Lake Italy Loop Trip
Bear Creek Spire from the Mono Pass Trail
Friends who run the Rock Creek Resort had suggested a loop trip via the Second Recess of Mono Creek. A quick look at the topo map confirmed that not only could we visit Lake Italy but also we could explore the Bear Lakes Basin as well. Descending past the recesses of Mono Creek, we headed up to a campsite in the Second Recess (see below).
Skies were clear, and the weather was great. Hiking up the Mills Creek drainage the next day, we scrambled up talus to Gabbot Pass (12,240 ft) where we surveyed the vast barren rocky basin of Lake Italy. At the same time, we mentally traced our exit route just north of Bear Creek Spire (below).
Next: Mt. Gabb