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
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