Geology
Mono County, CA
Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
Pleistocene basalt volcanic cone on the north shore of Mono Lake riven by deep cooling fissures and caves—an off-trail geology hike in the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area. Distinct from the south-shore tufa towers: cinder slopes, fracture caves, and panoramic lake views without the South Tufa boardwalk crowds.
| Region | Mono County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates (approx.) | 38.0279, -119.0970 |
| Access | Cemetery Rd / dirt spurs N of US-395 Lee Vining; free; high-clearance helpful but often 2WD OK when dry |
| Elevation | Summit ~6,940 ft |
| Geology | Basalt lava cone with deep cooling fissures and caves |
| Hike | ~2–2.5 mi RT off-trail/use-path from lakeshore parking (~400–500 ft gain) |
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.