Explore Yosemite's surroundings with side stops like Mono Lake's mesmerizing tufa towers, the ghost town of Bodie frozen in time, and the scenic Hetch Hetchy Valley, showcasing a reservoir amid stunning granite cliffs.

Mono Lake is a majestic saline lake located in California. It is renowned for its otherworldly tufa towers, formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake is a critical habitat for millions of migratory birds, such as eared grebes and California gulls. Despite facing ecological challenges, including water diversions, Mono Lake has become a symbol of environmental conservation and restoration efforts.

Bodie is a wellpreserved ghost town in the Bodie Hills east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This oncethriving goldmining town is now a state historic park, offering visitors a glimpse into the California Gold Rush era. Its abandoned buildings, including the Standard Mill and Boone Store, stand as a testament to the town's former prosperity. Bodie provides a fascinating opportunity to explore the remnants of a bygone era and experience the essence of the Old West.

Hetch Hetchy Valley, located in Yosemite National Park, was once a breathtaking glacial valley, comparable to the renowned Yosemite Valley. However, it was dammed in the early 20th century to provide water and hydroelectric power to the city of San Francisco. The damming of Hetch Hetchy remains a topic of controversy, as it led to the submersion of a stunning natural landscape. Despite this, the valley still offers striking beauty and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation.


▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪    • Driving From Tonopah to the Eastern S...  
⚪    • Bodie State Historic Park | First Vis...  
⚪    • Hiking Hetch Hetchy Trail at Yosemite...  

▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Mono Lake
05:58 Bodie Ghost Town
11:15 Hetch Hetchy

▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
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Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and manmade attractions.

Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!