Granted, this was over 133 miles, but still, in one day, we went from nearly the highest point in the U.S. to the lowest. But first, a picture of Lake Tahoe.
From Lake Tahoe to Mono Lake: Mono Lake is noted for its tufas, limestone growths that were created by calcium-rich freshwater coming into the carbonate-rich lake water. (Mono Lake water has a distinct baking soda flavor.)
The tufas rise so far above the water because, starting in 1941, Los Angeles began diverting water from Mono Lake, 334 miles away. Combined with the effects of the drought, the lake—originally 6,417 feet deep—currently is 6,384 feet deep, just below the state-mandated target of 6,391 feet. (Diagram courtesy of the Mono Lake Committee.)
From Mono Lake (elev. 6,768 feet), we set out for Mount Whitney (elev. 14,494 feet). The terrain on the way up is rocky.
The road leads into the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a range of rock formations that have served as settings for many films over the years, such as Gunga Din, Iron Man, How the West Was Won, and Django Unchained. Many Western television show episodes also were shot there.
Beyond Alabama Hills, of course, is Mount Whitney. We stopped at about 8,117 feet.
Next: Part 2.