Mono Lake Reviews

Mono Lake is a lake like no other, the water is thick with saline minerals and is undrinkable formed at least 760,000 years ago as a terminal lake in an endorheic basin. The lack of an outlet causes high levels of salts to accumulate in the lake. The only growth is the alkali fly larvae and brine shrimp, which the indigenous people used to collect, dry, and grind for protein foods. The surrounding area is breathtaking, campgrounds nearby allow you to wake up to mountain scenery.

Three dollars to see South Tufa and the Visitor Centre is free!

It's worth going to the Visitor Centre first. The 20 minute film explains everything you need to know and the view from the terrace of the lake is nice. Then drive around to South Tufa to walk amongst the weird outcrops. It doesn't need to be sunrise or sunset for this to be an amazing experience.

I enjoyed seeing what there was to see. The colors and the stillness of the water was fantastic. What I didn't like though was that the shore tried to eat my shoes. Sucked them right off my feet. Luckily we were able to retrieve them but they are a soggy stinky mess. So a word to the wise: If it looks like someone got stuck in it before... Don't walk there. Try to stay to the rocks. It does SMELL so if you have an aversion to smelly places stay up near the picnic areas. While Dogs are welcome on leash I wouldn't recommend it, as with shoes paws do get sucked in also not to mention that shore stuff getting on their paws and licking them, and on top of that there are dead things which dogs might try to eat, not recommended for dogs. At least the part we went to which was just off the road.

Mono lake is a quiet, peaceful place. Because of the elevation, you might want to bring a windbreaker. It tends to attract photographers, especially at dusk, especially during a full moon. You might want to bring some waterproof footgear, as the shoreline is very muddy. It costs $3 dollars to park your car there. The funny thing is that they either want cash or check.. You simply drop it off at the rangers' shack.

Ancient (700,000 years) Lake having several inlets but no outlets. Subterranean calcified water bubbles upwards forming tufas over time. Looks like another planet

We've always enjoyed seeing Mono Lake on our many trips to the High Sierra mountains. This time we stopped for photos from on top of Mono Pass. There is some informational signs there. Its a good place to take a photo(s). This time in late April 2016 it was very windy but all of the cars that stopped braved it and took photos. Mono Lake water looked like Emerald Green in some parts of the lake..

We then stopped at the various view points for Mono Lake along the western shore including visiting the Visitor Center which is free.

The two islands Paoha and Negit are fascinating to see. Over the years the water level of the lake has declined so always a different view each year for those who visit.

Its a salt water lake. One can also see scenic views of Mono Lake Craters, which are volcanic but dormant for hundreds of years.

We saw the lake when driving to our hotel locales in June lake and decided to visit the day after. we drove around without expecting anything but a wonderful landscape but we discovered beautiful tufa tower formations near the south shores. It's not easy to drive all through the right side of the shores in order to see those tufa towers from close because there are not many indications around.

For any nature lover, Mono Lake is truly magical. It is a must see if you're in the area. Not a huge tourist attraction which keeps it peaceful. Really easy walk for anyone.

Mono Lake is well worth the stop. It's a one of a kind ecosystem found nowhere else in the world. A short hike through the tufa towers is a must. We wished we had more time (and cooler temperatures) to explore the entire area and all it's geologic features. Praise to the local conservationists who fought the water hungry interests of Los Angeles to ensure Mono Lake's water levels and preserve this unique area for the future.

Mono Lake is odd- a mixture of fresh water springs mixing with salt water creates limestone tufas, giving this place its iconic structures. When we arrived, we joined a walk by a Mono Lake expert- this was informative and entertaining and we were sad we couldn't stay for the entirety of it as we had a long drive back to our lodging. The visitors centre also has a good movie on the lake which is worth a watch.

I don't know what it was today, but I suspect it was the lighting--too much of it. It just was not as beautiful as I had seen in photos, but I am still happy I visited it because of its unique formations.

We really enjoyed our visit here. There is a bit of a walk but well worth it. There are so many formations everywhere. It's just beautiful and unreal. There are Lots of gnat flies buzzing about and some do bite. A must experience if you are in the area

While winter is not the prime season to visit Mono, we found it very enjoyable. Not many people around - we went to the South Tufa Parking area / trail. Dog friendly. It was a fantastic little walk & exploration. We look forward to going back one day and spending more time exploring.

First thing you should do, is drive to Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center and get all the basic information.
Recommend 4x4 cars. The area is rough on privates. My car couldn't get to a few of the roads leading to trails.
Campsites - a whole lot of them got drowned, but there's an option for dispersed camping (map & info enclosed in pics).
First night I have camped in OH Ridge campsite. Will be reviewed separately.
The next 2 nights I've camped in the woods. About 10.5 miles off 120E.
I have chosen 5 main sites to visit over 2 days.
Mono lake south tufa, Navy beach, Parker lake, Panum crater and Fern creek. For relaxing and tanning I chose Lake June beach. Clear fun water.
I recommend to start at Panum crater because it has 360 view on all the surroundings.
Will review all the other places separately.
As for Mono lake and Navy beach. It's a must if you get there. Impressive and interesting. The water isn't as salty as promised and the beach isn't as welcoming as others are. But I do recommend a swim, or at least get your feet wet.
For more info, check the rest of my reviews
Enjoy 😊

Mono Lake is one of California’s most photographed and iconic photo destinations. Here are a few simple tips to get awesome photos:
1. Dawn patrol baby! Getting to Mono’s South Tufa area no later than 30 minutes before sunrise is critical. That will allow you to take advantage of the blue hour and great light values before the sun is visible.
2. Find a spot looking East over the water which views some interesting looking Tufa. You’ll want to expose for the sky, putting the tufa in the foreground into silhouette.
3. For our more advanced photographers…if you own a graduate ND filter use it! A hard edge 3 stop grad ND should be perfect. Will bring up the foreground elements.
4. Once the suns starts coming up, you have a great op to capture the sun cascading over the water and the steam coming up from the lake.
5. Now it’s time to start looking West. The sun will be low in the sky and kissing the Tufa with amber colored light. You have a very short window of about 15 minutes to shoot…once the sun gets much higher…the party is over. The light is harsh…time to go home.
6. If you have a small crescent moon (7-15%) that's low in the sky...consider shooting at night. The moon light will illuminate the Tufa with the stars visible behind! You'll need a small wide angle lens. Shoot at F2.8 for about 30 seconds...ISO 3000.

Its like another world, Mono Lake! We first visited the Mono Basin Visitor Center and caught the movie and exhibits. Loved the story of the Native Americans and how they made Mono Lake their home. We then made the short drive down to the lake. If you happen to be there in the Summer (late August) be aware that it can be very hot and the smell can be overpowering. I wouldn't say I am over-smell sensitive, but I did find myself a bit ill-feeling. The smell is a natural occurrence and i think the ecology surrounding the lake is very interesting. Wear good hiking shoes that you don't mind getting very mucky when you go. enjoy.

What an alien place , strange coloured waters and weird rock formations. You can get a great view from the visitor centre . Also from high up you can really appreciate the colours.

Had a flying visit to this area whilst en-route elsewhere. It is and unusual salt water inland lake. If your into geology perhaps very interesting. For me it was just an average lake with average views. Sorry folks.

Beautiful scenery.. the water is very thick and salty.. the salt rocks give it an exceptional view..

Beautiful place to visit when you are heading to Yosemite N.P. through Tioga Pass.
Reserve an hour for the break on your journey, which you will never forget!

Feels funny reviewing a natural feature as if it was a hotel, or something, but here goes: It was amazing! I'd learned about some of the tufa features and other geological formation before, but it's really dazzling in real life. The twisty tufa columns made by mineral springs make it look like some kind of lunar landscape, and the other volcanic features all around it (blast craters, etc.) only add to the effect.
It's an easy "hike," you basically just walk down to the edge of the lake and stroll around, taking in the sights. I saw people canoeing, which is probably even cooler, since you can go out to the two little volcanic islands in the middle.
If you're planning on visiting Yosemite, this is just on the eastern side, and well worth it.

A must see, beautiful lake with famous Tufa Towers. Take US 395 to see near Lee Vining, you won’t be disappointed. There is a parking lot near the lake and a boardwalk that goes down to the lake.

We stopped here on route to Yosemite. The heat was withering. Apparently the salt level in this inland lake is higher than in the sea and supports little life part from millions of black flies which migrating birds love.
You do feel like you are on another planet her as its so quiet, hot and sparse. Worth stopping to experience.

Our family took the 11 am tour with Mono Lake Canoe Tours and we loved it. You need to park at South Tufa 45 minutes early so you can hike to the launch site at Navy Beach. Skip the bathroom at South Tufa and wait until you get to Navy Beach. They have a real flush toilet with a sink. The tour is very amazing and informative. The birds, tufa towers, shrimp and bubbling springs were fantastic. Kids loved the trip! Our guide, Matt, was very informative and fun for the kids. Were the water shoes, your feet do get wet and if you walk around the beach afterwards, it's very muddy and wet.

After seeing pictures online of this interesting lake and its' formations, and realizing Eastwood's High Plains Drifter was filmed on the shore here, this was a must to see in person.
The tufas, interesting calcium carbonate formations that rise up out of the water.
It's quite a surreal place. The tufas are straight out of a movie.
The south area has the best viewing opportunities for the tufas up close. This road is right off 395 abt 10 min before you get into Lee Vining. BUT, I recommend going into town and to the Mono Lake visitor ctr to learn more about this area's history of volcanoes and the ancient sea before you go to the South area.

The lake is a tad bit smelly, like a mix of the ocean and bird poop. But nothing that is bothersome. There were even 2 folks swimming in the greenish briney water while we were there. Yes, you can swim in the water without worry. But you'll float as it has 10x the amount of salt in the ocean.

Take your time to walk among the tufas that are inland and you'll realize this lake's shoreline has changed over its lifetime.

Be aware that the path is not pavement but I feel a wheelchair could navigate down to the lake. But beyond that, the foot trails around the lake are not accessible to a wheelchair.
There is also a use fee for the South Tufas area. I think a couple bucks at most. But if you have an annual park pass, you pay nothing. Yay!

The surrounding mountains and volcanic craters is really something to behold. The white island in the middle of the lake is from an eruption only 650 yrs ago. This area is the youngest volcanic area in the US or western hemisphere..which is pretty cool if you ask me.

Take the ride up 395 and see Mono lake. You won't be disappointed if you love adventure and nature.

It's about 5.5 hours from LA, but longer with all the stops you'll want to make exploring what's on the way, and there is much to see!

Be forewarned, if you have to drive at night and with no moonlight, it's as dark as velvet on the roads up there. Kind of creepy and with the usual high winds can be a bit much if you don't already like to drive at night. Plus you'll miss the scenery.

So plan a couple days for all the beautiful lakes nearby as well, like June, Mammoth and Convict nearby.

The place is very interesting and the trail is only 1 miles long. Make sure yo have cash to pay for visiting and enough water cause it can be around 100F in the summer

Stopped in Lee Vining after hiking in Yosemite. I think everything pales in comparison to Yosemite. However this was a very interesting stop. The Visitor Center offer lots of history and information and from there we hiked down to one of the shorelines of Mono Lake. Nice hike and it was fun to see the monoliths up close.

The tufa towers created by draining water from the lake to feed LA are quite spectacular. There is a very clearly marked guided path that we enjoyed. It explains how the landscape was altered and how hopefully will be restored somewhat as the lake slowly refills. There is a small charge for the area..well worth it. A great place for photos with the mountains as a backdrop.

We did not have time to go to the Visitor's Center, so we went directly to the path that leads to the shore line. It was attended by a helpful Ranger who provided us with material on the lake and the tufas. We took our camera and set up at the shoreline and took some very interesting pictures. Thees "tufas" look like stalagtites (sp) in caves, with the exception that they spread as long as they are in the water.I can't explain how they are made. You have to see and read about to learn

The Mono Lake tufa are fascinating. Mono Lake is an eco system all to itself. Between the flys that crawl underwater, to the millions of brine shrimp that are harvested for home fish bowls each year, to the host of migratory birds that stop at the oasis yearly... this is a must see if you're into something different and strange.

Plan a long walk along the shore of this ancient wonder! It's worth every minute exploring the puzzling shapes and history of this spot.

Visited mono lake while doing a road trip around California a few years ago, very interesting. We were the only visitors at that time, so had a park ranger to ourselves, very informative.

One of my most favorite place. One must take time to explore and set by the lake to really absorb it's amazing excitance. Old, unique, and full of personality. I had the advantage of boating on it, not open to public, and floating on it (might not be available now ?). Used to be kayak tours which are amazing and well worth it. This lake has many personalities. View from the overlook on 395 North of town for starts, go to the visitors center, and go explore the coast line. and return, again and again!

The history of Mono Lake and the surrounding area is fascinating. The tufa formations that rise up all around are so bizarre, but it was a really cool experience. We wandered around for nearly 2 hours taking pictures and just soaking in the solitude. The lake has a beauty all it's own.

I loved it here and thought it was stunning. The tufa were so cool and I liked that there was a big parking lot with plenty of places to park. I think you should go!

This was a very cool place to visit and photograph. I could have spent 2 or more days taking photos. Very unusual landscape. Pretty remote area.

BTW if your not that into photography a few hours is enough

We were driving by on our way to Body and decided to stop. It was a really interesting place and we were happy we took the time to tour it. Loved the history of the native Americans who lived in the area.

