2.3 mi
round trip
340 ft
climb
9,952 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Mono Pass Trailhead open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Yosemite National Park. It doesn't name Mono Pass Trailhead, so check the source for the area it covers.

  • Tioga Road is temporarily closed due to snowy and icy conditions

    Park closure covering Yosemite National Park · NPS · Yosemite National Park

As of · Source: NPS · Yosemite National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

This historic trans-Sierra trail climbs gradually through lodgepole pines and past wet meadows. In mid-summer, look for red mountain heather blooming trailside. After the Spillway Lake junction, the trail climbs steadily and more steeply to Mono Pass (elevation 10,600 feet). Don't miss the spectacular view of Mono Lake and Bloody Canyon: from the pass, hike a bit farther toward Upper Sardine Lake. Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip Elevation gain: 1,000 ft (300 m) Time estimate: 5-7 hours Tips & Seasonal Information This trail includes several unbridged stream crossings. Early in the season, when water can be very high, cold, and swift, use caution when crossing streams or turn back when crossing is not safe. In early summer, the trail can be very muddy in places. Stay on trail and go through mud puddles rather than around them to preserve delicate plant life in this sensitive ecosystem. Bicycles and pets are not permitted on hiking trails. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead parking area. This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November. Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Tioga Lake Cg

    Campground

    Campground · 2.6 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Tuolumne Meadows Grill

    Fast food

    On your way back · 5 mi
  • If it rainsEeekster, CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

    Sierra Point

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Point in Yosemite National Park at the eastern end of the valley

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Eeekster, CC BY 3.0 (commons)

More in Yosemite Valley

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Mono Pass Trailhead

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 13°

    2. Feb

      38° / 12°

    3. Mar

      42° / 15°

    4. Apr

      45° / 22°

    5. May

      54° / 27°

    6. Jun

      65° / 33°

    7. Jul

      71° / 38°

    8. Aug

      70° / 36°

    9. Sep

      65° / 32°

    10. Oct

      57° / 26°

    11. Nov

      47° / 20°

    12. Dec

      40° / 12°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tuolumne Meadows Rs, CA, 4.5 mi away at 8,694 ft. The station sits about 1,300 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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