Sign Up  /  Login

Hwy 395 Enigmas, Opposites, and Illusions LbNA #9611

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Jul 20, 2004
Location:
City:Mammoth Lakes
County:Mono
State:California
Boxes:7
Planted by:PenGwen
Found by: ScienceGuySteve
Last found:Jul 2, 2017
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Jul 20, 2004


This series of letterboxes should be taken in order that they are listed. Some seasoned Letterboxers may be able to find and complete the series out of order, but that should only be done by those sufficiently obsessed with our game that they are willing to think outside of the norm or have had their brains scrambled by other letterbox challenges. The letterbox containers are facing harsh conditions, so please make sure they are closed properly before you return them to their hiding places.

#1 “ The Pink Elephant is at Fault”
Porta potties available, trailer turn around, picnic area, dogs on leash and off road type strollers ok. Hike length---practically a stroll but heavy snowfall would be a problem.

In the Mammoth Lakes area find the Earthquake Fault Road and drive to the circular parking lot at the end of a very short road. Park in any marked spot. Stand on the small concrete area next to a large pine tree inside the parking circle at the entrance to the parking circle. This tree has a bear basenji spot. Head 73 steps at 105 degrees to an orange marker on a tree. From this orange marker find the tall stump (15 ft. or higher) in the same direction at 28 steps. From this tall stump head 32 steps at 185 degrees to a multi stump cluster (3 stumps visible) 18 to 25 ft high. The letterbox is located in the center of this multi stump cluster covered with bark and other tree duff. Remember to return the letterbox as you found it and with any pertinent information inside. From this point on things may not be what they seem. If you cannot locate this letterbox you should proceed to the nearest space portal and project yourself into the proper dimension rather than continuing onto #2.


#2” El Diablo Enigma”
Note: Snow would make this box inaccessible or just more of a challenge. Nah it would be impossible.Please note that the clues say the "picnic area nearest the attraction" and where the bus lets you off is not the one nearest the attraction.

Continue up the same road from #1 to the overhead tram and recreational complex. Find the ticket booth for the local bus line and if you are a Golden age passport holder your ride is free and dogs ride free also (strollers on bus OK), otherwise: $7.50 per person.
Take the bus to stop #6 and check out the nearby attraction. In the picnic area nearest the attraction find the trash can and head 42 steps at 140 degrees to a pine with a 2 ft. square rock embedded in part of the bottom. From this tree head 12 steps at 190 degrees to another smaller tree. From this tree head up 5 steps at 280 degrees to another tree and 10 inches above that tree you will find the letterbox beneath some movable rocks. If you are having trouble finding the letterbox make sure you have the picnic area nearest the named attraction, and then take your time figuring out the correct coordinates. Cool off at the near by river.


#3 “Mono Lake/ Rush Creek Enigma”

RV Turn around, dirt road, no potties (use the bushes), dogs on or off leash, plenty of room for little ones to run around. Depending upon snow levels, this box could be impossible to find in winter.

From 395 northbound turn right into the Tufa viewing area parking lot(This is not the Mono Lake Visitors Center) and day use area. You can find a marker for Sheriff James P. Dolan at the entrance to this area. Head southeast on a dirt road (2 wd should be fine). At the first Y stay right. Turn left 5/10 of a mile from Dolan’s marker. Head east 1.2 miles to a “Flooded” sign and park in the shade of a very large pine tree. Find the O.B.S. well 373, a light gray/green 4ft. high cylinder on a square concrete base. From this well take 95 steps at 95 degrees to the letterbox under some movable rocks under a bush.
Having a problem with this enigma? Find the “No Camping Allowed” sign. The letterbox is 71 steps at 125 degrees. Still having problems with this enigma? Find the tree island, and from the tallest tree in the island surrounded by dirt road head 65 steps at 90 degrees to a rock cairn on your right, then take 25 steps at 175 degrees to the letterbox covered with rocks. What is with this enigma stuff ? Well, the “Save Mono Lake” group filed a lawsuit to save this lake from receding and the lawsuit mandated that Rush Creek maintain a set flow down to the lake. Unfortunately this has not been a correction as evaporation is the real cause of Mono Lake‘s continued receding. The harm done to Grant Lake in the June Lake loop is very apparent and unless man undoes his deeds there will be two lakes that have been dewatered. Possibly the real enigma may be that the letterbox isn’t located near Rush Creek at all as it could be Lee Vining Creek but not to worry as the clues will take you to the letterbox site unless we have a major flood. The stamp image is one of those mono/duo first year psychology brainteasers and represents two ways of looking at a subject.


