Leavitt Meadow
Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Camping, Sightseeing
Leavitt Meadow rests at the foot of the eastern slope of Sonora Pass in Mono County, California. The 2-mile-long meadow is 7,100 feet above sea level, but because of lower precipitation on the eastern side of the Sierra, it is often free of snow by May. Adjacent to Leavitt Meadow is its sister, Pickel Meadow, where the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center is located.
The only facilities at Leavitt Meadow are the Leavitt Meadow Pack Station and the Leavitt Meadow Campground. Bordering the Hoover Wilderness, Leavitt Meadow is a popular jumping off place for trips into the back country. Enjoyable fishing abounds in the lakes, rivers, and streams in the area.
Hiking
Roosevelt Lake
The 3½-mile hike to Roosevelt and Lane lakes mentioned above is a great day hike. By swinging past Secret Lake on your return you can make a nice loop trip.
More ambitious hikes take you deep into the Hoover Wilderness. Backcountry lakes such as Fremont Lake, Cinco Lake, and Chain of Lakes are rewarding fishing destinations and take you along scenic backpacking routes. Piute Meadow is another beautiful location. From the meadow you are nearly at the foot of Tower Peak and surrounding summits. Pick up a wilderness permit at the self-serve kiosk in the backpackers parking lot or stop at the Ranger Station just south of Bridgeport.
High Sierra Trails
A Backpacker's Guide to the
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Fishing
Fishing is excellent on the West Fork of the Walker River, especially lower down toward Sonora Junction. The river is home to rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Fishing is usually best beginning in late June when the peak of the snowmelt has passed.
For those willing to do a little hiking, the nearby lakes and streams in the back country provide some great fishing destinations. Close to the road are Poore Lake and Kirman Lake. No fishing is allowed at Junction Reservoir and special regulations govern Kirman Lake.
By taking the trail from Leavitt Meadow Campground you can reach Roosevelt and Lane lakes in a little more than an hour. Both offer great fishing. Check state regulations regarding limits in these lakes.
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For more about fishing around Leavitt Meadow see Dave's Sierra Fishing.
Dave's Sierra Fishing
Explore wonderful Sierra fishing destinations.
Leavitt Meadow Area Campgrounds
Leavitt Meadow Campground
The Leavitt Meadow Campground is located on Highway 108 in Leavitt Meadow 7 miles west of Sonora Junction (Highway 395). The West Fork of the Walker River runs past the campground. At an elevation of 7,100', Leavitt Meadow Campground is usually open from late May through October. It is on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: $20 for a single site and $6 for an extra vehicle
Leavitt Meadow Campground Amenities
- 1 tent-only sites and 15 RV or tent sites
- Piped water
- Vault toilets
- The nearest supplies (food and gas) are in Bridgeport, 24 miles away
Sonora Bridge Campground
The Sonora Bridge Campground is located off Highway 108 in 1.7 miles west of Sonora Junction (Highway 395). The West Fork of the Walker River runs near the campground. At an elevation of 6,800' Leavitt Meadow Campground is usually open from May through October. It is on a first come, first served basis.
Cost: $20 for a single site and $6 for an extra vehicle
Sonora Bridge Campground Amenities
- 23 sites
- Piped water
- Vault toilets
- The nearest supplies (food and gas) are in Bridgeport, 19 miles away
For more information, see Leavitt Meadow Campgrounds.
Scenic Drives
Fall Color on Sonora Pass
It's hard to predict when the aspen trees standing in groves along the eastern side of Sonora Pass will turn to their brilliant fall colors. Often it is sometime in October for all of Mono County. If you happen to be in the area in the fall, don't miss the opportunity to drive up the pass from Leavitt Meadow. The colors are often so dazzling it's hard to believe they are real.
Silver Creek
If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, heading up Silver Creek behind the Marine Training Center makes for an interesting adventure. To access the Silver Creek Road, you have to pass through a gate at the Marine Base. Once on the road you may find the side roads confusing, but if you go at it with a sense of adventure, whichever way you go will turn out interesting. Climbing up to Summit Meadow you get spectacular views of the Sierra crest back to the west. Often the Marines are in the area doing training.
Waterfalls
Leavitt Falls
For the best view of Leavitt Falls (shown right), drive 1.3 miles west from the Leavitt Meadow Pack Station, watching for a sign and turnoff on your left. A short trail leads to a platform overlook. The falls drops about 250 feet in several steps.
Silver Falls
Silver Falls is between Leavitt Meadow and Poore Meadow. From the Leavitt Meadow Campground drive .8 miles east and watch for it on your left. It makes about a 20-foot drop in two tiers. By late summer it usually dries up.
