A Solo Hike Along the Silver Divide

The North Fork of Mono Creek looking towards Mott Lake.

North Fork Mono Creek Canyon

Silver Divide Trip from Edison Lake Trailhead, August-September 2001

Day 6, Wednesday, 5 September, 2001

Another sunny morning and another set of fine views to take in from the overlook. The skies were clear and the view up the North Fork of Mono Creek to my next destination was outstanding. High above I could see the Great Western Divide peeking its lofty heads above the canyon.

After breakfast, I wasted no time packing up, and soon I was on the trail. The over-developed switchbacks going down to Pocket Meadow were pleasant, and I stopped many times to admire the views up and down the canyon. The meadow outlet waterfall was fairly dried up, as it should be this time of year.

It did not take long to get down to the canyon floor and to cross Mono Creek, a probably challenging crossing early season. There may be other places around Pocket meadow that provides easier crossing early season. It was no problem for me because it was late season.

The North Fork of Mono Creek slides over open granite near the stream crossing.

After getting water and a short rest, I headed for Mott Lake, a long desired goal.

The first part of the trail to Mott Lake is a real grunt: steep, switchbacked, narrow and unpleasant. If I ever got back to Mott Lake, I may want to try the open granite of the other side of the stream. After an extended hard haul, the trail finally becomes more manageable in its climb until it finally levels out a bit and crosses the stream, easy in late season, wet but manageable in early season. The cross-country is fairly open here, so not crossing is also a possiblity.