High Sierra Topix

We were looking to get to high elevation fast. Sunday (6/1) we made our way up to Ruby Lake below Mono Pass.
We have been on the road now for the last week and it has been difficult to find connectivity to allow me to post a report. I apologize for the late report.

Little Lakes Valley was clear of snow.
The trail to Ruby had a few patches snow.
Ruby Lake was still frozen.
We wanted to get up high to practice our snow climbing technique.
Here is a shot looking up the Mills Lake drainage.
Don't let all of the snow fool you. We received several reports from hikers the trail over Mono pass was clear of snow.

I climbed to the top of the snow in this chute pictured below.
The surface ice on Ruby would melt from the shore to about 10 feet out by the afternoon. I watch several stunted brookies emerge from under the ice to explore anything floating on the surface. I didn't have the heart to tie on a fly and catch these little ones.
Here is a good picture showing the Little Lakes in the background.
This is a good shot looking up the valley.
Thank you for reading our report.

-Russ

Thanks Russ,

Always enjoy your TRs. You got a little out of your usual territory this time!

Hi VR,

Thanks for the report on Ruby, and the great pictures. Hope I got the date right, you
did mean 6/1 (Sunday), right? Where were the folks coming from who crossed over
Mono Pass, any mention of the Falls at Forth Recess Lake? Conditions along Mono
Creek by any chance?

maverick wrote:...you
did mean 6/1 (Sunday), right?

Maverick, yes, you pay attention! I edited the date.

maverick wrote:Where were the folks coming from who crossed over
Mono Pass, any mention of the Falls at Forth Recess Lake? Conditions along Mono
Creek by any chance?

Sorry, we only got beta from day hikers who only went as far as the pass. We did get a report the entire west slope of Mt. Starr is clear of snow.

-Russ