Page Type:
|
Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
37.84131°N / 119.1893°W |
County:
|
Mono |
Activities:
|
Hiking |
Season:
|
Summer, Fall |
|
Elevation:
|
12296 ft / 3748 m |
|
Overview
Mt. Lewis fills the area between Mono Pass and Parker Pass, Mount Gibbs and the Koip Crest. Located just outside the eastern boundary of Yosemite National Park, in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, it can be done as a day hike from the Mono Pass trailhead in Yosemite. Although not quite as high as its neighbors to the north and south, at 12,296’ it still offers some great views from the summit. It also doesn’t receive nearly as many visitors as the surrounding peaks.
Getting There
The Mono Pass trailhead, sometimes referred to as the Dana Meadows trailhead, is located in Yosemite National Park, CA just 1.4 miles west of the Tioga Pass entrance station on CA State route 120. (5.6 miles east of the Tuolumne Meadows Campground) A small, paved parking lot is found at the trailhead along with bear proof food lockers and a toilet. Arrive early if you want a parking space; otherwise, parking seems to be tolerated along the narrow roadside.
Follow the Mono Pass trail through the forest 3.4 miles to its junction with the Parker Pass trail. Head south, right, at the sign marking the junction. A metal sign reads “Parker Pass 1.8”. You’ll get your first view of the western slopes of Mount Lewis as you leave the forest and cross the open meadows. Continue along this well defined trail about 1 mile. The gentle slopes leading up Mount Lewis are on your left, to the East. Leave the trail and head cross country from some class 1 hiking up the slopes to the summit. A memorial marks the summit.
Red Tape
No permits are required for day trips to Mount Lewis. You can find all the pertinent red tape information for Yosemite National Park at the Tuolumne Meadows Logistical Center page. Similar information for the Ansel Adams Wilderness can be found on this Inyo National Forest page.
Camping
The Tuolumne Meadows – Logistical Center page contains detailed car camping, backcountry camping and traditional lodging information for Yosemite NP. Similar choices for camping in the Lee Vining Area, just east of Yosemite, are listed on this Inyo National Forest page.
Etymology
Named by R. B. Marshall in 1930 for the first civilian superintendent of Yosemite National Park, Washington Bartlett Lewis.