#4 Threefa or Twofa Enigma

Stroller friendly, restrooms, picnic area, playground and water, RV/Trailer parking.
Leave dogs in car. Hike time: 10 minutes on level surfaces.

From #3 letterbox continue north to the turn off to Mono Lake County Park at Cemetery Road.
From the Mono Lake Park sign at the entrance to the parking area head 123 steps at 45 degrees along an asphalt road. Then take 9 steps toward Lee Vining to a whitish small stump. The letterbox is located inside the stump under some asphalt chunks and tree bark pieces.

#4b Lady of the Lake
If you are having problems with this enigma stuff here is one that is straight forward and can give you a little nudge into figuring out the others. From the Mono Lake Park sign head 44 steps west from the opening across the road. Look in the cavity formed by dual tree trunks. This is just past the fallen trees on your right. To locate the first #4 go to the sign and think the right way.

#5 “Five C Enigma”
No strollers, no dogs, restrooms available before the parking area. No RV/ trailer parking except in campground, which is about ¾ mile from start of hike. This box is an easy day trip out of June Lake or Mammoth area, bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery.

Hike distance, about 1 mile RT with a little elevation gain to the top part of lake.
Beauty: awesome. Snow could make this box inaccessible.

At Convict Lake park at the end of the parking loop if you can. If no space is available park where you can and realize that your hike will be just a ways further. Take the footpath on the south side of the lake towards the furthest end. You will pass one talus slide area and enter into a treed area. Continue until you come to the last large Pine tree on the right side of the trail. If you pass another talus slide area retrace your steps to the pine tree. Stand in front of the tree and the letterbox will be at 180 degrees at the base of a tree under movable rocks. Be discrete; as you will note, there is not much off trail space.


#6 “June Loop Space Portal” If you can build it you can leave this earth. We think this area is one of those mystical places where strange things can happen.

Hike time: 10 minutes to site at slow walk. Off road strollers OK, dogs OK, no restrooms but big RV turn around area. This is a 3season box; we do not suggest attempting this box when there is lots of snow.

Note: There is no “enigma” in the title of this box so clues stand as written.

In June Lake area find the big ski area and look for the small trail leading up hill on the south west side of the parking area near Reverse Creek. The trail will lead to a small amphitheater and then past an old men’s outhouse, then past a bench on the left, and past a dead tree with tumor like bulges. Follow trail uphill until it levels out. You will see a sharp turn to your left and a very rocky knoll off the trail to your right. On top of the knoll is a very old cedar tree growing on top of and out of the rock. Before you go to the knoll, you can verify your location by looking to your left, just off trail you will find
a survey marker: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. On this ground level round disc is printed 12 S 26 E ¼ S15/S22 1989 Cadastral Survey near a 3 ft. high orange stake. If you stand facing the BLM marker with the orange stake behind you, look to your right and you will see a yellow Forest Service location poster, then look to your left and see another yellow FS location poster. The rocky knoll will be directly in front of you at approximately 60 steps.

Climb up to the cedar tree and take in the view.
Off to your left in the distance at 230 degrees you will see Horsetail Falls. Behind you at 115 degrees you will see the top of June Mountain ski lifts and expansive lodge.
Go to the west side of the big cedar and put yourself in line with the cedar and the waterfall and on the back (south) side of a 6 Ft high rock outcropping, about 5 steps from the cedar tree trunk towards the waterfall. From south edge of rock look for a crack formed by a 3 Ft high smaller rock section and the main rock. There is 1 big rock and several smaller rocks covering the crack and box. Probe carefully and when you find the box and stamp in please reseal the box tightly by running your fingers around the edge until you hear the lid snap in place. The box needs to be water tight to survive this location.

There are two other letterboxes located at odd sites on highway 395, and highway 14. See Burro Schmidt Tunnel Letterbox and Fossil Falls Letterbox. These two letterboxes would be in route from the LA area to the area where this series is located. Or if you are heading further north then see Dawgs workin at Dogtown or Horsetail falls near Bridgeport.

When researching our clues please be aware that when previous searchers list “ATTEMPTED” on the clue sheets it may reflect more on their abilities as finders than indicate whether the box is viable or not. We do monitor our clues and boxes pretty well and appreciate the notes written to us by those that find or attempt our letterboxes.

Please contact placer directly or through the LBNA chat list regarding status of these letterboxes rather than unofficial databases. Up to date status can only be ascertained from the placer, as other information services will not have current data. The placer does not appreciate listing information about this letterbox on unauthorized information services.