LAST

Mono Lake

NEXT

Descent of the Eastern Sierra is abrupt and scenic. Abrupt partly because the eastern slope is much steeper, but also because it is shorter -- the western drop takes you gradually almost to sea level in the Central Valley, but to the east it stops at about 8,000 feet.

There is quite a bit to see, but the standout feature is clearly Mono Lake with its bullseye conformation. It's highly saline, colorful, surrounded by volcanic pits and cones, and encrusted with a gaudy collection of tufa jewelry.

NEXT