It is known for its turquoise-blue water, the dramatic mountains (including Mount Morrison) that surround it, the trout fishing it affords, and its unusual history.

During the formation of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, magma rose from great depths and obliterated much of the sedimentary rock with which it came in contact.

In the process, extreme heat and pressure deformed the immediate overlying sedimentary rocks into numerous and striking shapes.

Jones previously had lived in Mono and Inyo counties and led his group south toward the Mammoth Lakes area.

[2] Outraged that Poor, a Mono County resident, was murdered, the local community formed their own posse and pursued the convicts.

By September 22, 1871, Sheriff George Hightower and Indian deputy Mono Jim led a new posse of 10 men and caught up to the convicts near Monte Diablo Creek.

The four remaining convicts were soon approached by the new posse, and a shootout occurred, leaving Wells Fargo agent Morrison and Mono gunned down.

Twelve teenagers and two counselors from nearby Camp O'Neal, an institution for juvenile delinquents located near Whitmore Hot Springs, California,[12] were there on a holiday outing.

Shortly before their deaths, the youths had been advised that the ice was too thin to support their weight but failed to heed the warning.

[14] As a result of the drownings, Camp O'Neal was investigated and subsequently shut down due to findings of abuse and neglect.