Mono Hot Springs Hiking: Trails & Adventures Nearby
If you’re searching for Mono Hot Springs hiking, this is one of the best High Sierra areas for it, with trails ranging from easy walks to alpine lakes to longer backcountry routes into the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness. Families, casual walkers, day hikers, and serious backpackers all use Mono Hot Springs as a trail base because you can choose anything from a short lake hike to a full day in remote Sierra terrain. Nearby Edison Lake and Florence Lake also add more access for hiking, fishing, camping, and longer wilderness trips.
That range is a big part of the appeal. You can keep it simple with a shorter outing, climb into higher country for bigger views, or plan a more ambitious route deeper into the Sierra National Forest. This guide focuses on the hiking options near Mono Hot Springs, including easier and moderate trails, longer wilderness access, seasonal conditions, a few practical safety considerations, and the nearby hot springs and lodging that make it easy to turn a hike into a full mountain stay.
What makes hiking here different is how much variety you get without the crowds of bigger mountain destinations. You can spend the day on quiet trails, reach remote lakes and meadows, and come back to hot springs, a cabin, or a slower evening in the mountains.
Mono Hot Springs Hiking: Know Before You Go
Late May – October
Most trails are accessible from late May through October
Trailheads are spread out
Trailheads are spread out, so build in extra drive time
Take it slow at altitude
Elevation is high, so take it slow on your first day
Early-season snow
Snow can linger early in the season at higher elevations
Popular Hikes Near Mono Hot Springs
One of the best things about hiking near Mono Hot Springs is that you don’t have to choose one kind of day. Set in Sierra National Forest, the area gives you the option to keep things easy with a short lake hike or head farther into the surrounding wilderness for a longer route that feels more like an adventure, with bigger views.
Below are a few good places to start, depending on how much time and energy you want to spend on the trail.
Best Hikes for Families or When You Want an Easy Day
Not every hike here needs to be a full day or a big push. If you’re with kids, easing into the elevation, or just want something more relaxed, these are some of the better options.
Doris Lake
Easy. About 1 mile from Mono Hot Springs. A nearby lake called Doris Lake is one of the easiest and most reliable choices for visitors looking for an easy, nearby hike and swim stop. It’s easy to follow, gives you a clear destination, and has space to walk around, swim, and spend time without feeling like you need to keep moving.
Jackass Meadows
Easy. Located below Florence Lake. This area is more open and forgiving, with easier walking, river access, nearby cliffs, and Mono Hot Springs Campground as a good base for exploring. Nearby campsites can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet long. It sits at 7,200 feet, with sites shaded by aspen and lodgepole pine, and it’s a good option if you want something relaxed without much elevation.
Ward Lake
Easy. Located on the way to Florence Lake. Ward Lake is tucked into a steep granite setting and works well if you want a quieter lake stop without committing to a full hike, but just a short hike around the lake.
Moderate Hikes With a Bigger Payoff
If you want something more than an easy walk but don’t want to spend the entire day on the trail, these hikes are a good middle ground. They take a little more effort, but they also get you into higher country, better views, and quieter pockets of the Sierra.
Corbett, Givens, and Cunningham Lakes
Moderate to strenuous. About 3 miles from the trailhead. This fairly steep hike starts about five minutes from Mono Hot Springs and climbs quickly into higher elevation terrain. The lakes are known for Eastern brook trout, which makes this a great option if you want to pair hiking with fishing.
Bear Creek Trail
Moderate to hard. About 3 miles from Bear Lake Diversion Dam. A short Four Wheel Drive gets you to the parking lot near Bear Creek Diversion Dam, where this trail begins and takes you into some of the most scenic country in the area, with water, granite, and golden trout fishing along the way. It takes a little extra effort to reach, and reaching it feels like part of the reward.
Longer Hikes Worth the Time
If you’ve got more time and want to see what this area really opens up into, these hikes are where it starts to feel bigger. You’re covering more ground, but you’re also getting into some of the most memorable scenery near Mono Hot Springs.
