Mosquito Flats Trailhead to Mono Pass, Mono Pass Peak (12,780') & Summit Lake, July 17 2015

The Plan

I had originally planned for an overnight trip to Mt. Langley, but after several cancellations, I decided that I would just take on several day hikes solo. Looking at a list of possible hikes in the area, I decided on Mono Pass, with the possibility of cross country to Mono Pass Peak.

Here are the stats I had compiled going into the hike:

Mono Pass (12,060′) and Mono Pass Peak (12,780′)

Mosquito Flats >Mono Pass > Mono Pass Peak > Scenic Overlook Totals: ~10 miles RT || Duration: ~6-8 hrs || Elevation Change: ±2580′ || Max Elevation: 12,780′
Sections:
- Mosquito Flats > Ruby Lake Junction
  - 2 miles || +890, -90
- Ruby Lake Junction > Mono Pass
  - 1.75 miles || +1175, -155
- Mono Pass > Mono Peak > Mono Pass
  - 1.4 miles || ±850
- Mono Pass > Scenic Overlook
  - .5 miles || ±100

The Outcome

I hit the road by 5:30 am and arrived at the trailhead around 11 am. By this time, the parking lot at Mosquito Flats was already full, so I had to park in the overflow parking. Starting my day at 1,400′, I could feel the elevation (~10,200′) just getting out of the car. I made steady progress until I reached Mono Pass, making a few short stops to talk with other hikers.

After reaching the pass, I made my way towards the peak (using my GPS) and eventually found another hiker’s tracks. I followed their tracks, checking my GPS every once in a while until it was apparent that they had pick a good route. Progress was ok until I hit 12,500.’ My legs started to tire at that point and I could feel an altitude headache coming on. Once I hit the summit, I stayed a few minutes to take in one of the best views I’ve ever seen (not sure why I’ve never heard anyone speak of it!). After descending to Summit Lake, I met a group of 3 backpackers and spent about 30 minutes talking to them. Since I had a much better vantage point from the peak, I skipped the ‘scenic overlook’ and headed back to the trailhead.

Mosquito Flats >Mono Pass > Mono Pass Peak > Summit Lake (as measured):

10 miles RT || Duration: ~6.5 hrs (30 minute break at Summit Lake)
- Sections: Mosquito Flats > Ruby Lake Junction
  - 2 miles || 1 hr
- Ruby Lake Junction > Mono Pass
  - 2.1 miles || 1.5 hrs
- Mono Pass > Mono Pass Peak
  - .65 miles || 1 hr || Notes: cross country
- Mono Pass Peak > Summit Lake
  - .9 miles || 30 mins || Notes: cross country
- Summit Lake > Mosquito Flats Trailhead
  - 4.5 miles || 2 hrs

Gear

Most of the gear I used on this hike was also carried on my Bishop Pass trip the previous weekend.

WoolX Merino Wool
- Lightweight Merino Wool T-shirt
  - I wore the tangerine tee for the 2nd time, unwashed. Still no smell. I’ll wear it for my next hike.
- Merino Wool Boxers
  - This is my 4th or 5th hike wearing these boxers. When used with the Deuter Airlite, the tag is not irritating my skin. I also haven’t had any issues with chafing, which has been an issue in the past on hot days, using other boxers.
Farm to Feet Merino Wool Socks
- High Points
  - 2nd hike with these in a week, unwashed. 21+ miles and counting…
Oboz Traverse Lows
- It’s been a few years since I’ve hiked this much in something other than boots and they worked well – no ankle sprains.
- Around mile 9 I started missing the full shank of the Beartooths.
Deuter Airlite 28
- Awesome pack. The perfect size for my day hikes.
Cotton Carrier STRAPSHOT EV1
- I continue to be happy with the modifications I made to the carrier. I also figured out a “new” way to attached it to the Deuter also. More on this in my full review (coming soon).
Geigerrig
- Hydration Pack Engine
  - The bladder and Nano Drink Tube worked well with my Deuter pack.
- Nano Drink Tube
  - This was only my 4th hike with this tube, but the routability of the small tubing and the PopLock are great features. Geigerrig’s product pages has a video showing the features of this item: http://www.geigerrig.com/hydration-packs/accessories-nano-drink-tube.html