Trip Overview
Mono Hot Springs Resort sits at about 7,000 ft elevation in the Western Sierra, mid-way between Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. Located adjacent to the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, the area is known for its access to spectacular hiking, fishing and horseback riding opportunities. It’s also an ideal place to kick back, rest and enjoy the spectacular scenery while having access to resort amenities such as hot mineral baths, spa, massage, general store, and restaurant.
Tent Camping: Mono Hot Springs Campground sits on the South Fork of the San Joaquin River next to the Resort. Each campsite has a picnic table, firepit/grill, and bear-proof food storage locker. Vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is not available at the camp but can be acquired along with other supplies at the general store at the Resort.
Access to the Resort Bathhouse and thermal spas are available on a daily pass basis. Discounts are also provided for campers using a multi-day pass (minimum three days). Note that Mono Hot Springs is open to everyone, there will be families with kids there, and clothing is required in the thermal pools.
Cost : Approximately $125 for four nights. Cost covers tent site plus daily Teatime/Happy Hour snacks and beverages.
Trip Leaders: Mike Seay and John Ryan
Trip Size : 20 participants
Activities
Sunday – Check in any time after 3 PM Set up camp, relax, take a nap after the long drive. Explore the natural hot springs or take a soak in the Resort’s thermal spa.
Monday - Leisure Hike to Tule Lake We’ll assemble around 10am for our day hike to Doris and Tule Lakes. No driving necessary, the trail leads directly from the Resort grounds. Pack a lunch, water, swimsuit, towel, insect repellant, etc. This is a short hike allowing for more time back at camp in the afternoon. Take a soak in the Resort’s thermal spa (or book a massage!).
Tuesday – Florence Lake Ferry Ride and Hike to Blayney Meadows Be packed and ready to hit the road by 9:00AM. We’ll carpool for the 25-minute drive to Florence Lake, located in a granite basin with 11,000 ft Mt Shinn in the background. We’ll ferry across the lake (10am departure, price TBD - approximately $25) to the Lost Valley Trailhead and start our day hike on mostly flat terrain up to Blayney Meadows, hot springs and the PCT. Bring knapsack, snacks and lunch, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain poncho, etc.
Wednesday – Options at Edison Lake - Be packed and ready to hit the road by 8:30AM (or earlier, depending on your option). We’ll carpool for the 20-minute drive to Edison Lake where the group will divide up according to what they want to do. Bring knapsack, snacks and lunch, swimsuit and towel, water, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain poncho, etc
Options at Edison Lake:
- Horseback Ride to Devil’s Bathtub – The highlight of this trip! Our guide from the High Sierra Pack Station will take us on horseback up the 1,400 ft climb to the beautiful Devil’s Bathtub, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by granite peaks (“Brokeback Mountain” here we come!) We’ll relax by the lake and explore the shoreline and views. This is generally a ½ day ride but we might expand it depending on group input. Price : TBD
- Edison Lake Ferry Ride and Hike up Mono Creek - There is a 9am ferry service at Vermilion Valley Resort shuttling people across Edison Lake to the Mono Creek Trailhead (price TBD - approximately $25) Mono Creek is a scenic creek and several alpine lakes are within a (long) day’s hiking range.
- Lounging and Fishing at Edison Lake – Why not stay put and dream the day away? There are numerous small streams and lakes all around the Edison Lake area with great trout fishing.
- Day Hike to Devil’s Bathtub – This is a strenuous hike: 9.7 miles, 1,400 ft elevation gain, following the same trail we will take on horseback.
Thursday – Check out is at 10:30. Consider a dip at Shaver Lake on the way home.
Getting There
The resort is approximately an 8 – 9-hour drive from Palm Springs, depending on which route you take (I recommend taking the “High Desert backway” that avoids the LA traffic mess (Hesperia, Palmdale, Tehachapi). Located on the San Joaquin river a couple of miles south-west of Lake Thomas Edison, the last 12 miles on Hwy 168 are on a narrow and curvy mountain road that, although paved, becomes more or less a one lane road.
This is not a trip for anyone driving an RV. Arriving in daylight is strongly recommended.
Directions:
From Hwy 99, drive east on Hwy 168 to Huntington Lake: Exit SR 99 Kingsburg (which is about 30 miles south of Fresno). Take the Kingsburg/Sanger exit (Hwy 168 to Pine Flat Lake and Huntington Lake) and go north on 18th Ave (it becomes Mendocino Ave). At Adams Ave, turn left, go half a mile, turn right on Academy Avenue. Go north, turn right on Tollhouse Rd. Follow signs Hwy 168 to Huntington Lake.
Once you’ve arrived at Huntington Lake, the real adventure begins! First, fill up your car! Upon entering the Huntington Lake area (about 20 miles past Shaver Lake) watch for the Mono Hot Springs exit (the Kaiser Pass Road, also known as route 80). Take this for 16 miles to Mono Hot Springs. If you end up at Lakeshore Resort, you missed the Mono Hot Springs exit by about 1 mile. The first 5 miles of the Kaiser Pass road is a nice smooth two-lane highway; then the last 12 miles turns into a rather narrow and curvy more or less one lane road but paved. From Huntington Lake, depending on traffic, figure on a one-hour drive to Mono Hot Springs.
Registration Notes:
Registration includes admission to hot pools. Bring drinking water (local water is not potable). You must be a member of GOPS or another GO Chapter before you can register for this event. Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email)in order to be added as a member of our Chapter.
Amenities:
Motel accommodations:
What to Bring: WATER, the local water is not for drinking, Ten Essentials, camp chair, electric heater/blanket for your tent,cash, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item
Directions:
Located approx 420 miles from PS near Edison Lake, Fresno Co.
Climate:
Adventures:
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by 12/26/2017.
Contact:
Photos
Pets: Are welcomed on a leash.
Health Problems/allergies:It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.
Note: Registration for this event will initially be limited to paid members of Great Outdoors. Paid members get "first crack" at our events. If you'd like to become a member to register for this campout - click here - and then return to this page.
Prices: (Example 1) We have different pricing levels based upon you staying in a tent or RV in one of our sites, staying in a site you booked yourself (or in a nearby hotel/motel/friend's house). Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Select your registration that conforms to the following definitions:
- RV is a vehicle designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or season use. RVs may be motorized (motorhomes) or towable (travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers).
- Tent: a collapsible shelter of fabric stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping.
Prices are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member. You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email) in order to be added as a member of our Chapter for free. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
Prices: Prices are based upon you being a GO paid member. If not currently a GO member, you will have the option of joining at an additional $25 per person for a one (1) year club membership prior to registration. Each person going must complete a separate registration. You can click here to join.
Amenities:
Amenities For RVs:
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, shorts for kayaking, potluck item for Saturday night, two bundles of firewood - no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned. Firewood for sale at the campground.
We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here.
GO GREEN! Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in the nearby restroom for washing dishes.
Directions:
Climate & Elevation - The current forecast avg. is 67 high 42 low. Check the weather forecast - click here. The park is located at 1300’. <<< fix link
Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by March 14, 2017.
Payments: We are no longer using PayPal to accept trip registrations. You may now use any of these credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Contact: Scott C. email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips to XYZ location - click here. <<< fix link
Cell Service - not in the park but may available nearby. Details for specific carriers?
Pets: Pets are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. Please bring doggie bags and clean up any of their waste. Please be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location.
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.
