Trail Overview

This 5-mile out-and-back trail cuts through open meadows lined with sage and brush, offering stunning views of the Eastern Sierra mountains as well as Mono Lake and Crater Mountain. Note, although this trail has the Park Lake namesake, it actually goes to Parker Creek. The actual trail to the Park Lake Trailhead is a spur trail 2 miles from the beginning of this trail via Forest Service Road 1S25A. There is a sign showing the direction to Parker Lake or Parker Creek at this point.

Photos of Parker Lake Road - NF1S25

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Difficulty

The trail features a dirt and gravel road surface with lots of washboards throughout. It is in the process of being graded at the time of this submission.

History

Parker Lake Road, near Mono Lake, has a history intertwined with mining, ranching, and the later establishment of the Mono Lake Committee's efforts to protect the lake. The road itself likely facilitated access to Parker Lake and surrounding areas, which were historically used for mining and ranching activities. The Mono Lake Committee played a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of Mono Lake's ecosystem, particularly after water diversions by the City of Los Angeles lowered the lake level and impacted its unique ecosystem.

Technical Rating