○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
5.6 miRound Trip
1,320 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
3-4 hoursEst. Time
11,120 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Virginia Lakes Trail to Burro Pass

🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🥾
Trail Ready
33°F, Clear Sky. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
🌙
33°
Clear Sky
Feels 26°F
💨 Wind
9 mph SW
Gusts to 9 mph
💧 Humidity
60%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:29 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:22 pm
Off trail by this
5-Day Forecast
🌙
Sat, Sep 5
Clear Sky
34°F
feels 26°
💨 Wind/Gust
9/9 SW
💧 Humidity
59% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
🌙
Sun, Sep 6
Clear Sky
38°F
feels 31°
💨 Wind/Gust
10/10 SW
💧 Humidity
51% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
🌙
Mon, Sep 7
Clear Sky
32°F
feels 24°
💨 Wind/Gust
10/10 SW
💧 Humidity
69% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
🌙
Tue, Sep 8
Clear Sky
35°F
feels 32°
💨 Wind/Gust
4/3 SW
💧 Humidity
50% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾 Acceptable — Check Elevation
☁️
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast Clouds
45°F
feels 41°
💨 Wind/Gust
8/9 SW
💧 Humidity
61% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
100% Overcast
✅ Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out. Sep 4, 11:34 pm

Starting at 9,800 feet, this Hoover Wilderness trail threads past five beautiful lakes framed by multi-hued volcanic peaks before climbing to Burro Pass — a wide-open saddle with panoramic views deep into the backcountry.

Trail Overview

This is one of the most scenic and least crowded lake-chain trails in the Northern Mono County area. The volcanic geology gives peaks colors you do not see on typical granite Sierra trails. Burro Pass at 11,090 feet has outstanding views in both directions. Afternoon winds on the pass can be serious — start early. Road is accessible to all vehicles.

This Hike Is For You If…

Intermediate hikers comfortable with altitude. Excellent choice for hikers who want something less crowded than Mammoth-area trails. Good dog trail with water throughout lower section.

Skip This Hike If…

Skip if afternoon winds are in the forecast and you cannot finish the exposed pass section by noon.

What to Expect on Trail

Terrain: Good trail through lake basin then rocky switchbacks to pass. Fully exposed above the last lake.

Shade: Mostly Exposed

Water: Reliable Year-Round. Multiple lakes along route. Filter all water.

Views: Outstanding

Crowds: Significantly less crowded than comparable Mammoth Lakes trails.

Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.

Best Arrival: Before 9am on summer weekends. The lot is large but fills on peak season days.

This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.

👞

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5.6 miRound Trip
1320 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
3-4 hoursEst. Time
11120 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit

Trailhead & Logistics

Address: Virginia Lakes Trailhead, Virginia Lakes Road, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Parking: Large paved lot above Big Virginia Lake. Free. Bathroom on site. Any vehicle can reach the trailhead.
Bathroom: Pit Toilet
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Before 9am on summer weekends. The lot is large but fills on peak season days.

Trail Reality Check

This is one of the most scenic and least crowded lake-chain trails in the Northern Mono County area. The volcanic geology gives peaks colors you do not see on typical granite Sierra trails. Burro Pass at 11,090 feet has outstanding views in both directions. Afternoon winds on the pass can be serious — start early. Road is accessible to all vehicles.

Terrain: Good trail through lake basin then rocky switchbacks to pass. Fully exposed above the last lake.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: Reliable Year-Round — Multiple lakes along route. Filter all water.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet — Significantly less crowded than comparable Mammoth Lakes trails.
Who should do this: Intermediate hikers comfortable with altitude. Excellent choice for hikers who want something less crowded than Mammoth-area trails. Good dog trail with water throughout lower section.
Who should skip this: Skip if afternoon winds are in the forecast and you cannot finish the exposed pass section by noon.