Yosemite - Mammoth Peak

Mammoth Peak sits just south of Highway 120 in Yosemite's high country. At 12,117 feet, it is the northern end of the Kuna Crest, an undulating ridgeline connecting Mammoth Peak with Kuna and Koip Peaks to the south. There is no trail to the top-- it's cross-country travel from the meadow at the foot of the mountain, through a band of conifer forest, and up to broken granite ridges and cliffs. The views from the basin on the west face looking down to Parker and Mono Passes is spectacular, as are the vistas from the summit. Out to the east is Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows, to the south is Mount Lyell and Ritter and Banner Peaks. An early season weather system made for some really neat clouds and lighting as well, and we actually got rain on our way down.

Looking out to Mono and Parker Passes.

Mount Lyell and the Lyell Glacier, seen from the summit.

Rain over the Kuna Crest.

Sun broke through the clouds to shine on Gaylor Peak for just a few moments before the rain hit.

Mount Dana, seen from the west face of Mammoth Peak, was Sunday's objective (more to come about that soon).

After a great climb, we headed down to Lee Vining to eat at the famous Whoa Nellie Deli in the Mobil Mart. It sounds questionable, but the carnitas tacos were delicious!