Florence Lake and Blayney Meadows
Longer day hike. About 25 minutes from Mono Hot Springs to Florence Lake, a common jumping-off point for longer hikes in this area, then ferry access across the lake. From there, you can follow the San Joaquin River toward Blayney Meadows, Muir Trail Ranch, nearby hot springs, and connections to the John Muir Trail, a 211-mile route through the Sierra Nevada completed in 1938 that links Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, and the Pacific Crest Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, includes a major stretch through the eastern sierra, and was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968. It’s one of the best ways to experience the deeper Sierra from this area and reach more remote country beyond the main park corridors.
Dutch, Hidden, and Crater Lakes
Moderate. Roughly 7 miles round trip. Starting from the Florence Lake area, this hike leads to a series of alpine lakes tucked into forest and granite terrain. It’s a steady hike without being overwhelming, and a good option if you want something longer without committing to a full backcountry route.
Bonus Stops Along the Way
If you’re already heading toward Florence Lake, these spots are worth keeping in mind.
Jackass Meadows: An easier area below Florence Lake with river access and a more open, relaxed feel. However, Jackass Meadow Campground is currently closed, so check current Forest Service or Recreation.gov updates before planning around it.
Ward Lake: A quieter lake on the way to Florence Lake, with camping, fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, enjoy the lake setting, or spend time on the water before continuing toward Florence Lake.
Backcountry Hiking and Ansel Adams Wilderness Access
If you want to go beyond day hikes, Mono Hot Springs also gives you access to more serious backcountry routes in the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas. This is where the hiking becomes more rugged, with steeper terrain, creek crossings, longer distances, and fewer people on the trail.
Bear Creek Trail is one of the better examples. After a short Four Wheel Drive to Bear Lake Diversion Dam, a three-mile hike takes you into some of the most scenic terrain near Mono Hot Springs, with creekside canyons, steep slopes, nearby waterfalls, and golden trout fishing along the way.
Why Mono Hot Springs Hiking Feels Different
Hiking here feels different because the area still has space. You’re not following crowds from one famous viewpoint to the next. Mono Hot Springs feels like a special place to shape your own kind of day, whether that means an easy walk to a lake, enjoying a slower afternoon near the water, or a bigger push into the surrounding wilderness.
That variety is what makes the hiking so appealing. Many people love how much room there is to choose an easy walk or a deeper wilderness route. You can stay close to Mono Hot Springs, or use nearby trails to reach deeper routes tied to the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. If those routes turn into overnight trips, permit planning starts to matter, especially on popular trails, and wilderness permits are required for overnight trips on the John Muir Trail. It doesn’t feel like one set experience. The area gives you room to understand what kind of day or route you want.
Best Time to Hike Near Mono Hot Springs
The best time to hike near Mono Hot Springs is when the resort is open, Kaiser Pass Road is accessible, and the higher trails have cleared. Mono Hot Springs is usually open from late May through October, with the most reliable hiking conditions often landing in summer and early fall.
Early Season
Early season can bring snowmelt, high water, and limited trail access at higher elevations.
Midsummer
Midsummer usually offers the most reliable hiking conditions
Fall
Fall brings cooler air, fewer people, and great conditions before the season winds down
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s always worth checking road, trail, and weather updates before you head out. If you enjoy hiking, you’ll probably like these activities too: Things To Do In Mono Hot Springs
Stay Where the Trail Day Ends Well
After a long day on the trail, you don’t have to drive back out or rush to the next town. You can come back to Mono Hot Springs Resort, soak in the hot mineral baths, grab a meal at the café, and settle into a cabin or tent cabin and enjoy a campfire and be surrounded by the same wilderness you spent the day exploring. Mono Hot Springs has tent cabins and historic cabins available here.
That’s what makes staying here so different. You get the rugged feel of the High Sierra with just enough comfort to make the trip easier. The San Joaquin River is nearby for cooling off, the general store provides the basics, and massage services give you another way to recover after longer hikes. And there are many things to do in Mono Hot Springs beyond hiking.
We’re typically open from late May through late October, and reservations are worth making early, especially for summer stays. Plan your hiking days from here, then come back to rest, soak, and enjoy the quiet instead of rushing back down the road.
For cabin reservations and info, simply call 559-325-1710. We’re happy to assist!
San Joaquin River
Cool off and relax by the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Mono Hot Springs?
