I got a nice and early start today just before 6 because I was eager to get to MTR before they closed at 5 PM. I was able to get some momentum continuing downhill from Silver Pass, but then had to slog up Selden Pass before dropping back to MTR. The scenery continued to improve today, and I managed to get going downhill during the hottest part of the day.

Sunrise over the Mono Divide during the first steps of another 30+ mile day.

From here, the trail drops back below 8,000’ before climbing to Selden Pass (10,900’). At the lowest point, it crosses Mono Creek before a stiff 1,000’ climb to Bear Ridge. This climb is steep and sustained, and I found it to be one of the tougher climbs of the whole trail I hiked, right up there with the Golden Staircase.

As the trail nears the top of Selden Pass, it goes by Marie Lake, a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by the high peaks of the Mono Divide.

After Muir Trail Ranch, the trail gradually ascends the South Fork of the San Joaquin River towards Evolution Valley and the high peaks and passes that lie beyond. In this section, the trail re-enters National Park Land, at the crossing of Piute Creek, I crossed into King’s Canyon National Park. This section of the trail was surprisingly pretty, with some sections carved into the walls of a steep river valley.