Within 165 miles south of Fallon, you can enjoy quite a sightseeing experience or take a relaxing weekend excursion to visit three separate lakes, while viewing the scenic vistas of several mountain ranges. Along this journey, there are three museums and an authentic rock shop to successfully find a magnificent getaway.
Traveling 42 miles south on US 95-S, you'll find a most distinctive, specialty stop called Rock Chuck Gem and Minerals, open Mon. to Fri. 10 AM - 6 PM. Located in Schurz, just past the Alt 95 turn off, you'll meet owners, John and Chelsea Keady, two independent miners with a passionate dedication to unearth the local beauty of variscite stones, quartz pieces and other items of interest. They offer a vast selection of gemstones, locally mined speciality rocks, rock decor, original jewelry and unusual artistic pieces. An indoor, rock waterfall features a turtle and gold fish habitat and a corner tent contains rocks that naturally glow green under a black light. Learn how rocks are formulated or wander through their unique gifts as rock samples are available for purchase. Visit them on Facebook or call 760-978-4567 for further information.
Continuing 22 miles on US 95-S, you'll see many beaches along Walker Lake. At the north end of this terminus lake, the underdeveloped 22-mile Beach and Tamarack Beach, warns drivers to avoid taking vehicles into any sandy spots. Sportsman Beach, managed by The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) offers a paved road. Driving toward the boat ramp, historic markers inform visitors of past lake levels by the recorded years. Enjoy the covered picnic tables and grills at no charge, while taking in the views. Overnight dry camping spots are available on a first come, first serve basis at $6 per night at the pay station. Vault toilet facilities and trash cans are provided, but bring your own drinkable water.
A few miles south, across from the Big Horn Crossing store, is the former State Beach, now called Monument Beach. It offers a boat launch, a picnic area and is a popular location for paddle boats, kayaks and shoreline swimming. In the afternoon hours, it is not unusual to see the Big Horn Sheep quietly roaming near the water's edge. There are stunning views of Mount Grant, which is the highest peak along the Wassuk Mountain Range.
Driving 15 minutes south to Hawthorne, you'll find Veterans Park on the corner. It includes three colorful windmills, created from bombs once made at the local Ammunition base. Public bathrooms and a dog walking area is available, plus two museums within walking distance. The historic Mineral County Museum, is open Mon. to Sat. 11 AM - 4 PM and The Ordnance Museum, is open Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 AM - 4 PM, housing an impressive military collection both inside and outside.
Heading 71 miles west from Hawthorne, on State Route 359E (which becomes 167 on the California side), you'll see the views of Mono Lake to the left. Crossing over highway 395, continue straight up the mountain, to locate the secluded wilderness of Lundy Lake, at an elevation of 7858 feet. This dense, canyon foliage offers 36 rural camping spots, along the banks of Mill Creek, providing port-a-potties but no running water. Nature hikes, picnicking and fishing for Rainbow or Brown Trout, is a natural discovery within this Stanislaus forest paradise.
Returning to CA highway 395, turn right and travel south 15 miles to find the Mono Basin Museum and Visitor Center, open Fri. to Sun. 8:30 AM - 5 PM, located in the quaint town of Lee Vining, along the Eastern Sierras. This museum offers interpretative walking trails that lead down to the actual “petrified springs” which created thin spirals of rocks. It is an ice age, geological wonder of Tufa Crystals, which are porous stones created by the unusual combinations within the lake's shoreline. Inside there is a 20-minute video presentation, plus a self-led exhibit that shares facts about Mono Lake, with many historic items on display. Rangers are on hand to explain events and their seasonal bird watching programs. The bookstore and gift shop offers a variety of items, including a children's area.
Lee Vining offers some key places to visit, including the famous Mono Cone and a historic park one block down. There are several specialty shops along the highway, offering free parking and lastly there is the Tioga Gas Mart and the Whoa Nellie Deli and Gift Store, located at the bottom of the Tiago Pass, on the corner of CA highway 395 and highway 120.
Enjoy these Day Trippin' adventures, while exploring new places this summer.
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