Hidden Gem

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve (Lee Vining)

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, situated near Lee Vining, California, presents a unique landscape with its striking tufa towers, saline waters, and diverse bird populations. The reserve offers visitors a chance to explore the unusual geological formations and enjoy birdwatching, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

About the Attraction

A visit to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve offers a surreal and otherworldly experience in California's Eastern Sierra. Here's what to expect:

  • Dramatic Tufa Formations: Marvel at the spectacular calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction of freshwater springs with the lake's alkaline water, creating an almost alien landscape that photographers from around the world come to capture.
  • Unique Ecological Wonder: Experience a million-year-old lake that's 2.5 times saltier than the ocean, supporting trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies that provide essential food for 1-2 million migratory birds that visit annually.
  • Diverse Outdoor Activities: Enjoy self-guided nature trails, bird watching opportunities, swimming in the unusually buoyant waters, kayaking among the tufa towers, and stunning sunrise/sunset views where light plays dramatically across the water and limestone formations.

It's a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to witness one of California's most distinctive and environmentally significant landscapes.

Interactive Map

Schedule

Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Entrance Fee

Free
General Admission: Free. Public access to the tufa towers and surrounding reserve is open year-round without an entrance fee. Parking is free at South Tufa and other access points.
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