Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

39th annual Tioga Pass Run coming up

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

This post was written by Meghan Cihasky, 2019 Mono Lake Intern.

As the heat of the summer simmers down and the phalaropes head south, runners will be lining up on Sunday, September 8 outside the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstorefor the 39th annual Tioga Pass Run.

With the Dana Plateau towering above, athletes head uphill during the Tioga Pass Run. Photo by Bartshe Miller.

This 12.4–mile run goes up the shoulder of scenic Highway 120 West and finishes at the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Ascending over 3,000 feet, it’s a challenge that’s worth the effort—athletes are rewarded with lunch at the Whoa Nellie Deli and the bragging rights of completing this hefty task.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Mono Lake Committee. Your hard work getting up the mountain will ensure that we can continue our hard work to protect and restore Mono Lake. We couldn’t put on this event without the help of all the dedicated volunteers who staff aid stations and shuttle racers, along with Alana Gillmore who organizes the event, and the sponsors who donate prizes and gear. Thank you!

See you next Sunday. Remember, it’s 12.4 miles, but only one hill!