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Explore the Black Point Fissures

Lee Vining, California

4.3/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Gregg Boydston

Explore 20ft - 50ft canyons on this short, but challenging hike through sand. Along the way, enjoy great views of Mono Lake and the Eastern Sierra.

This area is such a great way to spend time exploring. It's a lot different than what it's surrounded by, making it a great change of pace in the Eastern Sierra.

Just East of Lee Vining, California is Black Point, which sits on the North side of the massive Mono Lake...Which used to be an underwater Volcano. A quick couple miles down a dirt road leads you to a dead end parking lot where you can begin your 45 minute walk up the sandy Black Point. Unfortunately there is no actual 'trail' but that is part of the fun. I chose to walk around the South facing ridge until I felt the peak was to my right and bushwhacked up over the next ridge. Once up here, you can see all of Mono Lake as well as the correct direction you need to head in for the Fissures. With many what appear to be sandstone cliffs, you keep walking up! Be careful though because these 20-50' drops come up on your quickly.

Once at the fissures, there are many separate entrance and canyons. The western most fissure is the deepest I witnessed and was very easy to enter. Although it was very narrow at times, you can walk right in it. As noted, I completed this mid winter, so there may be snow in the bottoms of these making the walking a bit more challenging.

When you are done exploring thesemaygnificent canyons, feel free to climb to the top of Black Point which is just under 7,000'. This will give you a 360º view of your surroundings!

Done for the day? Be sure to head into Lee Vining for a tasty treat at Mono Cone or the Mobile Mart.

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Explore the Black Point Fissures Reviews

I didn't get down into the canyons but explored them from the top. The drive off the highway takes a bit since you have to go out and circle around the end of black point. The hike up from the parking area is soft and a bit steep but once you get on top it's fun to climb around and peer down into the slot canyons. Definitely plan to re-visit and hike through them sometime.

The Black Point Fissures are unlike anything we have explored. While it took a little while for us to find them, when we did they were so fun to explore. It's so interesting to see the formations under the rock.

I've been in Mammoth for most of my life and just found this spot. It's rad! Slot canyons don't happen here much, and this one is amazing and in a spot you'd never expect. Mono Lake was already a cool mission, but the Fissures make it a must-visit.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Mono Lake

Mono Lake Park Nature Trail

Mono Lake Boardwalk

Mono Lake Vista Point

Explore the Mono Lake Tufas under the Milky Way

Mono Lake's South Tufa Loop