Overview
This out-and-back hike takes you to majestic views overlooking countless lakes. Along the way you’ll pass rushing streams, lakes, snow and crazy rock piles. Note: Mount Star is not well marked, you essentially free climb up the rocks to the top.
Logistics
Location: Inyo National Forest (near Bishop, CA)
Distance: 8.1 miles roundtrip (Ruby Lake, Mono Pass and Mount Star)
Difficulty: Moderate
Our Hike Time: 5 hours, 10 min
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 10,210 feet to 12,385 feet
Trailhead: Mosquito Flat Trailhead (also called Little Lakes Valley Trailhead)
Costs: None
When to go: June – Oct
Dogs Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Permits Required: Not for day use but required for overnight camping.
Where to Stay: Rock Creek Lake Campground near the trailhead for $22/night (this is a walk-in, first come, first serve campground) or apply for a permit to camp on the trail. The backcountry permits you must obtain are called “Mono Pass JM08” and are $5 per person plus a $10 reservation fee.
Tips
There is no trail to get to Mount Star from Mono pass, you literally climb up the rock piles until you reach the top.
If you pass through the town of Big Pine on your drive home, stop for BBQ at Copper Top BBQ or visit Manzanar for a quick history lesson on one of the ten American concentration camps from WWII.
Current Trail Conditions:
Check out AllTrails for recent trail reviews and updates.