We stopped at the Visitor Center for a little background on Mono lake and then took a ranger's advice and went 5 miles east of 395 on 120 to see South Tufa. There is a $3 fee. However, admission is free if you have a national park pass. The day we visited, the sky was filled with smoke from a nearby forest fire and the sepia color added to the eeriness of the formations and the lake itself. We walked along the easy loop trail. There is no shade, so wear your geeky sunhat and bring water. It was well worth a visit. We were there on a weekend and there were lots of visitors.

It seems not many people know about this place. People visit Yosemite National Park but never venture to other side of the Sierras. This is really special place and drive is simply amazing.

Here I witnessed one of the best sunsets so far. This place is a must visit if you are in this area. Tufa formations, alkali water, millions of alkali flies, seagulls ..all of them make this place equally interesting and weird at the same time. Be careful of the muddy water. One should witness sunset/sun rise at this beautiful place and I bet you will never forget the sight. This place was not crowded. I will definitely visit again!

Arrived in Lee Vining in the evening and managed to get a few photos before darkness crept in.
It is a stunning lake and at Sunset it is amazing!

The whole beach was lined up with flies. It also smelled bad. We did not stay there for more than 5 minutes as we could not stand all those flies. But it is said that this lake is equivalent of dead sea. So before you go, check out all the other reviews to make sure whether it is worth going.

Have always wanted to see Mono Lake & was not disappointed! Husband & I took a road trip from Folsom California up to Minden Nevada & then down Hwy 395. This was one of my must see stops. Beautiful day, brilliant blue skies, temps in high 70’s, light breeze. The lake was a stunning color, the tufas strange looking & plenty of birds floating & flying around. It was definitely worth driving into the South area & taking the easy hike down to the lake & around. Would highly recommend!!

Stopped here to view the monoliths in the lake. This is a salt lake and makes the most interesting formations. We drove around to the South side of lake and the viewing was better there. Worth a stop.

This is an interesting natural wonder that is worth visiting if you are in the area. However, I would not make it a destination in and of itself. We went in late August on a day when the temperature was in the high 80’s. I can’t imagine walking around if it was much warmer than that. Some of the best views are from the road and visitor center, which is very nice. You need to drive down a five-mile road if you want views of the tufas. Again, worth it if you are in the area and it is a cooler day.

The best views are form South Tufa - very easy to find, lots of parking, entrance fee is 10$ but national parks pass applies. There is an half an hour round trip along the coast with wonderful views. I dont really know if its allowed to swim but there was so many small flies in the shallow water I really even feel like swimming. There is a walking tour at 1PM so be sure not to miss it!

Well worth a visit if you are passing through Yosemite or going to Bodie. Tufa spires are interesting if not quite as impressively towering as I'd hoped. Lots of decent bird life during migration and bonus volcanic features (craters, fissures) close by. Also, the Clint Eastwood classic Pale Rider was filmed here, which is pretty cool.

Beautiful Lake. Much fuller than the last time we visited. Be prepared for any type of weather. It went from mild to cold, rainy hail, sleet and then snow and this was all in mid September. Last time we were here, same time of year it was in the 90's. The town of Lee Vining is very quaint and on the edge of town is a hamburger stand that makes the best hamburgers ever and has ice cream that is very creamy and almost custard like. We love to come to Mono Lake and Lee Vining. It is very peaceful.

Our first view of Mono Lake came as we were descending Tioga Road out of Yosemite. It literally made us gasp. The otherworldly colors of the water, the weird rock formations, hazy air above.

Days later we made the trip back, in the early morning, and went to the South Tufa entrance. I'd read somewhere it was the best way to get close to the tufa formations. Indeed we were able to walk among them, spend time observing the many birds who live there, watch the mineral-rich water bubble up from the earth, and see the millions of tiny flies who feed on the algae in the water. A very tightly inter-related ecosystem.

If you have time, do the trail and read the signs which explain what-all is going on. Not your usual lake, by any means! $3/person or hang your America The Beautiful pass on your rearview mirror.

We stopped here on our way to Lake Tahoe (from Los Angeles). We exited the road and following a steep path ended up in a nice area with ample parking, a bathroom, a couple of clean picnic benches, and the lake iteself, of course.

Mono Lake is spectacular, scary and unique. There are interesting rock formations, and the water is still, so still that you can see the reflection of the sun, the clouds, the mountains in it. It smells like salt and sulphur. The smell does not keep sea birds away though. You can get really close to the water, but be careful not to step in the mud. You can have lunch with a view of the lake and take in as much beauty as you can.

I am happy that we came across this natural wonder on our way. I recommend visiting this lake for a couple of hours.

When visiting Mono Lake be sure to visit the Tuffa formations on the south side of the lake. These were formed by underwater springs when the lake was higher. Look around and you'll realize you are nearly surrounded by volcanic craters, 24 total in the Inyo-Mono crater system. A really young geologically active site. There is also the Punam Crater next to the lake. It has a parking lot at its base. You can hike to the rim and into the center where the volanic plug is. Massive chucks of pumice and black obsidian. Even your young kids will be awed when they know they are inside a volcano! You are in desert terrain, so always carry sufficient drinking water with you.

Had only about an hour to be here. It was late evening, but getting out of the car for the time to look around and walk a trail from the visitor's center was worth the stop. IF you are passing through, take the time to stop and look.

Impossible to visit Yosemite and/or Mammoth Lakes and not paying a visit to the Mono Lake, so huge and awesome. Sunrises and sunsets at the lake are completely off this world. Walk near the tufas and the water to surprise you even more.

And another recommendation: reserve some time to go to Bodie, not far from Mono Lake, but you will probably skip it if you do not go up to Lake Tahoe. The road is horrible but the surprise pays off.

This was one of the most picturesque places I have ever been! You can't swim in the lake tho! But the pictures are for sure going to be amazing :) you can park just by the lake. You turn the right few miles after leaving Lee Vining village. The parking stop is 3 dollars per car!

Mono Lake is 6,383 feet above sea level and it has a high salt content and minerals. Tufa rock formations all around and inside of the lake are great. This is a must see stop . They offer a museum of facts and relic's that are worth going in to see . Great bathroom stop.

Mono Lake is a large, shallow saline soda lake. It's a beautiful place.
Also it's the place where Pink Floyd took the picture for the Wish You Were Here album back cover.

Must See! We found these driving into Lee Vining on hwy 120 after reading about them at the Mono Mills historic site. It is just a short drive down a well graded gravel road suited for all traffic, rv's, motorcycles, cars. There is a parking area with restrooms and information booth.

There is a $3 fee to be paid near the parking lot. The info booth was closed when we arrived. We paid our fee but didn't see a single other person pay, possibly because most of them were foreigners? Or stupid? Just pay the fee and help to keep the facilities, parking and trails maintained!

There is a nice trail down to the formations and signs by the water. The trail makes a loop back to the parking lot. Think we spend about 30-40 mins here taking our time.

Note you can also see the Tufas at the Mono Lake Visitor Center, just north of Lee Vining on hwy 395. They have some nice trails to the water but walk much further and have to walk downhill a lot to get to the water and back up again. So the South Shore seemed to be the easiest and best viewing.

We were staying in Yosemite and took the stunning ride to the East exit. We decided to take a short stop at Mono Lake. We paid the $2 admittance willingly, because this is a cool place, to say the least. We parked at South Tufa, which has a really short walk (15-20 mins loop) to some of the strange rock sculptures. It might as well be an alien planet, if not for the other humans walking there! We heard sunsets are amazing there.

I arrived too late for photos, just after sunset, but the clouds (a pending storm) were great, and the dark towers framed against the sky were memorable. When I realized that Mono Lake is now being allowed to slowly refill, covering most of the Tufa spires, I let it all soak it. Well work a visit.

Its a beautiful lake with these unusual rock formations called Tufa. There are two sets of Tufa that you can view - one is near the visitor's center, right off 395. The other -which the South Tufa, is on the other side, and there are many more of them there, and you can get much closer to them as well. The only thing is that the road there is partly unpaved, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. I believe the road (120) is also closed part of the year in winter.

After a quick Google search, we found out you can actually swim in this lake! We drove out from the Mammoth area, which is a nice, easy drive. Entrance and parking were both free. If you are just going to explore, it is a beautiful and unique location. The terrain is flat. Now, on to the swimming. We made a video about our experience. If you search That Rogers Family & Mono Lake, you should find us. It is a very murky, salty swim. You definitely can float, but the walk out is rough on your feet. We visited in Summer and the water wasn't too cold. If you don't plan to shower afterwards, know that my long hair was a tangled mess the rest of the day and we left a nasty salt trail everywhere. If I were to do it again, I would bring very cheap water shoes (they will probably get ruined) and I would plan to head straight back to the room for a shower. Happy travels!

The view from the road is amazing. I learned that the water here is salt water. Who knew that in the midle of a dessert sits a salt water lake

The view from close to the water is quite surreal, with the Tufa's rising up our of the water. The ranger there showed us fresh water bubbling up into the salty water and going cloudy. We took some cool pictures and wandered along the shoreline. Well worth a visit.

The visitor center is well done and the best thing is they can give you a map to the South Tufa area which is hard to find otherwise. that is where all the interesting photography comes from. Early morning and late afternoon are best for photography, but that doesn't always work out. The pathways for the South Tufa area are designed to let you see all of the Tufas and it is full to see them, take pictures of them and learn about them. It is considered one of the most alien looking spots in the world. Surely that is worth the drive!

This is an attraction with history, an interesting story, and amazing sights. A visit to the Visitor Center will provide loads of history and background information about this lake. It is one of my favorite photo sites in California.

Very interesting geological place to visit. Took a hike,swam in the water,and enjoyed the visitor center.

Calmly beautiful lake with unique mineral rock formation. This lake is often used as the face of 'wish you were here' postcard, and deservedly so. There are not many places on earth possess such a high level of nature beauty.

This lake is big! And the formations along its room are spectacular! Stop in at the visitor center first to get an idea of what you're looking at this late is big! Andy formation All long is ram are spectacular! Stopping at the visitor center first to get an idea of what your looking at and how things were formed. It's incredible to think that an active volcano sat smack dab in the middle of the lake. If you're in the area, it's worth cruising on over to take a look.

The area is considered as real wildlife area.. the views of the lake and the mountains are so awesome. .
Tufo rocks and towers are really pretty. .
Two things to be aware of, the bad smell near the lake and the muddy ground ehile getting closer to the lake

We spent 2 nights there and used one day for the Yosemite Park. To be honest the Mono Lake is most interesting for photographers. That is at least my impression. Taking some pictures there was extremely nice because of that sometimes unnatural environment. I‘m sure that people like to sightsee that area even if they are not behind some unique pictures....
We were there in September and we had 2° Celsius. We were nit prepared for that and it was incredible tough to take some evening shots because due to the wheater change is was heavily windy. Anyway if you decide to take some late evening pictures or even night shots you won‘t be allone out there. Plenty of photographers are at the lake side and even during late evening (after 9:30 pm) there are still photographers. Ok it depends for sure on the sky luckily we had the chance to see the Milky Way and that was generating a lot of traffic....

Set your gps to take you to South Tufa area. This is the best location to see the tufa. One of the reasons I enjoy traveling is the opportunity to learn new things and appreciate the beauty each location adds to the beauty on this earth. Mono Lake is one of those places that’s not a common site in the world and worth the visit if in the Sierra Nevada area. It’s a quick stop over unless you plan to swim in the lake which I understand is a great buoyancy opportunity. You can also Kayak on the lake.

We had not visited since the mid 1980's and were amazed at the changes. It is so beautiful now as it tis filling back up. We missed the Brine Flies we remembered from our prior visit. The weather conditions made for nice photos and lovely hiking. It seemed every spire had an osprey nest on it.

Just off the road. You will need to pay a small fee at a manned kiosk before you take a short walk to the shoreline. Well worth it. If you don't want to pay a fee there is another site on the main road just north of the little village of Mono.

The lake itself is lovely with a number of places to picnic or just enjoy it beauty. The lack of rain over the past decade has really dropped it's level:(

FINALLY. We visited Mono Lake! We went to the South Tufas and walked the trail. It was fascinating and beautiful. The walking is easy, so this is good for kids or people who might need a non-strenuous trail. They accept your National Park pass for parking. We did not go in the lake, as we did not have the proper shoes with us. You need some type of water shoe to protect your feet. We saw kayaking groups. That would be fun! I'm not sure if all the lake is accessibly anymore, as there was a fire near this area recently. But I would LOVE to visit again.

Several years ago, we considered visiting Monio Lake as a destination, based upon posted pictures and reviews. We never got to make that trip. But yesterday, finding Bodie closed, we diverted to Mono Lake. I would describe it as nice, not spectacular. Now, we are well traveled and have seen many lakes and landscapes, so take that into account. Mono lake from a viewing, photographic outing, is worth 30 minutes.
There is a safe, dry, boardwalk to the lake edge. It is wheelchair accessible. The walk is about 0.3 miles each way. Glad we did not stay in town for an overnight.

Very special and unique lake with great visitor centre by learning the history and story about the wonderful lake.

Coming from the north we saw the lake. The view is beautiful. Closer the water color is really great and so does the state park for pic nic and walk. If we had known we would have planed more time. The city looks small bit nice and it us not overcrowed. Worth the stop!

Mono lake is worth checking out and is a great place to stop on your way, or leaving,Lake Tahoe.Definitely take the walking trail to view the lake formations and the serene beauty. A beautiful place !! We did not know of this spot until our tour guide suggested it.

