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WEATHER
Exploring Mono Basin's Volcanic Wonders
Experience Firsthand the Forces That Shape Our Planet
By
jstratman
·
Sep 30th, 2017
Hiking
Photography
Researching
Walking
Driving
Black Point Fissures
Devils Postpile
Panum Crater
Inyo Craters
Hot Creek Geologic Site Trail
Few places in the United States contain as much geological diversity as California’s Mono County. While its many mountains and valleys prominently showcase the processes shaping our earth’s crust, the
Mono Basin
captivates one’s imagination with dramatic evidence of its volcanic nature.
This region boasts the youngest volcanic chain in North America, with eruptions as recent as 300 years ago. The volcanism is still active today, as countless geothermal sites across the basin demonstrate.
Below are just a few prominent features you can get up close and personal with, but we encourage you to share your experiences and favorite spots as well. Anyone can
contribute directly to Natural Atlas
,
record trips
, or share online
@NaturalAtlas
on Twitter or
@naturalatlas
on Facebook.
Black Point Fissures
On the north shore of Mono Lake, the
Black Point Fissures
offer a rare terrestrial view into the results of an underwater eruption. It may be the only fully exposed underwater volcano on earth. The fissures themselves form a network and vary greatly in size, from inches to multiple feet wide and 50 or more feet deep.
The fissures are reachable from the
Black Point Fissures Trailhead
via an easy 0.9 mile hike along
Black Fissures Trail
. The elevation of Black Point itself also provides sweeping views back toward
Mono Lake
,
Negit Island
, and
Paoha Island
.
Black Point Fissures
Slot Canyon
in
Mono Basin National Scenic Area
,
Inyo NF
,
Sierra Nevada
near
Mono City
,
CA
Panum Crater
As young as 600 years,
Panum Crater
is a near perfectly preserved rhyolitic lava dome that didn’t fully refill during the last eruption, leaving an exposed rim. It’s the most accessible feature within the
Mono Craters
chain.
The entire rim can be hiked via the looping 1.5 mile
Rim Trail
, exposed and consisting of loose pumice. The shorter
Plug Trail
takes you to the top of the plug dome itself, also across loose footing. Both offer incredible views of the Eastern Sierra, Mono Lake, and Mono Craters.
Panum Crater
Lava Dome
in
Inyo NF
,
Mono Basin National Scenic Area
,
Sierra Nevada
near
Lee Vining
,
CA
Inyo Craters
The
Inyo Craters
are a southern continuation of the same chain as
Mono Craters
, though formed over a shorter period of time and by eruptions of lower-silica rhyolite than their northern neighbors. The most accessible examples are
South Inyo Crater
and
North Inyo Crater
, both containing small lakes at the bottom of their 600 foot wide and 200 foot deep craters.
The looping
Inyo Craters Trail
is approximately half a mile each way and relatively easy. It takes you by an observation area on the southern crater with clear views of its turquoise waters, then to the more obscured northern dome. In the winter, access is via the
Inyo Craters Ski Trail
.
South Inyo Crater
Crater
in
Inyo NF
,
Sierra Nevada
near
Mammoth Lakes
,
CA
Devils Postpile
Incredibly rare geological conditions occurred 80,000 years ago to slowly cool a lava flow of uniform mineral composition. The result was a formation of hexagonal columns, standing vertically in many areas and exposing a tile-like pattern from their tops.
The exposed lava columns are reachable after an easy half mile hike from
Devils Postpile Trailhead
along the
Devils Postpile Boundary Trail
. If you are able to hike an additional two miles each way,
Rainbow Falls
is a beautiful added bonus. Take the trail from Devils Postpile south past its intersection with the
John Muir Trail
, then continue onto the
Lower Rainbow Falls Trail
.
Devils Postpile
Rock Formation
in
Devils Postpile NM
,
Sierra Nevada
near
Mammoth Lakes
,
CA
Hot Creek Geologic Site
For evidence of the area’s continuing volcanism, head to the
Hot Creek Geologic Site
to witness a variety of geothermal activity. Powered by magma chambers three miles below, the site is home to pools of boiling water, fumaroles, and occasional geyser eruptions. The Mono Basin is home to numerous geothermal sites, but these bubbling turquoise ponds are the most accessible on public land.
The interpretive trail provides a short, paved path down to
Hot Creek
. Entering the water is prohibited and extremely dangerous, as the occasional geyser activity can alter temperatures by 200°F almost instantly.
Hot Creek Geologic Site Trail
Interpretive Trail
in
Inyo NF
,
Sierra Nevada
near
Mammoth Lakes
,
CA
Overlooking Mono Basin
For an experience that doesn’t require hiking, the small
Mono Lake Overlook
pullout from US-395 at the basin’s northern approach offers one of the best views of the region. Just take in the sight of
Mono Lake
,
Mono Craters
, and the entire northern basin, or explore more context through an array of interpretive signs on site.
Mono Lake Overlook
Observation Point
in
Sierra Nevada
near
Mono City
,
CA
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