1953 Map of Mono Craters

About this map

The high Sierra Nevada meets the volcanic basin of Mono Lake in this 1953 survey, documenting a landscape defined by water management and mineral extraction. Along the western edge, the boundary of Yosemite National Park follows the jagged Kuna Crest and Dana Plateau, where elevations soar above 12,000 feet at Mt Dana and Mt Gibbs. The eastern half of the map reveals the stark contrast of the Pumice Valley and the prominent Mono Craters chain. Early 1950s infrastructure is clearly visible, including the Aqueduct, Tunnel, and Farrington Siphon systems that connect the glacial lakes of the high country to the lower basins. Local industry and services are noted through the Lundy Mine, the State Fish Hatchery, and the development of June Lake as a focal point for the region, complete with a documented Ski Lift.