As far as colors are concerned, I mean. Mark Twain gives it a lot of attention in "Roughing It", so I had to see it. The modest admission of $3 is totally reasonable but most people skip it (it's an honor system). I am there at the end of the day and the birds are all coming up for diner, feasting on the alkali flies in and around the lake. Go to the South Tuffa (it's about 7 mils South of Lee Vining, stop at the Mono Lake Center, they'll give you a map). Photography is better in the morning, at sunset the sun goes behind the mountains, so it's not much help. The formations are quite unique, but if you go in the middle of the day, they look dark and dull. So, watch your timing!

The visit doesn't last a lot, because there is nothing to do. However, if you enjoy exotic nature places, with an outstanding view, you cannot miss it. The lake water is extremely salty and beautiful calcium sculptures were formed. With the Sierra Nevada behind it, you feel like you are in paradise.

Came across Mono Lake almost by accident as we made our West USA road trip towards Yosemite, as we reached Lee Vinning.
The lake is tranquil and almost surreal, and the Visitor centre is really informative.
Well worth stopping before entering into Yosemite.

This is truly a spectacular spot. All the sudden there it is. I did not get to spend much time as I would have liked. However this is surely a future destination. The water level in the lake was low exposing more of its secrets. The day was pristine adding to its beauty. An addition to my to do list.

The geological formations here are amazing. Don't just drive by on your way from Lake Tahoe or Yosemite. Turn off and experience this wonderful place.

Breathtaking is the only word to describe Mono Lake ! The colours of the water are mesmerising, we were driving past but had to stop.

I finally got to lay eyes on this famous lake. I was happy to learn that this lake is home to many different species of birds, so bring your binoculars! I was extremely sad to learn that not much is written/offered, per the U.S. National Park Services, regarding the Native Americans who were displaced from this region (i.e., Paiute Native Americans). It's amazing how one can visit all of these beautiful places in North America and learn little or nothing about the true history of the place.

Go to the Visitor Center first to get information. Make sure that you visit County Park and South Tufa.

On our way home we took a detour to see this beautiful lake. The nature beauty is amazing. There is a trail you take to get to the lake and so many areas make for beautiful pictures.

I read about Mono Lake in the Lonely Planet and am so glad that I made the effort to go and see it. I entered at the South Tufa Car Park at sunset and sunrise, there is a small fee to pay if you go during "business hours" - 8am to sunset, I think.

It's a fascinating state park - loads of info on the tufa's and local Fauna and flora. We heard Coyotes howling which was cool and saw loads of rabbits.

I find it amazing that you are allowed to walk so freely amongst these natural pillars.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip here and would highly recommend it to anyone.

For Photographer - photos at sunset and sunrise are awesome! A pity about the smoke from some of the California fires but still a wonderful experience.

The lake brings real american experience of american wooden villages spirit. It looks specialy good on susnsets.

Depending on the amount of time you have available, there are several things to do. First I would take the road off 395 to the South Tufa Area. There is parking and a small fee to enter but the wheelchair accessible boardwalk is worth the trip. Here you will pass the Tuffa Towers that grew when the water level was much higher. When you get to the lake, you will see the Tufa coming out of the water and you have a chance to see the brine shrimp or the flies at the edge of the lake. Second, I would go to the visitor's center to get an idea of what you have just seen. If the timing is right, a walking tour with a guide is very informative. Most areas are wheelchair accessible. Great stop for the whole family...we ranged in ages of 10 to 67 (including teens) and all enjoyed the visit.

We parked the car and what we immediately saw was not very interesting. We read the notices and begun the recommended walk. After about 60m it got interesting and when we reached the lake shore we were completely captivated by the size and number of the tufas. We spent an hour wandering round but could have spent longer. I would have loved to go in the lake and experience the water but I did not have a costume with me. If you are in the area you must go.

Very relaxing and beautiful. Tufa formations were beautiful. To see the mark in the parking lot as to how high the water level was is incredible.

A place that is hauntingly beautiful for a geographical attraction. It does cost $3 a person but goes to preservation. Ancient salt pillars (called Tufa s) that have grown out of the lake. Go to south shore and there is a nice walk through the area. We were there about an hour reading about its history. Rangers are helpful. Clint Eastwood movie " High Plains Drifter" was filmed on the western shores.

get in, water is awesome, you float and it's a gorgeous eerie gnarly rad beautiful place

you can pretend you are master chief on halo for just a lil bit. the water is healthy and will give you mana

pay 3 dollars to maintain the park. stay as long as you want. pack your trash out. bring a couple jugs of water to rinse off or go nearby in town after.

We loved the landscape and there were no crowds, this was specially important after being at Yosemite National Park, really packed with people! The lake smells a bit and we've had to walk a bit, but it is was very different from what we have seen before.

This is an interesting lake that has some inlets, but no outlets making the water very salty....water bubble come up near the tufa and more tufts are formed over time.....the supports a lot of native and migratory birds....the lake and tufts are wonderful at sunset...this is a photographer's paradise!

Mono Lake is about a 30 min drive from the town of Mammoth lakes. If you are visiting Mammoth in the summer and have a car, Mono Lake is one of the most unigue of spots to visit in the entire Eastern Slope of the Sierra. The fact that it is isolated and devoid of fish does not negate the absolute beauty of the Lake and its special place in the eco-culture of the high sierra.

This place has long been on my places to visit list. I first stopped at a viewpoint North of the lake to get a good look. Then I went down to the visitor center for more information about the place. A fantastic experience in excellent cold weather.

Really enjoyed the stop off to see the Tufa towers. Very tranquil and peaceful. Plenty of parking - we used our National Park pass for free entry. Lovely photo ops.

A place for different feelings.
You see the power of the nature at the same time with how fragile nature can be... when you go down to Basin the real fun begins. You can spend hours i mean hourrrrrssss to take photos but at dawn this place is un-replaceable..

Just wow! Surreal! A must visit place in California, especially the South Tufa formations. Almost like being on a different planet. Visitor centre very good too.

In 1940's California started to drain the water, and in 50 years it's down 50 feet and that doubled it's alkalinity and salt level, thus no fish. Vrey nice ranger visitor center. Worth the trip. Trails are challenging.

If you are planning a trip to Yosemite or Mammoth Lakes, make the effort to visit this spot. The scenery is like nothing I've ever seen. Pale turquoise water (full of tiny cotton-like shrimp) with white rock formations jutting out, with a backdrop of mountains. The area has an interesting history and its worth popping into the visitor centre. Best of all, there are several pairs of nesting osprey and we had the birds fly close over head multiple times which was an experience in itself. There are a few kayaking operators, we used Caldera who were very good.

Its a unique setting. Lake and the tafus are beautiful. .. a must vist location. An hour should be enough to walk around and enjow the beauty unless you wanna spend more time picknicking.

Lynn and I and friends recently went on an adventure from our lodging in Stateline Nevada to visit Bodie Ghost Town and then the Tufas at Mono Lake. The road signs point to Tufas on southwest portion of the Lake. We looked there and there were just a couple. We continued south to the Mono Lake Visitors Center and saw just a few more. After speaking with the fine rangers at the Visitors Center they advised that if we wanted to see a large collection of these Tufas that we had to go farther south and east to the South Tufas. When we finally arrived at the South Tufas we were thrilled and surprised by the number and beauty of these incredible God made structures in the lake...looking alot like stalagmites on steroids. There is an easy gravel walking trail down to the Lake. The views are magnificent and beautiful. Many folks photograph the Tufas at sunrise. We were there closer to midday and still got very good reflection photographs.

A surreal surrounding because of all the petrified rock formations, created when 'normal' water entered the salt water of the lake. Due to the falling of the water level these domes are now visible and you can walk through them. Entry is $3 or if you have an annual national park card you can park for free. Definitely worth a visit!

Very easy to get to off the highway. The tufa are very interesting natural wonders that were formed over a lake bed that at one time stretched to Utah. Parking is easy and the lake is a short walk. The shore of the lake is covered in flies but they won't bother you like most flies do.

Mono Lake is well known for its tufa towers, but to really see some really strange formations you need to visit Navy Beach and South Tufa areas. Some of the formations appear to be ancient city ruins as you approach them. But as you get closer then you do realize they are just rock formations sticking out of the ground. But some of them are truly weird looking.

What started out to be a stop just to get out of the car on our long trip ended up a long visit!!! Started with the Visitor's Center and there was so much interesting information and displays to take in. There were a few formations just down from their vista but after experiencing the center we decided to take the time and short drive(10 miles) to another shore to actually walk among the tufa. Wow--it is like you are on another planet or among coral that is above the surface of the water. We were so surprised that a stop to stretch our legs ended up being a highlight of our trip!

Beautiful Salt lake in the desert of the Eastern Sierra. High mountains to räch side create a very surrealistic szene like you were on Mars.

Take your time to visit mono Lake ; stroll around and see it at the end of the day, during the golden hour. Must see for photographers!

Stopped on drive from Las Vegas to Bridgeport. Beautiful place, lots of info about how tufas formed. Small fee for carpark. Toilets.

You can access the beachline and the tufa in a few different places. However you opt to do so, it's worth the trip. We went to the South Tufa area, which has a nice boardwalk down to the beach, with lots of informative panels. Take a few moments and read a few of the panels. Knowing how the tufa were formed helps appreciate their stark beauty.

I did not have time to take any trails or go farther than the area near the Visitor's Center, where one can walk out to the water's edge. And yet this was a most interesting place. I remember visiting many years ago when the water level was much higher, so seeing it like this was a bit shocking.
I walked out on the former lake bottom well past the three foot depth marker before I reached the water level.
I found it to be very beautiful even as much as it has dried up. The colors of the water are amazing and the tufa is other worldly.
This spot has a three dollar charge for the placard you lay on your dash. The parking lot is generous and has restrooms (of the outhouse type) and picnic tables. The path down the former beach and lake bottom is not paved but it is easy walking, as long as one has proper footwear.
Then when you leave continue up the road a short distance to the Visitor's Center. This has real bathrooms and good parking. And balcony that looks out over the lake, as well as some interactive exhibits.
I enjoyed this stop very much.

We heard about this place from very few people and were curious to know more. At the lake we visited a visitor information center and understood that this is not the second Dead Sea but a nature phenomenon created by thirsty citizens of LA that needed water so they built pumps and pipes to bring water to LA until they discovered that there remained nearly no water and only salt pillars! The place is extraordinarily beautiful but at the same time reminds us of what we - people do to our nature!
Worth visiting and learning a lesson in environment!

We took the 108 - Sonora Pass - from Yosemite down to Lone Pine. We saw incredible views of Mono Lake along the way. The lake is huge! It is very amazing to see!

I went to Mono Lake on the way to a hiking trip along the Pacific Crest/John Muir trail. So beautiful. Definitely, a sight to see if you are traveling to the mountains from the Bay Area. This is a great place to stop overnight in order to adjust to the elevation if you are hiking in the mountains.

Seriously, you can swim in the lake. We did and because of the high salinity, we floated like corks. Yes, there are billions of brine shrimp (do you remember Sea Monkeys as a kid?), but they are harmless. Something completely different.

But ... bring about 5 gallons of fresh water to rinse off after your swim because the salt will dry very fast. Go down to the Navy Beach for the swim. BTW, you will not stink after the swim, just be ... salty.

Oh yeah, if you have a cut, it will sting. But still, what a hoot!

This lake is stunning and the geology there is amazing with those tufa towers. We stopped here on route to Mammoth Lakes and I'm so pleased we did. We went to the visitor centre first, which we found helpful as we bought our Yosmite pass from there as well as finding out about the crater you can walk up, beside the lake. You have to pay to use the car park near to the South Tufa Area, but it isn't much and you have to put the money inside the small envelopes provided.

not worth going out of your way but if you are passing by it is interesting to see. The closest spot for viewing is not the visitors center but a clearly marked road further north. Parking payment is required.

1 hour can be planned to see this location. It was tranquil and relaxing with this special alkaline smell.

I rarely give anything top marks, but the Tufa area at Mono lake is truly worth the visit. I learned lots and it's great that there are people dedicated to attempts to restore the water levels in the salt lake. I do hope they're successful, but the current drought won't help.

Seeing the lake as you drive down out of the mountains from Nevada is breathtaking. Tufo is created here from the alkalinity of the water. Brine shrimp and alkalaii flies only live here. The water is 10 percent more salty than the ocean. The visitors center is SO worth the stop. They have a great display and bookstore in the center.

Both viewing areas are beautiful. The paths are clear and the area has lots of space to walk around and take pictures.

Mono lake was surely on our list when me and my friends were visiting Yosemite. Few miles towards south after the end of Tioga pass on the east end is the magnificent alkaline mono lake. We visited the south tufa during sunset which displays out of the world views!! The place is so peaceful and the colors around you are just amazing. There are many spots on the lakes where you can stop by and also some trails to hike.

Good information station regarding mono !and and it's ecosystem! Detailed information in he centre on the flora and fauna. A short trail was also inform active and explained native plants and animals.

Travelling with Travel Dream West ( small group tour company that is soo great )we were fortunate to see areas others never stop. We had been to Laws Railway station and Bodie Ghost town on way here ....just mentioning as not able to find these last 2 and both fabulous to explore........off the tourist path. Mono Lake was amazing with its colour which I hope you see if photos work . Take a couple of hours to walk around various paths .

Mono Lake is fascinating and beautiful. We stopped by the information center on the way to Yosemite planning to visit Mono Lake on the return leg of our trip. Good thing we did as the Visitor Center has limited open days and hours. We gathered good information about the area, directions, as well as purchased our National Park senior pass so we did not have to do that at the Yosemite entrance.

We went to the South Side near the Tufa pillars. In July midday - put on your sunscreen - there is little shade. The walk down to the lake along the shore and back to the parking is relatively short and packed with fascinating placards explaining the geopolitical forces at work along with geology and biology. It’s quite good.
I wish the kiosks up by the pay station was improved.
For the record - they diligently collect the $3.00 per person. If you have the National Park Annual Pass - it covers only 4 people.

