Mountaineering: Ruby Peak via East Ridge

Mosquito Flat, located at an elevation of 10,250 feet, marks the trailhead to Ruby Peak (Rock Creek Road, leading up to Mosquito Flat, is the highest paved road in California). The climb to the summit gets progressively more challenging, from trail hiking to off-trail hiking to scrambling to easy rock climbing.

The approach to the East Ridge follows Little Lakes Valley Trail for 0.6 miles, then it continuous on Mono Pass Trail for 1.3 miles, then it follows Ruby Lake Trail for 0.3 miles (2.2 total). At Ruby Lake the approach leaves the trail and leads along its eastern shore, before climbing to a saddle which marks the start of the East Ridge.

Most of the ascent requires scrambling and the final section requires easy rock climbing. The East Ridge gains about 2,200 feet of elevation in a little over a mile. Ruby Peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding summits and valleys with their lakes and creeks.