モノ郡の峠・トップ19

The Tioga Pass climb from Lee Vining is an absolutely spectacular and challenging road biking ascent on Highway 120, leading you to the highest mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada and into the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Starting around 6,784 feet in Lee Vining, you'll climb approximately 12 to 12.5 miles, gaining about 3,160 to 3,170 feet to reach the 9,943-foot summit, with a moderate average gradient around 4.4-5.1% that becomes more sustained in the middle section. The scenery is breathtaking, transitioning from views of Mono Lake to alpine lakes, granite domes, and stunning mountain vistas as you ascend through forests into the high alpine environment.

The Sonora Pass climb from the west is one of California's most formidable and spectacular High Sierra ascents, renowned for its brutally steep upper section. After a long approach climb through forests and canyons, prepare for the final 9 miles / 14.5km starting near Kennedy Meadows; this section averages a steep 7-8% but culminates in incredibly tough ramps and switchbacks far exceeding 15% and reportedly hitting 20-26% near the summit. This climb will challenge you to an intense physical battle requiring your absolute lowest gears at very high altitude 9,624ft. Sonora Pass is seasonally closed due to deep snow in early May, often opening only in June or sometimes even July depending on snowpack.

Incredibly wide, grassy plain at an altitude of about 3,800 m. Countless marmots have settled under the many small rocks

Here we go.

The highest pass along CA 108 is crossed here by the PCT. There are some pull-over options and interesting location markers, but if you organized to start or stop here it is better not to park here but a few hundred meeters down on the west side at a parking area.

Mono Pass is like a divide in between two worlds. On the western slope of the Sierras, the alpine environments are lush. On the eastern slope, look to Mono Lake and the desert Mono Valley.

Minaret Vista offers a stunning view of Mammoth Lakes' iconic skyline, the Minarets, which are part of the Ritter Range. You will recognize them by the sharp, jutting spires that are outstanding. You can also spot Mount Ritter at 13,157 feet and Banner Peak at 12,945 feet (3,945 meters), the two tallest peaks in the range.

Minaret Summit is a mountain pass with an elevation of 9,265 feet within the Mammoth Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest.