Walker Lake Trailhead

Walker Lake Trailhead sits on the Mono Basin side of the Sierra above Lee Vining, and it's the eastern doorway into one of the range's classic backcountry routes. From a rough forest road rather than a paved lot, the trail climbs into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, crests a ridge for a first view down at Walker Lake, then follows Bloody Canyon past Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes before topping out at Mono Pass and dropping into Yosemite National Park itself.

Getting to the Trailhead

Leave Highway 395 at the north end of the June Lake Loop (Highway 158), just north of Grant Lake, and follow dirt road 1S23 along Sawmill Creek to the trailhead. The road down to Walker Lake is private with no hiker parking, so plan to leave your vehicle at the designated trailhead area and walk in from there.

Bloody Canyon and Mono Pass

The canyon earned its name during the 1800s mining era, when pack mules working the route between the Mono Basin and the Tioga mines came away bloodied from the sharp rock ledges. Today the climb through the canyon past the Sardine Lakes leads to Mono Pass, where the trail crosses into Yosemite and continues toward the Kuna Crest and Parker Pass Creek. It's a long day for a round trip, and a natural overnight if you're pushing on into the park's backcountry.

Permits and Planning

• Day use: No permit required.
• Overnight trips: A wilderness permit is required year-round.
• Quota: From May 1 through November 1, entry is limited to 8 people per day.
• Water: No potable water at the trailhead — carry in what you'll need for the day.