I have been to Mono Lake twice and it was fantastic both times. Mono is a soda lake so don't expect a typical lake experience. This one is uniquely awesome. Water from surrounding streams, rivers, and underground spring feed the lake but the only way water leaves is through evaporation. This leaves behind mineral and salts that make the lake 2.5 times saltier than the ocean. This makes the water really dense so if you decide to swim in Mono you'll be extra buoyant ( a cool experience), but be aware of getting the water in your eyes or any cuts (i.e. salt in the wound). My dog loved exploring the shallow water at the lake edge but did not enjoy swimming or getting the water in his mouth. Be aware of your four-legged companions.

The chemistry of the lake and underground springs also cause unique structures to form called tufa towers. They're kind of similar a stalagmite in a cave or a deep sea hydrothermal vent. They're very old and very fragile and formed slowly over hundreds of thousands of years. Please be careful and respectful of them. The tufas are also very photogenic, especially during Mono's frequent and spectacular sunsets.

Mono Lake is located in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Even though it's at ~6,000 ft elevation, it is dry and hot during the summer (bring sunscreen). Don't expect a lot of trees. The landscape is dominated by scrub, mostly sage. I prefer to go to the lake in the late afternoon after the sun has dipped below the mountains. Much of the lake does not have a distinct shoreline but rather marshy soft mud up to the lake's edge. Don't expect to have a nice picnic on the beach. The only true beach I know of is located at the end of the trail from the Visitor's Center.

The lake is too salty and alkaline for fish but it supports a unique food chain. Green algae in the lake feed alkali flies and brine shrimp. These are eaten by the many different species of birds that nest at Mono. If you love birds and bird watching, Mono Lake is a fantastic place for you. There is an Osprey pair that nest on one of the tufa towers every year.

The geology of the Mono Lake area is also really cool. This area was subject to volcanic activity over the last 5 million years. Next to Mono Lake is Black Point, a hill of volcanic ash and rock that formed underwater when the lake level was higher. Because it formed underwater, the rapidly cooling lava cracked and formed fissures that you can climb down and walk through. Black Point is, I believe, the only known exposed underwater volcano in the world. So cool!

If you like nature, geology, and ecology then Mono Lake is a fantastic and unforgettable place. If you don't really dig those things, if you don't like desert environments, if you don't like being hot and sweaty in the sun or hiking, this is probably not the place for you. The Visitor's Center has much more information on these topics and the human associations and history of the lake. I highly recommend the guided tours. Signage down to the lake is not great and the tours help support the Center and conservation. Mono Lake is one of my favorite places. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

This is a nice stop along the highway. There is a visitors center, although it was closed at the time we visited. Lots of signs and displays to help you learn about the area. The formations in the lake are interesting. Lots of trails to wander so you can get up close to the geology of the area.

This lake has quite an interesting history.

The city of Los Angeles used to get its water from this lake, until record low lake levels threatened local wildlife and the entire lakes future. Conservation efforts have brought its water level closer to normal since.

Of course prior to that, this lake was home to a local band of indigenous people called the Kucadikadi.

One of the most visually interesting aspects of Mono Lake is its tufas. Mono Lake is one of only three lakes in the U.S. to have these features.

The tufas were awesome to see! Truly unique!

Mono Lake is a place to see having in mind what would have happened a long time ago to create such salty lake in a place like that (behind Sierra Nevada). Another aspect to think about is how lakes have dried fastly in the west side of USA in the past years, what can affect strongly a significant part of USA population.

Take a walk on the boardwalk through the glades at County Park. In addition to the large tufa columns the park is great for a picnic. We even saw an owl land in a tree. If you need to cool off in the shade while visiting Mono Lake, this is the place.

South Tufa has a vast array of tufa and completely worth the entrance fee. Try to take in a guided tour or at least try to join in at the beach. Kids get to catch lake shrimp on the tour. Check out the visitor center near north tufa first to learn about the lake and inhabitants.

If you enjoy walking and hiking go to mono lake so many trails or just walk on the beach and enjoy the moon like views!

We did a day trip from Yosemite area - drove from the west gate of Yosemite through Tuolumne Meadows to get to Mono Lake. It took about 2 hours or less (some tree work/congestion and rainstorm). We went to the Visitor center in Lee Vining where they have self-guided interactive displays to read, souvenir store, and park rangers to help you out with maps and direction. We started on the trail down the hill through brush and went about halfway but the weather worsened so we turned back.It's quite a long hike to the shore and not much tufa in view.

From here Bode is 45min drive (we didn’t do it this trip around). They told us the South point has the most tufa formations so we opted for that, roughly 10 miles away. It’s $3 per person/to park. There is a booth with a person collecting payment. Outdoor restrooms near the parking lot.

Very neat to see, some formations are quite large. There are some trails you can take back and around. Very nice way to enjoy half a day. On our way back through Yosemite we stopped at the Mobil gas station at Lee Vining – if you’re a collector of pressed pennies, they have a machine there!

When going up to Yosemite on the 395, make sure to stop at Mono Lake, South Tufa Beach, off the 120. It may be a bit overrun in the summer, but it is worth the short detour. We had the beach for ourselves today, just serene.

This is an interesting place - head to Mono Lake South Tufa area where you can do a 1 mile flat trail to see Tufas closely. There are many boards on teh trail which provide really interesting information of how this place has been over the years. The parking lot is big and there is a 3$ fee to park there, make sure you take exact cash to put in the envelope there. You might be lucky to meet a ranger who would tell you more about the area and also the insects that live there.

Visit the tufa formations at the South Tufa trail. This is south of Lee Vining, NOT at the site of the visitor center. The visitor center is nice, but the best tufa formations, forming a surreal landscape, are better viewed at the south side of the lake. Entrance is free when you have an America The Beautiful pass. Really amazing, I kept taking pictures! We also saw a young Osprey that made a lot of noice perched on top of one of the tufas in the lake. We all enjoyed it. Just a short hike from the carpark which is reached by a dirt road of about a mile. Recommended!

One of most iconic photographed places in California. Tufas in the lake looks out of this world. Specially at night. Good Place for photography morning, evening or night. If you like city life, this is not a place for you.To an average tourist, its photo selfies and back, 10 min tops and they are gone. Beware of flies in the salty water.
Photos below taken 20 min drive south from Lee Vining off highway 395. There is another location 20 min north of Lee Vining off 395, which is not so popular hence less tourist.
Wild life (birds) watching place.
If you are in the area and half a day visit Bodie ghost town. Good Photo opportunities. See my review on Bodie.

Once more, we went by the visitor center to enjoy the photo gallery and the topside (if distant) views of the lake. Then we proceeded to the South Tufa site, where we hiked along Tufa formations and up to the shore. A must see when you pass through the Eastern Sierras! Don't forget your camera!

South Tufa Trail on the southern shore of the lake is a must do attraction of you are in the area. A very informative trail, you can learn a lot about geology, history and ecology (widelife, I mean). The water of this lake is extremely salty (and rich in minerals) and therefore large tufa towers have been developing here over thousands of yeas. I have never seen anything like this before.
Try to get there early in the morning, before the place gets crowded. As always, too many people can spoil your experience in the nature. There is not gate and self registration ($3) is available, so I recommend getting there just after sunrise. Lots of birds, rabbits, chipmunks can be seen. Excellent!

Had a brief stop here on the way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite just wish we had more time, beautiful peaceful place that is great for bird watching amongst the the odd salt formations, definitely worth a stop.

Like many other people, I stopped here on my way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, and it was a nice break from the driving. The formations in the water are pretty neat, but looked cooler on the opposite side of the lake from the Visitor's Centre. Worth a stop if it's on your way, but I would be disappointed if I made the day trip out from Yosemite to see this.

Just north of Lee Vining is the visitors center for Mono Lake. Great views of the lake along with the history of the area.

Take the time to cross through Tioga Pass out of Yosemite to Mono Lake! I never knew about this really cool place! Make sure to go to the visitor center and watch the short history film, and then make the drive out to South Tufa- $3 fee is worth it! The color of the lake is incredible, and although we were not there to see it, millions of birds stop over during migration each year.

The lake is beautiful in a desolate sort of way with beautiful turquoise water, making for gorgeous landscape photography.

Been visiting Mono Lake many times over the years, most recently while leaf peeping in the area. Trails to the lake are short. Photos attached, they speak louder than words.

We visited Mono Lake in the end of May right after Tioga Road had opened for the season. Make sure that you go to the visitor center first to get your national scenic area stamp in your passport and also to get directions to the South Tufa area. This is where the gorgeous views of these tufa towers that were exposed due to the lake levels dropping. The lake is twice as salty as the ocean. Not only are the tufa and lake beautiful, but the view behind you of the mountains of Yosemite is also stunning, especially in spring when they are still snow-covered.

Coming down from Tioga Road, South Tufas were the closest Mono Lake tufas area I could reach within an hour. We took 395 then turn into 120 instead of using the dirt road (test station road).
We paid 3 dollars per adult, put the money in the envelope at entrance and leave the hangtag permit in the car.
Interesting tufas formation. It is an important ecosystem. Mono flies are alkali flies living off of the saline water. Absolutely no climbing on tufas as they are very fragile.
Easily accessible walking path. Serene and enjoyable.

A shallow saline lake formed at least 760,000 yrs ago. The lack of outlet causes high levels of salt to accumulate in the water. The lake is about 13mi long and 9mi wide. It has 2small islands,
Neget & Pahoa. The numerous outcroppings consist of major Tufa rock formations, which makes the area resembling the moonscape. The lake is a vital resting and feeding stop for some
35 species of migratory birds. The view of the lake is spectacular
especially in the evening with the moon reflecting on the water.
A must see...

Probably the only people that visit this lake are those who enter Yosemite NP via the east entrance - too bad, as this is quite a gem! The lake itself is quite large and there are so many different vantage points to view the lake - (ie: South Tufa, lakeshore, high above outside the visitor center or even from a scenic turnoff on Highway 395). Sunrise and sunset are incredible. The mountains in the background offer a most scenic and dramatic backdrop. On a windy day, 'foam' washes up on shore - quite unusual. Lots of birds to see and if you are adventurous, you can rent a canoe to explore the lake and islands.

The tufa towers at mono lake are like something out of a sci-fi. Like nothing I've ever seen. weirdly compelling structures growing out of a salt lake. Well worth a visit.

Mono Lake is a very unique lake which has no fish as the water is extremely alkaline, in fact nearly 3 times more salty than the sea .... but it is supposed to be home to billions of brine shrimp and flies plus a unique ecology of its own !

The lake has "tufa towers" which are limestone formations in very interesting shapes. The reflections in the water make for some very interesting photo ops ! These tufa towers keep changing their shapes constantly and they look different from different angles and at different times !

This Mono Lake is en route the drive from Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes (on CA SR 395, on the east side of the mountains) and is not to be confused with the Mono Hot Springs (on the west side of the mountains in the Yosemite / Sierra National Forest region).

ON SR395 south, before you reach the town of Lee Vining, look for the Mono Lake Tufa Natural Reserve with a small parking area. A $3 parking/resort fee applies to all vehicles using this parking facility.

You can get close to the edge of the lake by walking on the wooden walkway from the parking area, or take the trail to the Visitor Center a little further up.

The amount of time you will need to or want to spend at this lake depends on your interests and the mix of people in your group.

The South Tufas area at Mono Lake was very interesting indeed! The wide, groomed, sand and gravel mix trail runs from the parking lot to the shore of Mono Lake. As you approach the beach you begin to get good views of the many tufa towers. There are massive blocks, delicate towers, windows, and many other interesting formations of tufa towers. There are islands of tufa towers located yards off shore. The white calcium carbonate towers contrast with the blue-green of the Mono Lake waters and the Sierra Mountains in the background. There were quite a few people in the area but everyone seemed to be in a reverie. There were no loud noises or boisterous people. All were respectful of other visitors. It was easy to take photos. If someone was in the way I only had to wait a minute or two and they would move on to another area. I really enjoyed the hour we spent at the south tufa tower area and believe I could spend a whole day there taking photos as the lighting and clouds changed. Score 5.

Mono Lake has a number of access points. The first and most obvious is the Mono Lake Visitor Center. However there are loop roads that offer a driving tour around the lake, and give ou access to natural formations and other natural attractions surrounding the lake.

The lake shore itself is attractive and teeming with life. All you have to do is look and you will find the wildlife surrounding you. As they say, the animals can see you, but unless you look, you might not see them!

Mono Lake is a saline basin located near Yosemite National Park and Inyo National Forest. It is home to salt water friendly wading birds and other wildlife. Part of the Mono Basin, shared with Lake Tahoe to the North and straddling the California/Nevada border, the lake itself is home to a species of brine shrimp and black flies. Because this is an alkaline basin, it attracts migratory and wading birds that feed on the shrimp and the pupae of the black fly population.

Native Americans roamed the area and thrived near the lake as well, also feeding off the wildlife. The ecosystem is sensitive and the lake levels have to be maintained. Unfortunately the City of Los Angeles for a time was syphoning off water from the lake causing damage, and has since been forced to stop doing that and replenish the lake's water levels.

The visitor center is not open on certain days so you have to check in advance. However the park surrounding it is open dawn to dusk and you can take a short loop walking tour around the visitor center and view all of the placards describing the lake itself and lake shore.

There are private and public access areas for recreational use around the lake on the other side to the North of the visitor's center and a scenic loop road to drive around the lake and see what surrounds it.