The primary hiking season runs from June through October, when trails are generally accessible. July through September typically offers the most reliable conditions, with snow mostly cleared and summer weather patterns established. Early summer may still have snow patches at higher elevations, and longer or more exposed routes are often best started in the morning.
Which hikes are suitable for beginners and families?
The one-mile hike to Doris Lake is ideal for families with young children, offering easy terrain and a warm swimming lake. The additional extension to Tule Lake adds three-quarters of a mile of easy hiking, and many routes still offer stunning views without turning into an all-day effort.
Can I access the natural hot springs after hiking without staying at the resort?
Yes. The natural hot springs across the river from Mono Hot Springs Resort are open to day visitors during daylight hours. (Mono Hot Springs has over a dozen natural mineral hot springs and hot mineral baths, by the way.) These pools are separate from the resort bathhouse and spa, which are available to resort guests and day-use visitors for a fee.
What gear should I bring for hiking in this area?
Bring sturdy footwear, sun protection, and enough water to stay hydrated, along with layers for changing mountain weather. For longer hikes, carry a map and GPS since cell service is unreliable, and consider bringing a satellite messenger or emergency beacon if you’re heading deeper into the wilderness. Bigger Sierra objectives are far more serious, especially when the highest peak in the range, Mount Whitney, reaches 14,505 feet. It is also the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, and the Mount Whitney Trail to the summit is about 20 miles round trip with roughly 6,600 feet of elevation gain. A special permit is required to hike Mount Whitney. Bear canisters are required in some wilderness areas, and proper food and scented-item storage is important throughout bear country.
Are there any dangerous wildlife concerns on these trails?
Black bears are present throughout the region, making proper food storage essential. Snakes, including garter snakes, live near lakes and waterways. Mountain lions occasionally inhabit less-trafficked backcountry, but encounters are rare.
What other High Sierra hikes can I add to the trip?
If you’re spending more time in the Sierra, there are several well-known hikes farther from Mono Hot Springs that are worth adding to a longer trip. These aren’t right outside the resort, so plan for additional driving and check seasonal road and trail access before heading out.
- Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls: About 5 miles round trip in the Mammoth Lakes and Reds Meadow area.
- Cathedral Lakes Trail: About 8 miles round trip with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows.
- Duck Pass and Pika Lake: About 10 miles round trip from the Mammoth Lakes area.
- Minaret Lake: About 13 miles round trip with approximately 2,400 feet of elevation gain.
- Ediza and Iceberg Lakes: Roughly 14 to 16 miles round trip, depending on the route.
- Big Pine Creek North Fork: Roughly 12 to 15 miles round trip, depending on how far you continue up the trail.
If Yosemite is part of your larger Sierra trip, you’ll find some of California’s most recognizable mountain scenery there. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite is known for massive granite formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails throughout Yosemite Valley and the surrounding high country.
A few of its best-known landmarks include:
- Half Dome: One of Yosemite’s most recognizable granite formations and a famous hiking and climbing destination.
- El Capitan: A nearly 3,000-foot granite wall and one of the world’s best-known rock-climbing destinations.
- Yosemite Falls: At 2,425 feet from top to bottom, it’s the tallest waterfall in North America.
- Vernal Fall: A 317-foot waterfall along the Mist Trail, where the spray can create rainbows when conditions are right.
Yosemite is a separate destination from the trails immediately around Mono Hot Springs, so plan additional travel time if you want to include it in a longer High Sierra itinerary.
End Your Sierra Hiking Day at Mono Hot Springs
After a day on the trail, return to natural mineral hot springs and rustic cabins tucked into the High Sierra wilderness in Sierra National Forest, and plan the rest of your visit.
Read our guide on California Hot Springs Near Yosemite here!
2026 Season starts May 22 to October 26
Important Notice
Mono Hot Springs Resort and the areas Kaiser Pass Road will open Memorial Day weekend, May 22, and will end October 26th.
For cabin reservations and information please call us at 559 325 1710. We take reservations year-round.
Mono Hot Springs has Tent Cabins, Historic Cabins, FS Campground Reservations in the Sierra Mountains south of Yosemite California!