Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

State natural reserve Lee Vining, California, United States

What to expect

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is a unique and fascinating place, known for its spectacular 'tufa towers,' calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The reserve protects the lake surface, wetlands, and sensitive habitat for over 1 million birds that feed and rest at Mono Lake each year. Visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, bird watching, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing. The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center is a great place to start a visit, with exhibits and staff to help plan explorations of Mono Lake and the Eastern Sierra. The reserve is surrounded by the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and there are nearby campgrounds and amenities in Lee Vining. The lake's salty water is denser than ocean water, making for a delightfully buoyant swim, and the scenic views and unique geological formations make it a must-visit destination

Plan your family visit to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve with these blog insights 👇

Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park Road Trip

This family's experience:

Activities: We stopped to get some photos of the tufa rock towers and took a canoe tour out into the water to get a different perspective of the landscape

Highlights: We enjoyed the unique scenery and the opportunity to explore the lake ✨

Yosemite to Death Valley - Incredible National Park Road Trip

This family's experience:

Activities: We kayaked through the waters of this ancient lake and saw the magnificent tufa towers up close

Highlights: The family loved the unique scenery and the chance to see these natural wonders ✨