Mono Lake
Mono Lake, at an elevation of 6,382 feet has held water for over 760,000 years. Of
volcanic
origins,
Mono Lake covers an area of a little over 45,000 acres and is about 160 feet at its deepest
point. The lake is too
alkaline
for fish to live, but supports an abundance of birds
living on alkali flies, which in turn live off brine shrimp, which feed on algae growing in the
water which is approximately 3 times saltier than the ocean.
The reserve was established to preserve the spectacular "tufa
towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed
by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.
Geology
For the last three to four million years the whole basin has been tilting westward and sinking while the Sierra has been ...
An Ancient Sea
And it is an ancient lake, (about 760,000 years old) -- One of the oldest lakes in ...
Tufa
Mono Lake's tufa towers (pronounced "toofah") are spectacular examples of what nature can do with a few ...
Wildlife
Mono has been called a "dead sea" but it actually abounds with life. Few animals can tolerate Mono's salty, alkaline water, but ...
Regional Information
Geomorphic Provinces
California's geomorphic provinces are naturally defined geologic regions that display a distinct landscape or landform.
Basin & Range
The province is characterized by interior drainage with lakes and playas, ...
Sierra Nevada
Ecosystem Information
Mono Ecosection
Outdoor Activities
Location/Directions
Highway 395, 13 miles east of
Yosemite National Park,
near the town of Lee Vining, California.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Winter 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, allowing year round access except immediately after large storms.
South Tufa, Old Marina, and the State Reserve boardwalk below the Mono Lake County Park are all wonderful places to
cross-country ski when snow conditions permit.
More examples of tufa "towers", can be seen at
Trona Pinnacles National Natural Landmark
Mono Lake Satellite Image