California’s Great Beyond

Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve

One of the Eastern Sierra's must-see natural wonders! Stroll the shore and capture unique photos of the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, established to preserve the spectacular "tufa towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. This shoreline reserve protects the lake surface and sensitive wetland habitat, a feeding source for 1-2 million birds each year. Mono Lake is a majestic, ancient lake covering about 65 square miles and is over 1 million years old (one of the oldest lakes in North America). It has no outlet. The road to the reserve is clearly marked from Hwy. 395 near Lee Vining, California.