Conway Summit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conway Summit |
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Early snowfall at Conway Summit
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| Elevation | 8,143 ft (2,482 m) |
| Traversed by |  US 395 |
| Location | Mono County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°05′17″N 119°10′55″W / 38.08806°N 119.18194°W |
| Topo map | USGS Lundy |
Conway Summit is a high mountain pass in California. It's like a special road that goes over a tall part of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This pass is 8,143 feet (2,482 meters) high! It's the highest point on U.S. Highway 395. This important highway connects different towns and beautiful natural areas.
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What is Conway Summit?
Conway Summit is a famous mountain pass located in Mono County, California. A mountain pass is a low point between two mountains. It makes it easier for people to travel across a mountain range. This pass is a key part of U.S. Highway 395. The highway uses the pass to connect the town of Bridgeport in the north to Mono Lake and Lee Vining in the south.
Who was Conway Summit named after?
The pass is named after John Andrew Conway. He was one of the first settlers in this area, arriving around 1880.
Exploring the Area Around Conway Summit
The area around Conway Summit is full of interesting places. To the west, you can see the tall peaks of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. One of these peaks is Matterhorn Peak, which is 12,279 feet (3,743 meters) tall.
Fun Activities Near the Pass
If you love nature, you'll find lots to do here.
- Fishing and Camping: Places like Green Creek and Virginia Lakes are popular for fishing and camping. They are located in the Sierra Nevada, west of the pass.
- Fall Colors: In the autumn, the aspen trees around Conway Summit turn bright yellow and orange. It's a beautiful sight!
- Ghost Town: To the east of the pass are the Bodie Hills. This area is home to the famous Bodie ghost town. It's a preserved old mining town that looks just like it did in the 1800s.
Protecting the Environment
The BLM helps protect the land around Conway Summit. They manage the Conway Summit Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This special area is known for its amazing fall colors. It's one of the best places in California to see the leaves change. The tall 12,000-foot peaks of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park form a stunning background.