To better understand this system that has organically formed around the lake, the lake itself came into existence about 750,000 years ago and has slowly evolved more or less to the state it is in now.

There is no charge to drive the loop or take the walking tour around the visitor center loop or visit the shore. Observe all signs, stay on paths, etc. and look where you put your hands and feet. There are plenty of things to scratch, bite, and poke you both plant and animal, as well as natural hazards you may not be aware of but are there such as spiderholes, rabbit holes, etc., so be aware that though it is serene it is still a wildlife habitat. So staying on paths or watching what you do is important.

Depending on how much time you want to devote to the area, you can either spend an hour or a day there and still come away wanting to return in the future.

Must be seen !
It is amazing to see how big it is.
It's also esasy to walk around.
Many information are available when you get there.

Ok, bad joke.... but catching mono is quite awful. However, Mono Lake is a brilliant place to visit and a must if you are in the area. We actually drove all the way from San Francisco just to see Mono Lake (along with some other places of interest in the area).

When you get to Mono Lake, head to South Tufa as this is where all of the interesting rock formations are that you see in the photos. It is about 15 minutes drive from Lee Vining. There is a little booth to pay the entrance fee or you can leave it in an envelope.

It is amazing to see all of the different rock formations along the water as you wander between them. If you are in to birdies, then there are lots frolicking in the water. Unfortunately, a few dead ones too who seemed to have keeled over after drinking too much of the funny water. Also, watch out when you get close to the water as all of the dark patches next to the water will rise up and fly around you. There are thousands of not so nice flies around the edge of the water but if you read the info boards in the parking area, they are very important to the lakes ecosystem.

If you are visiting Mono Lake, I highly recommend also visiting either Bodie or the Devil'd Postpile in Mammoth... or even both as we did.

The "tufas" are very interesting and strange. Go to the visitors' center and take the tour if you can. You'll learn a lot about it. It gets really hot there so bring sunscreen, a hat and lots of water.

Mono Lake's South Tufa Reserve tufa towers are a must-see if you have time for one thing. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Lee Vining and then another hour to walk through. $3 self-pay and they take some NPS park passes. If you go north on 395 at Lee Vining you get to the visitor center which was very well thought out and informative and had good sites to view Mono Lake. We liked their shirts best so bought our Yosemite souvenir t-shirts at their gift shop.

There is a visitor centre at Mono lake with wonderful views over the lake for a good photo opportunity. There are wonderful formations at the side of the lake. We didn't get close due to time pressures. If you want that special photo it would be worthwhile going to the edge of the lake.

The views are amazing. I know you are probably on a long trip and you may think you have to get going on, but this is Definitely worth a short stop!

I have heard and read so much about Mono Lake and once there was greatly impressed. The visitor center is such an experience and to learn more about the flora and fauna and how this lake was formed is unbelievable. If you go to this lake, don't miss the visitor center!

The south part of the lake and the tufa formations are beautiful! They look like big corals left behind after a see stepped back. You can walk through them and take some really nice pictures.
To have a picnic close to the water can be not a good idea because the lake bank is inhabited with a lot of flies. They don’t bite or follow you but it is still not very pleasant. Plus there is a specific smell of the formations that also won’t be great for your appetite.
When you arrive you will be asked for a parking fee but if you have your Natural park annual pass the parking will be free for you!

Mono Lake is a must visit if you are entering Yosemite from the East (Lee Vining). Try to visit at either sunrise or sunset as the angle of the sun will add to the allure of this mystical place. Be sure to explore the extensive trails as the tufas (salt formations) are all unique. Some form windows which make for a great photo op. Be aware of the clouds to the west. They are some of the most unusual you will ever see. They are called Sierra Wave Clouds. They roll like waves which refract the sunlight into a beautiful array of colors.
* NOTE: Bodie State Park (one the our country's best "ghost towns") is only 45 minutes to the north. It is not to be missed!

******WEAR CLOSED TOED SHOES. THE TUFAS ARE SHARP!

I was so amazed that I kayaked the lake one day and walked the tufas the next! There is nothing like this place. Pictures do not do it justice. Make a point of pulling in, it's a gravel road for 1/4 mile, wander thru one of the oddest places on earth. Be sure to read and learn how close we came to changing the life of thousands of birds.

Booked a visit to Lee Vining just intending to stay for one night. Really happy we ended up staying an extra day and able to visit the Tufa towers and walk to the Mono Lake visitor centre along the river track. It is just such an interesting place to visit and so impressive how much the Mono Lake Committee have achieved in trying to 'save' this unique environment.

Mono Lake is a rather interesting place where tufa towers made of limestone deposits appear like bizarre sculptures. It is a unique landscape - a bit unreal! I guess you either love it or hate it. I would say "interesting"

Mono Lake is very cool due to the unusual formations that occur around the perimeter. Be sure and ask the attendant at the visitor's center where to go to get up close. It's about a 3-5 mile drive to get to them. Well worth the visit

The oldest lake in north America they say, a great turist attraction for all the family, there is a view point where u cant take beautiful pictures off all the valley or u can drive to the lake, don’t miss out the tuffas.

Came across Mono Lake on trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite in Sept 2014. First site was at overlook on way down into valley - the reflections were amazing but that was nothing compared to what we discovered by the lake shore - the tufa - carbonate formations which have grown above springs in the lake are amazing. You can walk amongst them at South Tufa - 5 miles past the turn off to Yosemite (going north to south) - it's well worth 30mins to explore these amazing features.

Went out of our way a bit to visit Mono Lake on our way to Yosemite through Tioga Pass. So happy we did. The water was much lower than what I had prior seen in published photos, but the formations were still worth the visit. Lots of places to walk, explore and enjoy the tufas. It turns out there were other viewpoints to this attraction we overlooked. Visitor Center was already closed (after 5pm) when we arrived. I'll try to explore this place again if I have get the chance.

Really peaceful, circular walk. The landscape is almost alien - I've never seen anything like it before. It's easy to get to and is a great stop off either on your way into or out of Yosemite.

We made a long trip from the shores of Lake Tahoe to the Yosemite valley.
As we approached Lee Vining someone suggested to stop a while on the lake's shore. We did and the only regret is that we did not have a longer time since we had to a long way to go.
Nevertheless we took in an unforgettable view . The serenity of the whole setting is amazing

See the lake and go to the visitors interpretive center. The historical drought in Californa has affected Mono Lake negatively. It's still such a beautiful area with so much to see. The visitors center located above the lake is a great place to see the surrounding area and have a bite of lunch. Bring your food with you, not much besides a soda and snack machine. Definetly worth stopping and walking around for a few hours. The visitors center does have good facilities, the hours are limited to the facilities hours though.

Mono Lake is a wonderful backdrop and the water ranges from a vibrant blue to an emerald green depending upon the weather cover. When we visited on 11/15, the water showed a nice shade of green. Last year when we drove here, it was blue. The visitor center and lake are very peaceful even though the shoreline is alongside highway 395. The closest town is Lee Vining and has a large selection of eateries.

We stayed near Mono Lake on our way to Yosemite and drove out to see the tufas at Mono Lake. We had no idea what tufas were and spent time reading the information and photographing the tufas...a pretty incredible site with lots of great information. We were very glad we took the time to make the drive and take the mile-long hike to the tufas.

Mono Lake is an intriguing place, where a lake with strange minerals in several towers and shapes can be spotted.

Located in Lee Vining, the entrance to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass (when open, in Summer), this lake offers picnic places, and several walking options to discover the area.

Really intriguing, worth a visit.

The Tufas around/in Mono lake are superb!! It's amazing to see that birds are actually eating something in the salt water! The sunrise with the Tufas in the foreground is something to behold! You will never forget the beauty in this area!!

Mono Lake offers really beautiful nature and cool formations. Last time we visited the lake shores but this time we admired the lake from the Mono Lake Basin Road. Really beautiful place.

Mono Lake is on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains in east-central California, north of Death Valley and east of Yosemite. This shallow lake in the Mono Basin covers an area about 9 x 13 miles. It's a terminal lake, which means water flows into the basin from springs and run-off but there is no outlet for the water to flow out. Because the water is contained, as it evaporates it leaves salts which makes the water alkaline. High concentrations of dissolved calcium ions in the water cause huge amounts of calcite to precipitate around the springs, forming unusual limestone towers called tufa.

The lake is visible when driving along US Highway 395. There's an overlook near Lee Vining on Tioga Road (CA120) just south of its intersection with US395; turn in on Vista Point Drive by the Mobil Station. Another viewpoint is located about 11 miles north of Lee Vining on the west side of US395. These two sites are free and have educational signs but no restrooms.

The Mono Lake Visitor Center is located on the north side of Lee Vining on the east side of US395; turn in on Visitor Center Drive. It's open April through December and the hours of operation vary with the seasons. In the heavily-trafficked summer months, it's open daily 8:00-5:00. A small day-use fee may apply. The Visitor Center has plenty of parking for this modern educational facility featuring films and exhibits explaining the unique geology and ecosystem of the Mono Basin. It also contains an art gallery and a shop with books and souvenirs. A patio behind the building provides an expansive view of the lake and mountains. Hiking trails are available, including the .3-mile Secrets of Survival Nature Trail which has a hard-packed surface suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Ranger-led activities are often available; inquire at the information desk. Recreation opportunities at the lake include hiking, wildlife and bird watching, swimming/wading in the lake, and guided canoe tours (reservation and fee required). There isn't any shade around the lake so be prepared for sun exposure. It can get extremely hot in summer, and when we visited in August there were swarms of alkali flies at the water's edge. They didn't bite, but be advised and carry a cover-up and repellent if it's a concern.

For me the most fascinating stop at Mono Lake was the South Tufa Area. At this location, it's possible to get close to the amazing tufa formations along the south shore of the lake. To reach this spot, travel about 4 miles east of US395 on CA120, and turn north toward the lake onto a 1-mile gravel road. At the end there is a parking area and a kiosk by the trail head to pay the $3/person day-use fee (NPS passes accepted). A .3-mile boardwalk leads to the formations; the boardwalk is wheelchair accessible but the remainder of the loop trail had mud, soft-surfaces and vegetation. Restroom available.

An additional spot to view the lake and tufa is located on the east side of US395 about a mile north of the visitor center; turn in on Picnic Shortcut Road to a small parking area. From here it's a .1-mile walk to the edge of the lake, or take the Mono Lake Trail from here back to the visitor center (1.3 miles).

A county park located 5 miles north of Lee Vining has a picnic area, restrooms, playground, and an easy boardwalk trail through a marsh to the north shore of Mono Lake. This park may be closed in the winter.

Note: Most of the areas mentioned above have separate Tripadvisor pages.

We had wanted to visit the lake for a long time and finally did! Well, it didn't disappoint! We first saw the lake after sunset, it was eerily beautiful with many shades of colors. We went to see it closeup next day, and the information center (just north of Lee Vining) on SR 395) did a good job in providing us an education of how the lake was formed and its life form etc. You can see some Tufa formation from there, but the best location to see them is on the south side of the lake. There are so numerous tufas at that site, though you have to do a little hike (easy one) to the lake's edge to see the whole effect. The whole scene is out of the world, as tufas are everywhere , in the lake as well as on dry land. (Also saw many brine shrimps.) It was highly educational, and a beautiful sight. Well worth the trip!

Not a lake you would probably want to go swimming in. No outlets means it collects minerals from the streams feeding it. Much saltier than the ocean with Toufas surrounding it. It makes for an interesting view and you are quite likely to see a small herd of deer. The visitor center is modern and nice. Its a hike to get to the lake itself from the Visitor center.

Very beautifull place to visit. An amazing place, we met by incident on our way to Yosemeti. Quit and peacefeully place, near June Lake, where we stayed. I'm glad we discovered this gem.

Prior to World War II Mono Lake used to boast visitation of birds in the millions per day. Unfortunately the lake's incoming waters were diverted to feed the water hungers of Los Angeles leading to a steep decline in the lake’s size. This is a wonderful example for the kids on environmental engineering gone wrong.

The lake features three distinct visitor areas, two at the South, which is larger with many displays and one at the North end of the Lake. Although the North end does not have a lot of displays it clearly shows the visitors how much the lake has receded since World War II. This is where your kids can really appreciate the problems of poor environmental science engineering.

The lake is currently in the process of returning the water levels higher, but that effort could take decades. For the Southern visitor areas, the main one is second stop from driving northward. This area has some very interesting displays, video presentations and art work of the lake to include historical photographs. The most southern area of interest lets you put your feet in the water and get up close to the strange tufa formations, which are great for picture moments.

The landscape is really interesting. The park officials keep the space very clean and the visitor center is well-positioned with helpful people. It's worth a stop, even if you're only stretching your legs for a bit.

We came here as part of a tour to Yosemite and surrounding lakes. The guide said it was great to swim in because you can float just like in the Dead Sea.

That part is accurate, what she didn't tell us was that you first need to summon the courage to jump over the nesting flies on the waters edge, then ensure you keep your face out of the water unless you want it burned off by the salt.

After climbing out the water you then need to spend 20 minutes picking shrimp out of your swimwear and the next few hours flexing your salt-encrusted joints to retain mobility.

If you're not swimming in it, Mono Lake is I suppose quite pleasant - with the tufa's rising up around you and a few natural springs here and there. If you're going in though, be prepared for an unpleasant trip home.

This place looks exactly like some of its Google images ! Sunset and Sunrise give completely different perspective of the same lake. Very wonderful and quite. Diminishing water level of the lake gives us a feeling of man made destruction of nature everywhere. The night sky is something to watch out for as there is no disturbance of city lights mostly. We could clearly notice the milky way, orion, cassiopeia.

