There's a nice view of Mono Lake just from the parking lot of this hike.
The lot was nearly full of about a dozen cars when we arrived, albeit late.
We ended up not starting the hike until about 12:30pm, but we weren't the
last one. Another car pulled up just after us. A man who we later learned
was named Jim, from southern California, popped out and noted that he
wasn't the only one getting a late start. Interestingly, he said that although
he had hiked in the Eastern Sierra for about 30 years, he usually did the same
hike over and over and this was his first time to Parker Lake. I'm the
complete opposite -- I try to never do the same hike twice, with a few
rare exceptions (like Mt. Tallac).
Mono Lake from the trailhead
We started out on the trail under sunny skies. We started climbing
immediately -- in fact, even the parking lot is sloped upwards! We
climbed past low brush with Mono Lake behind us. As we got higher,
we started to see few scattered conifers. We climbed for about 400 feet
before the trail levels off a bit.
Mountains behind Parker Lake
We could hear the sound of rushing water in Parker Creek below us to the
right for most of the trail. It is out of sight at the start, but the
trail gets closer to the creek later on. In fact, there are several
short spur trails to the creek. So if it's hot and you can't wait until you
reach the lake, you can dip your toes in the creek.
Parker Creek
As the trail leveled off, we hiked through a mix of Jeffrey pine and
aspen trees. There were several large stands of aspen trees -- this must
be a beautiful hike in the fall, when the leaves turn color. In the summer,
it's a bit warm and there's not much in the way of shade. There was an
occasional welcome breeze.
Parker Lake
After about two miles, we reached the lake. Parker Lake (elevation 8350)
has a large wall on the south shore, and snow-covered mountains rising
above the western shore. The lake shore is mostly lined by a conifer
forest. It's a pretty lake, but large enough that it's not really intimate.
Not something you can walk around in 5 minutes.
Parker Lake
We carefully crossed the creek and settled in a spot in the
forest near the water to have lunch.
Near us were several tents. This would make a nice easy overnight
trip. Many of the people at the lake today brought their fishing rods,
as well. We just enjoyed the views, the forest, and the lake. After we
ate, I took a few photographs. As I did so, the sun played hide and seek
with clouds.
Forest next to Parker Lake
Heading back to the trailhead
After a long break (almost an hour and a half), we headed back onto the trail
to return the way we came. Not much appeared different, other than the fact
that on the return trip we enjoyed the great views of Mono Lake that were
at our back before. As we neared the end of the hike, the clouds began to
take over, and the breezes picked up. Just as we reached our car, it started
to sprinkle. Always a good idea to beat the threat of afternoon thunderstorms.
Mono Craters
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