Mono Basin National Scenic Area, National Scenic Area in Eastern California, United States.
The Mono Basin encompasses 120 square miles of protected land featuring Mono Lake, volcanic craters, and diverse geological formations in the Eastern Sierra region.
The United States Congress designated this location as the first National Forest Scenic Area in 1984 to protect Mono Lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
Indigenous Paiute communities maintained settlements near Mono Lake for generations, utilizing the lake's resources for food gathering and establishing trading networks.
The Visitor Center, situated north of Lee Vining on US Route 395, provides exhibits, art galleries, educational programs, and information about hiking trails.
Calcium-rich underwater springs interact with the lake's chemistry to form limestone towers called tufa, creating natural vertical structures throughout the basin.
Location: California
Inception: 1984
GPS coordinates: 37.95030,-119.05900
Latest update: March 5, 2025 07:22
Tioga Pass
18 km
Mount Dana
15.3 km
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
2.8 km
Mono Basin
9.6 km
Mount Conness
23.1 km
Panum Crater
2.6 km
Conness Glacier
22.9 km
Tioga Pass Entrance Station
18 km
Lyell Canyon
23.4 km
Mount Gibbs
15.7 km
Soda Springs Cabin
28.1 km
Bloody Canyon
11.7 km
Great Sierra Mine Historic Site
18.6 km
Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Stations and Comfort Stations
27.4 km
Kuna Peak
20.2 km
Koip Peak
19.7 km
Hall Natural Area
20.8 km
Dunderberg Peak
22.8 km
Agnew Lake
22.7 km
Blacktop Peak
21.2 km
Lee Vining Canyon
10.9 km
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
27.7 km
Tuolumne Meadows Ranger Station
26.3 km
Mono Lake Volcanic Field
6.1 km
Tuolumne Meadows Bridge
27.3 km
Tioga Lake Overlook
17.5 km
Tioga Pass Road Valley View
15 km
Lee Vining Canyon Bridge
15 kmReviews
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