If you are in California, a one-day trip to Mono Lake is well worth.
It takes some time to get there, since it's out of the beaten paths, but the views you will enjoy will repay you.

I especially appreciated the views at the South Tufa area, off Road 120: a five minute walk will take you to astonishing views of grey tufa reflecting in the blue waters of the lake.

Stopped here on our way to Carson City because I had never seen a Salt Water Lake. Unfortunately because of world situations the Visitors Center was closed but we were able to walk the paths and view the foliage and sights. I would like to go back when the world returns to normal (if that ever happens)

Mono Lake is a magical and mystical place that should not be missed by visitors to home state of California. My wife and I visit just about every dang year. It is a prehistoric lake that is a primary stopover for migratory birds so the bird watching is almost always specTACular. You can camp for free on any of the sandy dirt roads that turn off the main road around the lake (however, take care with dogs- the sand is not really "sand" in the traditional sense but is finely ground up shell and mineral that irritates dogs paws with 24 hours).

The Tufa formations are otherworldly and are a photographers dream! There is also so much great hiking on the East Side of the Sierras so nearby you will never be lacking any activity during the day if you decide to stay a night or two.

The drive on 395 between Mt Whitney and Lake Topaz is one of the most spectacular and crowd free drives you will experience in California.

Trust me, I've lived in California my whole life and this is one of the most interesting and intriguing spots on the map. GO DO IT!

And driving 395 in The Fall is the best- all the Aspens and other foliage turn wonderful colors.

There is so much great hiking to be done on the East Side of the Sierras

Mono Lake will be amazing, as long as you are brave enough to get in the water. Mono Lake is salty enough for you to float with ease, an incredible experience. There are (vegetarian) flies on the beach, and little brine shrimp in the water, but they are all harmless. Be sure to bring water shoes and have a place in mind that you can rinse off afterwords, as your skin will be salt-covered. A must-do if you are in the area.

We were traveling the scenic Hwy 395 and so knowing full well that Mono Lake was on it, we definitely wanted to stop. Aside from the interesting landscape -- not something you'll see anywhere else -- it was at best underwhelming. Plus the smell --like rotting shrimp --was really hard to handle. The flies along the shoreline were also quite a nuisance, but you have to get close in order to see the zillions of shrimp that live here. I took a handful of photos on my iphone but I felt that the lake and tufa's didn't photograph as well as I hoped. We were glad we got to experience it, but I don't think its a destination. Certainly worth a quick stop, however.

I've wanted to kayak Mono Lake for years! And this Summer we finally kayaked Mono Lake. The trick is to get there at sunrise--yup, SUNRISE--in order to get your boat (kayak) in the water, paddle to the tufas, and take photos and videos of the sun on the tufas first thing in the morning. It's other-worldly and your photos will look like something out of National Geographic. Not kidding. You also want to beat the wind on the lake, because the wind can be quite dangerous. But at sunrise, the water is like glass--calm and like a mirror. Even more important, you want to be off the lake by 9 a.m. because that's when every tourist from every corner of the world will arrive with a kayak company to tour the tufas, and you won't be able to commune with God, nature, the birds and the tufas alone in peace, and you won't be able to take your beautiful, stunning photos and videos of the tufas. Best tip? Arrive at sunrise and be off the lake by 9 a.m. Launch your kayak from Navy Beach. Wear your life vest at all times. Dress warmly. Bring professional binoculars to birdwatch (as the birdwatching at Mono Lake is some of the best in the world), bring your iPhone in a dry bag, and bring water to stay hydrated on the lake. And mostly, bring your respect for the birds, the tufas, and wildlife that live in Mono Lake, and respect all the rules posted at Navy Beach. Be a good steward of this amazing place. Have a great paddle.

Wow, what a beautiful place. We stopped on our trip to Yosemite and the visitor centre was interesting. The lake was so stunning in the light we saw it in, the water was a lovely colour too. If you're nearby, then go and see it. The guy in the visitor centre even told us the cheapest place for gas, and to fill up before Yosemite as it can be expensive/hard to come by.

Good photo op. But drive to tufas for up close photos of calcium’s deposits. Lighting varies dramatically through day. Foggy early made poor pics, but pretty once sun emerged.

There are various ways to experience Mono Lake. All of them are good, but some are conspicuously better. If all you have time for is “Mono Lake lite,” there is windshield touring on US 395, with the best view from the turnout at Mono Lake Vista Point about 10 minutes or so north of Lee Vining. A stop at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center about a half-mile north of Lee Vining is even better, offering a photo op of the lake as well as a wonderful array of amenities, including exhibits, literature, souvenirs, local information and a theater showing a Mono Lake introductory film of superb quality. For more memorable up close and personal interaction, walk the interpretive trail at the visitor center or take one of the guided tours. Better yet, walk the boardwalk and ground trails at the Mono Lake South Tufa Area located off Hwy 120 on the south shore of the lake. This location offers waysides and a chance to walk along the lakeshore, get a real good look at the brine shrimp and alkali flies, and get close-ups of the amazing tufa formations. The Mono Lake South Tufa Area is a USFS fee pay site for parking, but you’ll park free if you have one of the America the Beautiful federal interagency passes or one of the still-valid Golden Age or Golden Access passes.

Even with the visitor center closed the view is to die for. There was a bit of snow on the road but we were able to make it to the parking lot of the visitor center and spent about an hour looking at the majesty of Mono Lake. We even set up a tripod and took a family portrait with the lake as the backdrop, It will surely be one of our most treasured memories. I have visited Mono Lake many times in the past but this was the first time in the winter and it was amazing.

This is a really cool place that you just have to check out. It is right off of 395. You can see it from the highway.

Not sure what is happening to Mono Lake as it seems to be suffering from many misfortunes! Ultra low water level for this time of year is probably not outside the parameters, however the number of dead bird carcasses on the beach seemed to indicate some misfortune or disease is present. Lastly the tufa eggs are badly damaged, many cracked and like peeling a hard boiled egg their shells are coming off in pieces and lay scattered around the beach. Mono Lake is still a spectacular presence as one crosses that part of California High Sierra.

The tufas are cool to see. Some short hikes make for a great stop at which to stretch your legs. We hiked in the Parnum Crater which is cool. Just be careful to pay attention to the trail. We got lost for a while and it was very hot out! Very pretty views throughout.

We went to the Visitor Center first and had an enjoyable experience there. Good displays and very good explanations of what is going on there, including the water battles with the city of Los Angeles. Good overview of the lake and a nice trail yo the lake, too. However, do go to the south shore where you can take a short hike directly to the lake and see the tufa first hand. There is a small day use fee but it is well worth it. Just going to the Visitor Center does not suffice being able to experience the lake at the south shore.

It's really tough to describe Mono Lake to those who have not seen it in person. It's unlike anyplace else in the US. The famous tufa formations are fascinating - both those at the main South Tufa area and the harder-to-find delicate "sand tufa" formations near Navy Beach. The lake itself is remarkable, and I highly recommend going on one of the canoe or kayak tours of the lake. But the setting is what makes Mono Lake really special to me, and that's what I find nearly impossible to describe adequately. It changes dramatically through the seasons too, and wintertime can be especially beautiful. It won't be for everyone, but I return to Mono Lake again and again, and find something new nearly every time.

Mono Lake is a uniquely beautiful place. It's barren and desolate and alien and intense - and yet. It's hard to look away. We've explored on foot and by kayak and always enjoyed our time there. Plus, Pink Floyd album cover art.

A few tips to have a great time visiting:

* Bring Sunscreen. Lots. The elevation and the reflection off the water can fry you fast.
* Bring layers - temperatures can be all over the place.
* For pictures, sunrise and sunset produce amazing images.
* If you're kayaking, be aware of the wind - it can really kick up in the afternoon and make for a miserable trip.
* Don't be freaked out about the brine flies - they won't bother you except by their sheer numbers.
* Swimming is an interesting experience - like being in a tank full of sea monkeys at some times of the year. And it's true, you are more buoyant here. But maybe bring some water to rinse or else plan on going straight back to somewhere you can. The salt just gets caked on you and it chafes and irritates.
* Ditto for everything else the salt touches. Plan to wash your kayaks and gear well.
* If you are going to get in the water you may also want to bring a towel or something to protect your car seats when you leave. Seriously. The salt is intense.
* If you have even a passing interest in birds there can be a lot to see here. So many birds.

It's a wondrous landscape and one I've been drawn back to again and again over the years. The water is lower than I have ever seen it this year, but it's still an amazing landscape and plenty of good kayaking to be had. Even if you just pull into one of the public access points and wander around for a few minutes while passing through, it will likely stick with you.

This entire area of eastern California is interesting for nature lovers and history buffs. And, it's less traveled so facilities are easy to find. Mono Lake has a fine visitor center near the site of these tuga formations and offers a panoramic view of the entire lake basin. The history of the use of the Lake by indigenous people is well-portrayed as are the ways in which these mineral formation grow from springs beneath the surface of the lake. And, there's good ecological news: the water level is rising after decades of being depleted by human use.

My wife and I after descending Tioga Road in Yosemite were in awe at the sight of this gorgeous lake and had to stop at the visitor center. The displays were very informative and the lake is beautiful. I highly recommend this as a stop.

Do take time to read the signs that line the path, because they are quite interesting. The water in the lake belongs to the city of Los Angeles, and was drained by the residents until conservationists stepped in, because it is an important breeding ground for sea gulls. The rangers discouraged us from swimming in the water, but a mother and her daughter did just that. The water has a very briny smell and is full of shrimp and bugs, and leaves a salty layer on your legs, so my children weren't up for it anyway.

If you only have a little time, stop and see the tufa formations on the southern end of the lake, off CA 120. There is a fee but if you have one of the national parks passes just display it from your mirror and you'll be fine.

The formations are a short and obvious walk from the parking area. There are nearly always rangers on hand to assist with questions but I think the real reason they are there is to prevent the theft of the formations. This is a good thing too as they are quite fragile and if folks stole them there would soon be nothing interesting to see. If that seems outrageous to you, google and read the story of Fossil Cycad National Monument.

The formations shouldn't actually be visible, but the lake level has been going down for decades. The park service has been working on a campaign to slowly raise the lake level and it appears to be slowly working. Read the interesting interpretive signs along the trails for more information.

At certain times of the year, millions of brine flies hatch and cover the rocks at the shore. When we visited in mid-July, they had recently hatched and it was interesting walking near the lake shore and seeing the flies move away like a black carpet.

The area begs for more exploration. There is an excellent visitor center with several films (shown on demand), and you can even swim in the lake. We did not take wade in the water (it's at a different location to protect the tufa), but the rangers said the water is so salty and dense that you float way up in it. It's also very alkaline which will make the tiniest cut sting.

There is also a nice picnic area on the north side of the lake.

Highly recommended, whether a short stop or a day trip, you and the kids will enjoy your visit.

you have to time your visit - for sunset (assume sun rise is just as good ??). Was a little cloudy so we didn't get to fully enjoy the colours I was hoping for. Also - its an honesty system to park, make sure you have some spare $$, no change... But the national parks card covers you..

I didn’t even know it existed, but it was a very pleasant surprise. We only went from Yosemite to South Lake Tahoe, and out of nowhere comes this lake, with great views, we could not stop for long for a matter of time, but it looked a very nice place.

It doesn't look like much from the road, but it's well worth spending a few hours exploring the tufa and the visitor center. Don't miss this if you are in the area!

Really incredible with the amount of birds camping on the Mono Lake and nesting around. Binoculars and really big camera lens would be very useful.

We stopped at the South Tufa area of Mono Lake in the early evening, right around sunset. I really enjoyed how you could spend as little as fifteen minutes (walk down the boardwalk to the lake and back) or much longer, as you see fit. However, if you spend a little longer and take the longer trail back to the parking lot, you get a much better appreciation for the size and variety of shapes the tufa take on. There were interpretive signs along the path that did a great job of explaining the tufa, how they originated and the unique ecosystem of Mono Lake. Mono Lake is one of those delightfully bizarre places that you won't often come across. While it's sad that it almost disappeared, it's relieving to see that corrective measures are (very slowly) being made to restore the lake.

Mono Lake was one of the big stops for us during the drive from Tahoe to Yosemite. I'd already seen a lot of pictures of the place, but had to stop and see it myself. The good part is the view, the cool tufa formations. The potentially bad is the millions of alkali flies you will see and the smell. The bugs didn't bother us at all, they kept to the lake shore, but I wouldn't suggest running over into them.

Overall, it was a beautiful thing to look at and take pictures of for a little while and the visitor's center is excellent. but it's not a place I'd spend a day.

Mono Lake is well worth a visit. We stopped there on our way from Tioga Pass to Lake Tahoe. I´d recommend driving to the South Tufa Area - it´s only a short drive on a dirt road to the parking area and you can walk down to the water and the tufas. Really fascinating and beautiful place. We spent about an hour there.
If you have time left, go and visit the coolest ghost town ever: Bodie!
It´s like an hour away from Mono Lake

Takes a little time to come out to this lake but its well worth the time. Small $3 day fee required but its worth it. Really great views. Good place to walk and you can take your leashed dogs.

Desolation is the feeling one gets looking out at Mono Lake.

Something out of another planet or at least a primordial age.

Visit the Ranger Station just off 395.

Drive around 4 mi south to rt 120 to head out to the shore with the strange tufa towers.

$3 fee to walk down the pathway.

Stay away in summer: big time flies.

Can canoe and kayak on the lake, and there's a relatively convenient place for boat launch. AM has better conditions.

If you're looking for a restaurant, better to head south 15 minutes to June Lake.

