Hello fellow wanderers!
Mono Lake, if you have never been, is like another world. It is a saline soda lake that formed over 760k years ago in Lee Vining, CA. There are not enough outlets for this lake which is why the salt accumulates and creates these otherworldly formations.
We decided to hike out to Black Point and explore the fissures on the North side of the lake. You will want to turn off of Highway 395 onto Highway 167 which is North of Mono Lake and then turn right onto Cemetery Road. You will follow a dirt road to the parking lot at the Black Point Fissure trailhead. We followed All Trails map and it led us right to it. We do recommend a 4WD or high clearance vehicle.
Now, when you get to the trailhead, you will only see an arrow pointing up the hill. There is literally no marked trail and you just make your way up the hill, after hill, after hill. It seems never ending until you are able to spot Black Point. Make your way around Black Point heading West and the fissures are located just little ways past the point. There is a main fissure which is the most popular one but make sure to wander around and check out the other fissures. We were able to find and hike through three fissures total. Be careful and make sure you pay attention and not fall into a fissure.
We had seen all kinds of deer, rabbit and bird tracks in the snow on the way, however, in the main fissure, we noticed tracks resembling wolf or coyote. About half way through this fissure we both heard a very large growl which then Chris started to make super loud noises to scare whatever it was away. I carry bear spray with me on all hikes because you just never know what you might run into.
The fissures are basically mini slot canyons that you can hike and climb your way through. We did not do much climbing as it was slippery with the snow on the ground. We did this hike right around Christmas 2020. The fissures are made up of volcanic rock and each fissure has its unique and different characteristics so make sure you explore each one.
We took the hill straight up from the trailhead to the fissures and then on the way back we stayed on the lake side of Black Point and gradually made our way down to the lake. It is about a 500' elevation gain over less than an mile through sand and loose rock basically. The thorny bushes are everywhere so make sure you wear pants. It was pretty cold when we were there but I imagine this place to be roasting in the summer months so take plenty of water.
Head to the lake before leaving and check out the unique salt formations along the shoreline. It is another world at this Mono Lake's shoreline. Such a beautiful place and if you can, stay for sunset! Our sunset shots in the video on YouTube are amazing!
We hope you enjoy wandering off with us. Until next time.... leave no trace.
Chris and Brandi
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