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Benton, California
Benton is a small town near the Nevada border, about
50 miles east of Mammoth, 40 miles north of Bishop and 200 miles
south of Reno on the east side of the Sierra. (see link to
map at bottom of this page.) It is nestled in a valley surrounded
by mountains, with Boundary Peak and Montgomery peak at the north
end of the White Mountains directly to the east shown in the picture.
Skiing at Mammoth is one hour away to the west; fishing in the
Owens River is only 3/4 hours away. 4wdriving, hiking and geologizing
in the White Mountains is at my doorstep. Saline Valley is a 4-hour
drive. This is an ideal location.
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I love this land and had my eye
out for some property there. Finally, in June, 2002, I purchased
a 10 acre piece of property. Benton Corners, at the intersection
of route 6 and 120 (Yosemite Highway)y is a mile away, with
café,
store and post office. This
is the gathering and gossip place. Benton Hot Springs
is 6 miles down Route 120, with a b and b, hot springs and
campground. The
property is off Goolsby Ranch Rd, south of town off Highway
6. You see an old foundation, a windmill and light
purple house set back from the road. |
In 2003-04, I contracted a septic system
and a well, and worked with local friends to dig trenches,
undergrounding all utilities 400 feet to the house. The
house was delivered March 28, 2004 and was livable within
a month.
I have been spending extended periods of time
out here, and have seen many seasonal changes. In the
summer it is hot during the day, it is a short drive
to 7000 feet where it is always cool. Forest service
and BLM have maps of roads, and the Benton Range USGS
map is a good topo. |
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Camping-Visiting
Friends who know me well are welcome to picnic and
camp in the grove of trees near the road. There is an electric
hookup and water available at the power panel near the road. There
is a trailer near the road if you don’t
have a tent, A port-a-potty for number 2 is in the trailer, with
instructions on how to clean it. Please do if you use it. There
are instructions inside about how to turn on the gas and catalytic
heater. Normally, the house is off limits unless I am there. Contact
me for my schedule.
My caretaker will come by to check on you,
and ask for the password. Please do not litter, especially cigarette
butts on the ground. Please, no dogs or firearms.
Camp Terry-Benton, California
(36 miles north of Bishop on route 6)
This camp is available for field trip
groups up to 20 people and includes power, water, a kitchen
with sink and tables and a solar shower/washroom area.
Also a trailer is available for office work with power
and kitchen and refrigerator. It has 3 beds and a catalytic
heater, which runs on propane. For small groups staying
1 or 2 nights, there is a porta potty in the trailer, and
an outside privy behind the old shed. Larger groups (up
to 20) can be accomodated, but you must order a “blue room” from
one of the local companies in bishop (Bishop disposal,
Preferred Septic) and for longer stays and larger groups,
2 blue rooms are necessary. There is some basic camping/cooking
stuff available in the trailer, but it is best you bring
your own. You will need a large tarp (20x20) for the kitchen
and several smaller tarps for the shower. Solar hot water
is available, and you should bring sun showers for hot
water as well.
There is a large area both on the property and across the
street on BLM land for tent camping and room for several
campers/trailers. Fees are negotiable, and some combination
of cash, letter of donation value from non-profit or educational
institution, or work on improvements is usual.
Please no dogs or firearms or loud music, carry out all
trash. Be careful if smoking and pick up all butts. Campfire
in fire barrel only. There is a local transfer station for
trash with glass, aluminum and cardboard recycling open Thursday
and Saturday..
Contact Terry Wright for more information and reservations
Terryw100@gmail.com
760-933-2296 Benton
707-887-7816 Sonoma County
707-479-0884 Mobile
terrywrightgeology.com
pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/terryw100 |
General driving directions: the scenic route(s) include
any pass open leading to 395 on the east side of the sierra. I
prefer 88 through Carson pass, then through Gardnerville, Nevada
to 395. This has several high passes and is a nice route
if you have the time. South of Lee vining, turn left on 120 to
Benton. If that is closed (nov-april) go south of Mammoth
to left on Benton crossing road, just south of the airport.
The low-stress route is on 80 over Donner summit,
then to Fernley and Fallon Nevada, and down 95 through Hawthorn
to Mina, then cut west to
Highway 6 and south to Benton. This is an easier drive. And
there are supermarkets in Fernley and Fallon. Watch speed
in small towns, especially Schurz.
Either way is an 8-9 hour drive, but totally
worth the experience. Cheep
hotels in Reno: the Golden Phoenix; on 395 Topaz Lake Lodge.
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