Bill gazes up the road into the Mono Craters.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Stella and Frank start up Forest Road 1N12.
Frank and Stella step over the gate of the abandoned road.
Frank heads up the old road.
After we meet up with a more established road, we stop for a late lunch break.
At one point we can peek over the east side of the Craters toward the eastern shore of Mono Lake.
Frank and Stella slog up the road through the deep kitty litter.
The eastern shore of Mono Lake is in the background.
Frank and Stella climb further into the Mono Craters.
Moonscape view inside Mono Craters (2)
A faint use trail to the near summit can just be discerned.
Bill, Frank, and Stella at the turnaround spot.
Mono Lake from Mono Craters (1)
Stella walks down the trail.
It's easy to miss the old road at this point.
If one looks carefully, the old alignment can be seen. And, one knows from the climb that the new and old roads join at the pass. Otherwise it's easy to miss leaving the new road (at left) for the old (covered with shrubs).
Stella emerges from around the corner.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
The old road is covered with vegetation.
The new road takes the opposite slope at the left. Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank and Stella (at center in the distance) make their way down from Mono Craters.
The Sierra Crest rises on the other side of the valley.
Bill and Stella make their way down the old road.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank pauses to admire the view of Mono Lake.
The van can be seen parked in the distance (at center).
Frank waits for Stella to reach the bottom of the hill.
Bill gazes toward the Sierras while he eats a snack.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
Frank and Stella emerge from the Mono Craters.
Bill unlocks the doors.
Photo courtesy of Frank Paysen.
