Route Inventory Data Summaries: 7/11/05
Area: Mono Basin Scenic Recreation Area and Mono Lake South Tufa Area
Observers: Chris Kassar and Mike Klapp

Route N126

            Quad:  Lee Vining
            Documentation on Maps/Guides: 

Route description:  This route heads north and east off of 01N53 (Picture 711001) and joins up with 01N54 (Picture 711005).

Narrative summary: Very sandy, deep in spots. Moderate use at beginning; trail deteriorates and use decreases as route heads east and gets further from Highway 120 and the South Tufa Road (Picture 711003, 711004).  Significant proliferation and potential for more off of this route because it crosses through open country (Picture 711002). Motorcycle, mountain bike, pedestrian and full-size vehicle tracks. Little to no vegetation in the center of the route at the beginning, but increases as follow route east (Picture 710007). Sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush are dominant vegetation. Coyote prints and a jack rabbit were spotted on the route.  

Recommendation: The purpose of this route is unclear. The route deteriorates completely, making it very difficult to follow from the west end and impossible to find from the other end. We recommend placing a barrier on the west end; because the east end is non existent, no sign or closure is needed. We recommend not including this route on the inventory.

 Route N125

            Quad:  Lee Vining
            Documentation on Maps/Guides:              

Route description:  Heads north and east off of 01N53 (Picture 711001) and joins up with 01N54 (Picture 711005).  

Narrative summary: Very sandy; deep in spots. Undefined trail; difficult to follow (Picture 711008). Low use at beginning; trail deteriorates and use decreases as route heads west (Picture 711006, 711009). Potential for proliferation off of this route because it crosses through open country. Motorcycle tracks. Significant vegetation in center, reaching maximum height of 2 feet. Sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush are dominant vegetation.   

Recommendation: The purpose of this route is unclear. The route deteriorates completely, making it very difficult to follow from the east end and impossible to find from the other end. We recommend placing a barrier on the east end to create a pullout and a place for user to turn around. Because the west end is non-existent, no sign or closure is needed. We recommend not including this route on the inventory.

 Route N142

            Quad:  Mono Mills
            Documentation on Maps/Guides:

Route description:  Beginning 5 miles east of Navy Beach, this spur route off of 01N54 heads north toward Mono Lake (Picture 711011).

Narrative summary: Sandy and well-defined. Moderate use. Motorcycle and full-size vehicle tracks. Sparse vegetation in the center of the route with a maximum height of 6 inches (Picture 711012). Rabbitbrush is dominant vegetation. Sagebrush, bitterbrush and salt grass are abundant along the route. Coyote and deer prints present. Route ends in a turn-around at tufa east of Simons Springs within the State Tufa Reserve Boundary (Picture 711013, 711015).  

Recommendation: This route provides access to tufa and Mono Lake without causing significant resource damage. The route is well-signed and there is little evidence of proliferation. We recommend that this route remain open to motorized users.

 Route 01S19

            Quad:  Mono Mills & Crestview
            Documentation on Maps/Guides:  

*only the first 5 miles are shown

Route description:  Route heading north after junction with Highway 120 at the south edge of Dry Sand Flat (Picture 711016).

Narrative summary: Well defined route on stable gravel surface (Picture 711017). Moderate use. Pedestrian, motorcycle, ATV and full-size vehicle tracks. Sparse vegetation in the center of the route with a maximum height of 8 inches. Jeffrey pine forest and sage brush are dominant vegetation. Lupine, Bigelow’s monkeyflower and prickly poppy are abundant along the route. Bullocks oriole, northern flicker, mourning doves, mountain bluebirds, least chipmunks and coyote scat present. Route crosses into BLM land and passes irrigation equipment and grazing structures (i.e. drinking troughs) (Picture 711018, 711019).

Recommendation: This route provides access to BLM land, grazing equipment and provides an incredible view of Mono Lake without causing significant resource damage. The route is well-signed and there is little evidence of proliferation. We recommend that this route remain open.  

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