Virginia Lakes Resort - Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Safety is your responsibility. Do not undertake a hike if you are not in moderate to good physical condition. Notify a friend or relative of your itinerary, vehicle description, and license plate number. If you do not contact them at the pre-arranged time, they should call the Mono County Sheriff at 760-932-7549. Please read the page on Practical Hiking Information to protect yourself and the environment.

There are 10 lakes within a mile of the resort, five of which are less than a 15-minute hike. The trailhead for the remainder of the lakes is next to the outhouse at Big Virginia Lake. Please talk to Carolyn or John at the Lodge about the difficulty and exact directions. Remember to take plenty of water or a method to sterilize any lake or stream water. Drink at least 2 qts. of water a day to prevent heat-related illnesses while hiking, as your body will be unable to cool itself without sufficient water. Don't forget the bug repellent!

You lose 3% oxygen for every 1,000 feet you climb. Your lungs will be starting at 70% of normal oxygen. Do not expect miracles from your body. Take it easy for a couple days prior to your first hike, and be sure to check with your doctor if you have any related heart or lung condition.

Virginia Lakes to Green Lake — (2 cars needed) 10.5 miles, approx. time 5-6 hours.
Virginia Lakes to Summit Pass — Strenuous hike begins at 9790' and climbs to 11,000' at Summit Pass (5.5 miles round trip).
Virginia Lakes to Summit Lake — Strenuous hike 6.8 miles one-way, approx. time 3 hours.
Virginia Lakes to Twin Lakes — (2 cars needed) 2 days (permit required). Back entrance to Yosemite — (overnight permits required) to Glen Aulen, 19 miles.
Green Creek to East Lake — Approx. time 2½ hours.
Green Creek to West Lake — Approx. time 2½ hours (last ½ mile steep).
West Walker Trail — This is an easy hike to Secret and Pore Lakes (6.6 miles round trip if you go to both lakes). Good fishing!
Tamarack Lake Trail — Strenuous trail to Tamarack Lake (9 miles round trip). Seldom used, but a beautiful area.
Horse Creek Trail — Strenuous hike along Horse Creek, passing several cascades along the way (4 miles round trip). Spectacular views of the Sawtooth Ridge area and Twin Lakes, and is the second busiest trail during the summer.
Robinson Creek Trail — Moderately strenuous hike to Barney Lake (7.8 miles round trip). The busiest trail during the summer. Campfires are prohibited within ½ mile of Barney Lake.
Eagle Creek Trail — Moderately strenuous hike to meadow at the base of Eagle Peak (12 miles round trip). Additional 4 mile round trip strenuous hike to the top of Eagle Peak for a great view of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Lundy Lake to Twenty Lake Basin — Strenuous hike from the back of the canyon up the switchbacks to the first lake. Beautiful waterfalls pass the beaver ponds. Approx. time 3 hours.
Saddlebag Lake to Lakes Basin via Ferry Boat — There is a charge for the ferry during their open season (which is short), and trailhead takes you past all the lakes in a circle, spectacular views. Use restroom prior, and take water and/or lunch.
Molybdenite Creek Trail — Moderately strenuous hike along Molybdenite Creek to McMillan Lake (8.8 miles round trip).

Suggested reading available at the Mono Lake Bookstore, Lee Vining or Bridgeport Ranger Station. Best Short Hikes in the Sierra Nevada Sierra North.