We drove for several hours to go see Mono Lake but that was honestly a waste of time. Especially coming from Yosemite and seeing all the rivers and lakes up there. The town nearby was cozy though!!

It was very hot on the day we drove by the lake so we didn't do the hike but the stop at the Visitor's Center was well worth it. There is a deck around the outside for viewing the lake & formations. The interpretive signs were informative and the staff knowledgeable. The lake has many calcium carbonate formations that are formed underwater and become visible as the water level fluctuates. Many of the formations are always visible.

This is a great stop for those taking a drive down to Mammoth Lakes. I found out the hard way that there are several areas to stop along the lake and visit and some are going to better than others. The best way to experience the lake is by kayak but you can get right up to the shore line in some areas and take some great tufa and lake pictures. Be aware that the lake shoreline has some stinky, sticky mud around it that you can sink into and mess up your shoes if you aren't careful. This one spot we stopped just before dusk felt like an eerie scene out of a horror movie. There were a few parked cards but it was completely silent and not a soul to be seen. There was this long walkway down through tall reeds over marsh areas and next to tufas until you get to the end. It was not the water's edge but was still a cool walk nonetheless.

If Tioga pass is open, then visit to the eastern side of Yosemite is a must thing to do. Not only the crowd is thinner but it also offers a scenic serenity away from the cameras. Cannot miss the sunset and sunrise at south tufa. One can get budget motels in Lee Vining (although it's a small town). We stayed at El Mono motel, a decent place for travellers looking for cheaper accommodations, the cafe attached to the motel offers wonderful breakfasts. The June lake loop (Grant, Silver and June lake) on Hwy 395 are close by for a quick drive through.

The limestone columns are interesting and reading the history of the lake is worthwhile. Take a few minutes to stretch your legs.

Interesting lake in a relatively isolated and unspoilt setting.very unusual rock formations set amongst wonderfully scenic mountains.

For over twenty years I've seen bumper stickers that read, "Save Mono Lake." I've always wondered why Mono Lake was so special and why so many people wanted to save it. I now understand why it is so special. I've never seen anything like it. I felt like I was at a lake version of a ghost town. It would be a perfect place to film the next Blair Witch Project.

If you are driving by Mono Lake, it's worth taking the short trip off of highway 395 on 120 east. The road will take you to the south end of Mono Lake where the biggest, most dramatic tufas are located. They look like gigantic stalagmites. There is a loop trail which will take you to the shore of the lake and back to the parking lot. It is a short, interesting walk with informational signs along the way. There are picnic benches and porta potties if you want to hang out and have lunch. The lake smells super salty like you are on the ocean shore. Highly recommended adventure.

Obviously different people have different idea of how a beautiful lake is supposed to look like and Mono lake may not fit that bill for everyone. The salt water doesn't support any fish, but it has very unusual ecosystem based around shrimp which seasonally attracts migratory birds (by the way, if you are brave enough to taste it's water - the water is very alkaline, so it tastes more like baking soda than salt) and the tufa towers look rough and not welcoming.

But it's one of the most distinct lakes in the world and if you see it once, you'll be able to instantly recognize any image of it because it's so unique. And this lake indeed is one of the strangest places on our planet.

As other reviewers mentioned, it's very photogenic. There are a few interesting things about taking pictures there. First, the tufa material is light grey, so it has pretty much no color of it's own but it can reflect light, so tufa pillars change color depending on they light and the midday and sunset pictures look completely different. So if you have enough time, take the pictures of the same spot at different times and you'll be amazed how different colors look like.

Another interesting moment is because there are no trees, animals or structures, it's impossible to get a sense of scale. You can take some pictures (make sure you don't have cars, humans or human made objects there) and ask your friends to guess how tall those tufa towers are and have some fun seeing how they would quickly get really puzzled. It's just impossible!

At Lee Vining. This lake is unique for both the tufas which can be viewed here, its water composition as well as the fauna that inhabits the area. We were impressed by the water calmness and the views provided. The place is also very quite. On being next to it, we realised how different to all the other lakes we have seen before, this lake really is. So glad we saw it.

Mono Lake is unusual. It’s a catch basin for the runoff of all the mountains around it. So there’s lots of inflow and no outflow. It’s full of salts and minerals that get more and more concentrated due to evaporation and the fact that Los Angeles has been sucking out the watertable below it. The level of the lake has dropped incredibly since the 50’s. There are weird mineral towers sticking up out of it called tufa. I think the lake looked a little larger than in the past. Probably this is due to all the runoff from the extremely snowy winter of 2016-2017.

Had no idea this place existed. We were destined for Yosemite so didn't have much time to explore but the visitors center was very informative. Hoping to back track out of the park and spend some time exploring. The tufa concept was inspiring.

Your first glimpse of Mono Lake may be of a bland expanse, save for one large mound in middle and a salt crust around edge, visible even from up high. The pastels of the scenery will stick with you, however: the bushes are a mix of pale yellow and rose set against the sage brushes, the water is a light turquoise, encircled by light pink sand, and the hills are a calm brown punctuated by “poofy”, little, dark green trees which dot the hills.

Lee Vining is infinitely skippable… four motels, Bogie Mike’ss BBQ, Nicely’s diner, and a couple of kitsch shops. That’s it. But if you are there to shoot the lake, it’s really the only place to be.

Getting there: just over 1 mile south of Lake View Lodge is a turn off to Test Site road… it’s dirt, but the views in and out are stunning as you drive along the lake and finally see tufa (I never did learn the plural: tufae??).

Driving the 395 in Lee Vining (CA) we were informed about the bizar tufa's.
From the 395 a five miles drive on the 120 brighs you to the unpaved "Test Station Road".
At all the intersections keep left which lead to the parking lot.
There is a tol booth ($3 pp) sometimes with and sometimes without park ranger.
Read the brochure and information boards and admire the bizar shapes.
The walk is both 250 ft to the tufa's.

This lake is magical. I had visited mammoth lakes the day before (pristine alpine lakes) and Yosemite the day after (more pristine alpine lakes) so Mono Lake was a refreshing break from the monotony. It is stunning and the geology is really interesting with the rocks around the outside, and the black and white volcanic islands in the middle.

I was here for sunset which I would recommend as it was really beautiful. I even saw a group of deer at the lake.

These were the words of Mark Twain, who visited this basin and its lake in 1860. This area is certainly eerie and primordial. An alkaline/salty 45,000 acre lake, formed three-quarters of a million years ago, with no outlet. Lots of signs of tectonic activity with the Sierras just to the west, and Death Valley just to the south. Volcanism too. Negit island in the lake (dark coloured island) has erupted in the past, and on neighbouring Paoha island, it's shape is determined by an underlying volcanic 'bulge' forcing its 'hump' shape above the waterline. Mono craters lie just to the south of the lake. The chemistry of the water produces strange formations of tufa around the lake. The chemistry of the lake also supports a huge amount of wildlife, including brine shrimp, alkali flies, and between 2-4 million birds (around 26 species), many of which use the lake as a migratory sanctuary. Diversion of freshwater sources feeding into the lake has caused its waters to recede, but those diversions have been seriously limited and the lake water level is now stabilised. There is a Visitor Center just north of the town of Lee Vining, which tells the story of the lake and its environment in displays and a 20-minute film. There is also an old 19th century mining town called Bodie along the north shore of the lake. The eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park is also nearby. A very different environment both from California, and from the unmitigated desert of Nevada. Enjoy!

We stopped off here on the way to Yosemite. It's an extremely unique and ancient Lake. We wound up camping just to the south of the lake. Great little campgrounds. Worth a look.

We were travelling down US 395, turned a corner and wow.... there it was. Spectacular views from many different locations and the Visitor Centre both informative and helpful Rangers. The Tufa formations are truly interesting and beautiful in their own way. The information boards really are that, informative and makes the visit more interesting.

Kayaking on Mono Lake is the best way to see pristine tufa formations without the hoards of tourists. Mono Lake Kayak Rentals provided kayaks, paddles, life vests, dry bags, and helpful tips for a successful adventure. Tom pointed us in the right direction to arrive at tufa inaccessible by land. We started out at 10am (earlier would've been better) and the lake was so calm and reflective as a mirror. We paddled across the bay and around the point to paddle amongst magnificent formations. We watched nesting osprey. We listened to the quiet. In a 2-hour trip we only had about 30 minutes at our destination; next time we'll go for 3 hours.

We visited a state park on the west side of the lake. Yes, there were formations and a large expanse of water...but to me the most striking feature was how nasty it was. It smelled. There was very limited life. Dead seaguls and bones were scattered everywhere. It seemed that only the little bugs were happy to be there. I'm glad I experienced it, but will never visit again.

We stopped on the way down from Tuolumne.

If you turn right through the town you will come to the visitor centre for information and views.

Seen prettier lakes. It's very blue is about all I can think of to say.

If you are in the area you must stop at Mono Lake. Just a short walk to the lake from the parking lot to see this saltwater lake up close is pretty cool.

Mono lake is one of the oldest lake on the north eastern part of California state. We stopped while coming from Yosemite to Tahoe. Only few visitors are there. There are interesting rock formation. Water is clear and the elevation is about 6500 feet and it is nearby the town Lee Vining.

This place is amazing. Whether you are looking at it from one of the vista points, or whether you are up close at the lake front, it's wonderful.
Definitely take time to see the tufas and drive some, if not all of the way round the lake. You can also take some amazing photos of the lake and the tufas, a photographers dream!

Mono lake's most outstanding feature is the tufa towers that can be see by its shores. These were formed by salt and mineral accumulations over the centuries. There are informational signs posted along the trails giving information about the history of the lake, insect, fish, and bird life, and the formation of the tufa towers. There is a very pleasant diner in Lee Vining, the nearby town. There is also an information center in the town.

Visiting Mono lake if you are near Yosemite is highly recommended. This desert lake has a very unique appearance and biology. It's a very extraterrestrial feeling g and you check out NASA astrobiology research that is done at the lake.

We had stop by on the way to the Reno in this Area. The huge lake and amazing spot. We are looking forward to coming back again and take look neighborhood of the lake.

We did not know about this place and just happened to see a picture of it at the visitor center in Mammoth lakes. This place is amazing!! The kids had a great time learning about the Tufa formations through a guided tour. We hung out there for 3-4 hours waited for sunset to take some amazing shots.

We loved this place. We had to drive a fair bit down a dusty track to get to the car park of South Tufa. The tufa towers make interesting structures growing in and out of the lake which is one of hte oldest lakes in North America, more than a million years old. We went just before the sun set and the shadows and colours were amazing. Well worth the trip. There is a small charge or suggested donation of $3 per person.

Only came this way as coming from Yosemite via Highway 120 and Tioga Pass down to Mammoth Lakes and not much of a detour.

Not too far from the junction into Yosemite at Lee Vining so stopped by. Visitor centre about 3 miles from the junction along Highway 395.

Mono Lake has "tufa towers" made of limestone deposits which appear at the edges and in the lake. It is a very unique picture, one of the most photographed in California. I think you either love it or hate it - take your pick.

Whatever - it's really bizarre. For me I love it, also the surrounding views.

Be aware if you get close to the water's edge that there is a smell!

The Lake is Almost Ethereal in Color. We Enjoyed the Education Center, Learning About Volcanic Activity, Water Life, and Bird-life. The Cone is Darker in Appearance in the Center of The Lake.

Mono lake, a few miles from the highway, is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. You pay a few dollars for parking at the Tufa reserve, but it's clean, peaceful and amazingly beautiful.

We stopped on our way to Yosemite to see the Tufa (natural spires) and to eat our lunch (from Erick Schat's in Bishop - definitely worth a visit). A wander around the Tufa trail was a good stretch of the legs after being in the car and the picnic benches had an awesome view of the lake.

The striking thing around Mono Lake is how peaceful and serene it is. You really feel disconnected from the world while you are there. Take the time to visit and enjoy Nature at its best.

The water is a beautiful color of blue. That alone would be worth the trip but add the peculiar tufa and it's spectacular. Very peaceful walk along the shoreline.

We visited first the South Tufa spot, 5mi east on R120 off 395, where you can take the 1mi loop and learn about mono lake and its background. Many birds nesting there, so don't forget your tele lense, as I forgot :-( ... There is a 3$ per person self payment station fee. The colors of the water are intense and you get nice pics, with the Sierras in the background (go there early morning, so the sun is behind you for the mountains pics. After that we headed to the Visitor Center on 395, where you get an elevated view of the lake. Very nice.

If you are heading this direction do not miss the salt lake in the middle of nowhere. You can swim here, observe the birds or see interesting tufa formations.

We didn't have much time here, so we missed out on the hiking to the formations. Got some photos from different spots but never actually made it down to the water front. The information center has lots of information and interactive learning. It was a very nice and informative center. I recommend that for sure. The site of this much water coming out of the mountains is so pretty. I took a lot of photos, none of which look like the professional ones... but I am no pro. So, if you have even 30 minutes check out the information center and snap a few shots.. but I would really recommend longer so that you can take the hikes. They have wonderful trails you could walk on. Plus leave a buck or two for donations while there..

This is well worth a stop. A small fee to pay in the honesty box by the car park. Information boards explain the interesting history of the area and the wildlife.
Short walk to Mono Lake to see the strange tufa rocks emerging from the clear lake.
Not busy so enjoyed the peace and solitude.

Mono lake was great. The color of the lake is beautiful. The lake is literally half of it's former self. Fortunately laws have been passed to re-establish the lake level again.

Tufa are the funny projectiles coming out of the lake and on the shore. The lake has super high salinity. The tufa formed from springs coming up from the lake bottom.

