Mono Basin National Scenic Area facts for kids
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The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area is a very special place in Eastern California. It's a protected area that surrounds the unique Mono Lake and the northern part of the Mono Craters volcanic field. Think of it as a huge outdoor classroom and playground! The U.S. Forest Service, through the Inyo National Forest, helps take care of this amazing area.
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A Special Place is Born
This beautiful area first caught the eye of many people, including the famous writer Mark Twain. He wrote about it in his book Roughing It.
The Mono Basin became the very first National Forest Scenic Area in the entire United States. This happened in 1984, making it a truly pioneering protected place.
Exploring the Visitor Center
If you want to learn all about this area, head to the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center. It's located just a short drive north of Lee Vining, California. You can find it right off U.S. Route 395, near the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park at Tioga Pass.
The Visitor Center is packed with fun things to do and see. You can watch a 20-minute film that tells the story of the Mono Basin. There's also an interactive exhibit hall where you can learn by doing. Plus, you can explore two art galleries and a book store to find out even more about this incredible place.
Amazing Natural Features
The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area is home to some truly incredible natural wonders. These features show how powerful and amazing our planet can be.
Volcanoes and Craters
- Long Valley Caldera: This is a huge, bowl-shaped area formed when a volcano collapsed. It's one of the largest calderas in North America!
- Mono–Inyo Craters: This is a chain of volcanoes and craters. They look like a string of bumps on the landscape, showing where ancient eruptions happened.
- Panum Crater: This is one of the youngest volcanoes in the Mono–Inyo Craters chain. It's a great place to see how volcanic activity shapes the land.
Mono Lake Tufa Towers
- Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve: This reserve protects the famous tufa towers of Mono Lake. Tufa towers are strange, spiky rock formations that grow underwater. They are made of limestone and look like something from another planet!
