PRESCOTT MINING DISTRICT

At the top of Mono Pass at an elevation of 10,600 feet, is the picturesque Prescott Mining District. Encompassing three 1880s mines shored with sturdy logs, they were built when Mining activity at the nearby Tioga District was at its height. The Ella Bloss, Ella Bloss No. 2, and the Golden Queen, situated well above timberline, are in a remarkable state of preservation. The pass they straddle is also of key historic interest, being the principle prehistoric and historic pass between what is now Yosemite National Park and the Mono Basin, far below to the east. The Mono Pass route fell into disuse after development of the Tioga Road over Tioga Pass along Highway 120.

You can hike to the Prescott mines from Yosemite at Dana Meadow where there is a trailhead to Mono Pass. You may also enjoy a more challenging Sierra crossing by ascending the steep, 5 mile Mono Pass trail, up Bloody Canyon, beginning at the Walker Lake Trailhead. To reach the Walker Lake Trailhead from the junction of highways 120 and 395, drive about 5 miles south on Highway 395 to Highway 158, also called the June Lake Loop. Drive about 2 miles on the loop and turn west onto the Walker Lake access road.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577,
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200
209-372-0308

Yosemite Area Traveler Information
209-726-5090