The shapes are wild. It looks like a foreign land. Take the trail around the formations.

There are lots of birds in the area. If you are there at the right time large flocks may be there too. There is a visitor center on the main highway. Go there first then head back to the lake. Worth the visit.

Go to the South Tufa area (= N.P. : passes accepted !)
It's superb ! Walk de loop and be amazed by the rock formations and the salt lake full with flies & white shrimps.
Lot's of birds and we saw Osprey's on the nest quite close to us.
A must visit when you are near Mammoth Lakes.

We stopped by the Mono Lake Vositor Center near the town of Lee Vining and we weren't disappointing. The views are spectacular and the history of the lake is so very interesting.

If you go at a weekend there are free organised walks arranged by the Mono Lake Committee that really help you understand the ecology of the lake and the creation of the tufa. Meet at the the South tufa site, details from the Committee shop in Lee Vining. We really enjoyed our visit to this special place and hopefully the plans for restoring the lake further will be fully realised. (N.B. Though the organised walk is free admission to the site is a modest $3 a head.)

There is a road (Tioga Pass) that open up every year sometime in May from Yosemite over to Mono Lake. If you come right after it is open, you can see a layer of yellow powder flowing on the surface of the lake, they are the pine pollen. One can walk amounst the Tuffa Towers at south tuffa, there is a sign clearly shows the way.

Stopped by here on a lovely warm day at visitor center. Walked partially down from there and also spent some time inside as there is an exhibition worth seeing.

we visited the lane for a sunrise in september 2013. it was majestic. as te sub comes up the lake and the mountains around it seen to light up with yellows and pinks. we took some amazing photos, it was worth the early wake up and the morning chill.

Stop at the visitor center on highway 395 just north of Lee Vining. They offer restrooms, air-conditioning, a film, exhibits, a huge chunk of obsidian and nature trail plus maps & info by Rangers during the summer. Also where and how to see nearby Tufa deposits and Panum Crater, the youngest volcanic (650 yrs) cones in North America. Volunteers also lead tours on weekends.

The lake is over 2x more saline than the ocean. No fish, but it is supports trillions of brine shrimp, alkali flies (used as food by the Paiute and birds). The Tufa deposits are very interesting to see and walk amidst. And a short drive down a dirt road leads you to the volcano area.

It's an easy stop off Highway 395 and worthwhile (especially with kids) if you're coming or going on the east side of Yosemite.

We really loved visiting Mono Lake, its rock formations are very strange, and the water is so blue, great place to take photographs, and just relax and enjoy the view. It almost felt like you were on another planet, but obviously your not. Great Place To See.

First half of loop reasonably well presented, second half not even considered. As a free site, I would have rated higher, but at $3/ head, felt overpriced.

Stunning natural features.

At the last minute, we decided to go down and see the tufas at Mono Lake before accessing Tioga pass to Yosemtie. Very glad we did. They are quite unusual and stunning. The lake is very low, so many tufas are out of the water and easy to walk around and make for some great photo ops (especially with the low morning sun). The tufas in the water make for some awesome reflective photos if the water is still. There's plenty of good signage explaining the geology and ecology of the area and how and why the tufas were formed.

I passed the lake heading to Yosemite and made sure I stopped on the way back to Reno. We got there just before sunset and the views of the lake were amazing. The crusty look of the shore line was interesting. There were wading birds feeding in the water. We didn't get much time at the lake but enjoyed seeing it up close.

When planning our trip to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe this looked like an interesting place to visit. Follow signs for South Tufta and you will be amazed at the sights. Other worldly landscapes are amazing. Unfortunately the sun was not shining when we were there but it was definitely awe inspiring. Make the detour to see this, you won't be disappointed.

Drove around Mono Lake during our visit to the area. The Tufa Towers are very unique and well worth stopping to see. The lake has a very high alkaline level and causes very little to live in the lake.

A great stop on our way into Yosemite. Beautiful lake with unique features. Just a few miles from the East entrance to Yosemite.

A visit to Mono lake is so relaxing - the deep blue colour and the total quiet around makes this a visit for those wanting bit of serenity

Mono Lake is definitely worth a stop, and hiking the short South Tufa Trail is a great way to see it. The one mile trail takes you lakeside and amongst the Tufa rock formations. It is a very different and much better perspective of the lake than the other viewing areas we went to. The trail is a little ways (5 - 10 minutes) off of the main highway, but well worth the diversion.

Check it out!

Lovely lake with dark history in water use. Great one mile loop trail to see tufa. Try a swim! Amazing how easy it is to float. Bottom is rocky and all the shrimp disconcerting but it wasn’t as grimy afterwards as I expected.

Great lake, nice visitors center. Try and catch the Tufa tours to see the formation up close. The visitors center is very informative. Good trip, about 30 minutes from Tulumne Meadows visitors center.

Interesting acreage. This is on the migratory path of many bird species and it is amazing how they manage to live out here. The landscape is rugged and desolate but extremely beautiful in a way. The tiny Brine shrimp are amazing. I could not see them in the water, but when I scooped some water into a bowl and brought it closer to my face I could see them moving around. It was exciting to see something that small providing enough food for the birds the shrimp as well as the alkali flies. The Tufa Towers are fantastic. It gets hot here with very little shade, so dress appropriately, use sunscreen and wear a hat.

It is only by chance that we found Mono Lake - we were staying at Lee Vining overnight and looking for something to do in the morning.

Are we glad we found this place! The 'tufas' here - large limestone stalagmites growing right out of the lake, are a truly bizarre natural phenomena.

We found information on them locally a bit hard to come by, but we headed for the south tufas and, I believe , picked the best crop of them!

Head to HW120 east and you can drive to the South Tufa area. part of it is easy dust road. Then spend about an hour actually walking among the tufas. Fantastic.

You can but a information brochure there, which tells you all you need to know about the tufas. How they drained the lake to supply water to LA, and exposed them, and how people have been working ever since to manage the amount of water taken from the lake, so as to cover some of the tufas back up and raise the level of the lake, to preserve them for future generations. Great for bird watchers as well.

my partner and I visited while on a road trip around California. its one of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere. mono lake is hauntingly beautiful, its eeirie tufa towers- mineral structures created by fresh water bubbling up through the lakes alkaline waters. migrating birds can be seen there, peaceful. stunning.

We visited while staying in Lee Vining. Interesting scenery and information about the Tufas. Worth a stop when in the area - wear tennis for walking around.

I have always been curious to see Mono Lake and its Tufa Towers, but had not had the opportunity until recently. I drove to Mono Lake via 120 from Modesto the day after they opened Tioga pass. Because Tioga pass takes you through Yosemite, you will have to pay the parks entrance fee, which is currently $30 for 7-day access to the park.
Although there weren't many options for accommodation near Mono Lake, I stayed at the Lake View Lodge in Lee Vining, which was very comfortable and next door to a market. Mono Lake is visible from the property.
On the evening I arrived, I drove down the path near the visitors center just before sunset. This view of the lake is interesting, but not as fascinating as the South Tufa area. However, it did smell quite strongly of sulfur here. The next morning, I headed out for the lake before sunrise, which turned out to be a beautiful day. I took some photos with my iPhone, which I will attach. So...about the lake. It is really interesting! The drive in to the lake off 120 is a little bumpy, but was accessible in my sedan. I parked in the lot near the South Tufa area, paid the parks self-registration fee, which was $3.00. I walked down the path to the lake and started to feel as if I were no longer on planet Earth. The tufas vary in size, with some as tall as 30ft. While walking down the path and around the tufas, I was lucky enough to see some cottontail rabbits. I love this place! There are also volcanic craters nearby; just west of the entrance to the South Tufa towers path. Worth a look if you are interested :)
This has to be one of my favorite trips. It was wonderful! Both geologically and geographically interesting.

A fascinating stop off south of Lee Vining on the way out of Yosemite en route to Death Valley. The tufas are really other worldly and the short rail from the car park is very interesting. Really hot though with no real shade.
You can use your National Parks annual pass to get in for free. Should be $3 per person on an honesty box.

Friends suggested we stop at Mono Lake on our way from Las Vegas to Yosemite to see the limestone tuffas protruding from the water. As we drove by the lake, we could see the tuffas, but the place seemed otherwise deserted. Granted, there's little vegetation and wildlife in the lake because of its high salt content. But we thought there might be other tourists and activity nearby. Instead, we found dilapidated motels, third rate restaurants and practically empty streets. The staff at the place we stayed was very friendly and helpful, but we couldn't wait to leave.

Comming from north we had a fantastic view over the lake. It was a very windy day which gave a very special impression of the lake.

was trying to Tahoe fromSoCal and decide to stop at Mono Lake. its worth while to stop at the south Tufa area to see things up close. If you are a nature buff as we were it was fascinating I believe they offer kayaking on the north side of the lake

Mono Lake is one of California's unique bodies of salt water. It was the focus of a controversial NASA study in 2010. It suggested that some bacteria at Mono Lake had adapted to using arsenic for life. That would have meant similar, alien lifeforms would be possible in the galaxy. The research was mostly contradicted in 2012.

Make sure you stop at both the visitor's center and the lower parking lot at lake level. There's a nice, long boardwalk to the edge of the lake with good views of the salt formations.

Mono Lake is a interesting place to see and spend at least 1 hour at the Visitor Center and drive to the beach to walk amoung the pillers. Also a great county park at the North side with a path down to the lake.
The visitor center is alright, really geared to young people but has some history. The drive to the south beach is easy, you park and there is a good path down to the lake shore and the major Tuffida viewing. The hike is about 1 mile round trip. Really worth the hike. Plan on at least 30 minutes an hour is better. The area has a National Use fee to get in or free if you have a fereral parks pass.
We went in late September so the temp was mild but it can be hot in the summer so dress accordenly. Take a bottle of water with you also.

A stop at the visitor's centre is a must. Mono Lake is like no other. Extremely saline, harvests brine shrimp by the ton, a great recreational area with camping and much more. If time allows, check this out!

The most unusual aspect of this small lake is the limestone formations around the shore. Looking like corals but sticking above the waterline, they form small towers which I have not seen elsewhere. Look around the water puddles for the zillions of alkali flies as well. It’s a short walk from the car park to the shore and for a small fee, can provide an hour of interesting exploration.

Mono Lake isn't really on the way to anywhere, unless you're taking the backroad (Hwy 395) to some place between Reno, NV and Lancaster/Palmdale, CA. But, for me it's worth the drive. For those that are going to Yosemite, the lake is a short drive directly east of the park boundary, It's a very strange formation - the remnants of an ancient lake that stretched from here to the Wasatch Front in Utah (Lake Bonneville). Hot springs created the delicate lime formations that have been revealed as the lake level has continued to drop. Because Los Angeles has drained off most of the watershed for its own use (some of it restored by legal action) the lake may someday disappear entirely. See it now while you can.

These are really unusual rock formations in a beautiful lake. We did not go around to the southern end, but should have.

If you have time go otherwise no!

Very average the pictures sell dreams the realities are different , presence of huge y of midge, yes it is pretty but without more if you were in Yosemite before or you went there do not stop take more time there. It's not worth it.

I went to see this with a couple I know, their two kids and their nanny. We were all - well not the nanny who was a real pill - blown away by the tufas, which had a real otherworldly feel about them. If you are in the vicinity, don't miss coming here.

Mono Lake was very easy to access and I’m glad I stopped. I could see these mounds protruding from the lake and didn’t know what they were which is why I stopped. Seeing that this lake is more than twice as salty as the ocean and loaded with Calcium was pretty unique to see. It was a bit chilly so I didn’t stay long but was neat anyways.

Definitely a must for photographers. It does stink and there are biting bugs, but if you are any kind of outdoors photographer you can deal with that and you have God's palette at your fingertips. What a fantastic and surreal area, I only had a couple of hours to spend one evening and one early morning, but I could have spent a couple of days, both at sunrise and sunset. Watch for those pop up thunderstorms that sneak up from behind the mountain range, they are worth shooting as well.
I visited in July 2011, not 2015; the year doesn't go back that far on the drop down of when I visited for my review.

This place is out of this world! It makes you feel like your in a sci-fi movie. The view is amazing from the lake with mountains all around. The visitors center was also great.

A nice place to stop and stretch your legs. The South side has the best salt Tufa formations. The north end is more open lake area.

The Tufa's!!!

Mono Lake was a excellent sight to stop and savor the geographic history of California's mountain scape. Located just south of Bridgeport, Mono Lake was the perfect weekend destination with it's easy access to climbing hot-spots and natural hot springs. (Travertine!!)

Enjoy the abstract alkalinity and get lost in tufa city.

We canoed Mono Lake from the Navy Beach by the south Tufa formations. Water was very thick and salty and would parch your skin. Be careful of the wind. Tufa formations were interesting. The birds were not nesting when we were there which would have made it more interesting.

We never heard of this lake before we left England and we're looking for somewhere to stay after leaving Yosemite . Did a little research and decided on Mono Lake. Was a brilliant decision. Would also recommend eating at the Mono Inn whilst in the area.

Mono Lake has a short trail that takes you up close to the calcium carbonate spires that emerged from under the lake. It is a really, almost other-worldly experience.

right after passing the small town of Lee Vining is Mono Lake...awesome place to stop for the family...make sure to visit their Visitor Center...they have various displays depicting life in the past for the natives of the area...the lake itself is very unique...lots of very interesting looking formations by the water's edge..behind the Visitor Center is an awesome spot to take photos...

We went at sunrise to South Tufa Beach. Most unique natural geology I have ever seen. Plan to spend at least an hour as you will want to read all the signs along the walkway that explain how the formations are made and the ecology of the area.