2015 Map of Mono Mills

About this map

The southern shoreline of Mono Lake meets the volcanic and industrial legacy of the high desert in this study of the Mono Basin. The map centers on the site of Mono Mills, situated along the Inyo National Forest boundary where timber was once processed for the silver mines of the region. A network of specialized roads and historical infrastructure, including the Mono Mills Connection and the Mono Mills Cutoff, trace the movement of goods and people across this arid landscape. To the south, an Old Railroad grade serves as a silent reminder of the transit lines that once connected these remote camps to larger markets. The terrain shifts from the alkaline edges of the lake to the prominent Big Sand Flat, while vital water sources like Simons Spring and Pilot Springs mark critical points in an otherwise parched environment defined by seasonal drainages like Dry Cr.