Location Profile: Mono Lake

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

Mono Lake is one of the most beautiful and unique lakes in California, situated at the edge of the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada mountains. It is estimated to be more than a million years old and one of the oldest lakes in North America. 

Mono Lake, Old Marina, Winter
 

What is Mono Lake?

Mono is an alkaline lake with a pH of 9.8 and is two to three times as salty as the ocean. This is in part due to the lack of outflow channels from the lake so water escapes through evaporation, leaving salts and minerals behind. The high alkaline and salt make the lake feel like soapy water. Although the lake does not contain any fish, it has trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies that support millions of migratory birds each year. 

The lake is famous for it's limestone tufa towers, which are formed when underwater freshwater springs mix with the alkaline lake water. These are a big attraction for photographers but also serve as habitat for birds such as Osprey and owls. 

Mono Lake covers about 60 square miles, and is managed by California State Parks. 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Fall

Quick Facts

• The Visitor center is located just off Highway 395, north of Lee Vining and includes a variety of exhibits about the natural and human history of the Mono Basin. 
• Lake access includes:
  • ​​​​​County Park - off US Highway 395, has picnic tables and is within walking distance of Mono Lake and small Tufa towers. An easy trail and boardwalk lead to the lake. 
  • Old Marina - is one of the easiest spots to get a quick glimpse at Mono Lake. Located just off Highway 395, Old Marina houses several large Tufa Towers as well as an astounding view of Mono Lake's large islands.
  • South Tufa - receives thousands of visitors annually and is one of the largest Tufa groves on the lake. Bird watching is prime here. Take a self-guided tour through the Tufa Towers. 
  • Navy Beach - is the best locale for launching kayaks and canoes. It is connected to the South Tufa Area by a short trail, where there is additional parking. Navy Beach is south of Lee Vining off U.S. 395.
• Entrance fee is $3.00 at the South Tufa area
• The closest town is Lee Vining which offers services: restaurants, lodging, camping, gasoline, food, general store, kayak rentals
• Reliable cell phone reception in the Lee Vining area

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Winter

When is a good time to visit?

Winter: (December - March) is a particularly beautiful time at Mono Lake. The crowds are gone, a quiet stillness prevails, and snow crystals sparkle on the tufa towers. The road to South Tufa is kept plowed, when staffing permits, allowing year round access except immediately after large storms. 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Winter

Spring: (April-May) The area is still quiet and all the creeks flowing into the lake are full from the recent snow melts. The shores of the lake are green and speckled with the first wildflowers of the season. The weather can be changeable at this time of year. 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Spring

Summer: (June-August) is the busiest time of year. Not only is the lake a popular destination for travelers, but also for the birds. The Mono Basin is home to millions of birds representing over 300 species. The South tufa area is the best place to visit if you have time for only one stop. The natural history of the lake is described and explained in a one-mile self-guided nature trail . 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Summer

Fall: (September-November), the crowds have begun to thin and the trees have begun to turn. Fall is an excellent time to visit not only the lake but the surrounding areas for fall color. 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Fall

Where is this park?

Highway 395, 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, near the town of Lee Vining, California. Other nearby attractions are:

• Yosemite National Park (east access closed in winter) 
• Bodie State Historic Park
• June Lake Loop (excellent for fall color) 
• Panum Crater (hike)
• Black Point Fissures (hike)

Mono Lake, Navy Beach, Summer

Why should I visit?

Hiking, photography, bird watching, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing. 

Mono Lake, South Tufa, Spring

I hope you enjoyed this post. To see more of my Mono Lake images, check out the gallery here.