Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

During my visit, the otherworldly landscape and unique geological formations, particularly the striking tufa towers, left an indelible impression. The Reserve's serene atmosphere and the vastness of Mono Lake create a sense of tranquility, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve stands as a testament to the captivating beauty that nature can sculpt, offering a memorable and educational journey for those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Good natural scenery of the lake. Relatively big parking space.

This is a gorgeous spot! We stopped here a couple of times early June this year (2023). It was beautiful and sunny the first time, and pouring rain a few days later. It was icy blue color on the sunny day, but looked dark green on the rainy day.

There’s plenty of parking (costs $5 at the machine and ticket must be displayed on your dashboard) and vault toilets.

You can walk straight down from the parking lot or take the pathway on the right further out to the taller tufas. Photos are from the area you reach when walking straight down the trail next to the pay machine.

There are many flies that live here, but they didn’t seem interested in buzzing around any people!

Easy access to the Lake and walking path. Not far off the main hwy. There are bathrooms and a paybox, $3 per car to park and explore. The walking is not difficult, but can be muddy by the lake so your sandals may not be the best choice👍🙂💜

Wow - such an amazing experience to kayak among the Tufa. The water here is more alkaline and salty than the ocean and has such a cool color as a result. Like nothing I ever have seen or experienced. Such a contrast to the area that surrounds it. The Tufa rise above the water and provide a maze for kayaking within. It is a nesting area for Osprey and we could view and photograph them from a safe distance. I highly recommend a visit, even if you do not go out on the water.

Incredible scenery! Well worth the stop to stretch your legs while driving the 395. Tip: Bring lots of water for yourself and any four legged friends. The trail between the lower parking lot and visitors info center may only be a little over 1 mile but the climb feels much further due to the heat and wind

The lake here feels mysterious somehow.
Maybe it's because Mono Lake is an alkaline salt lake.
Located at the east entrance of Yosemite, this is a nice place with a very special feeling.
Check carefully for weather condition first all the time before heading to here

I had been here so many times but every time I’m in Lee Vining, I’m eager for another hike down to Mono Lake.
I revisited this lake on May/10/2021.
I used the visitor parking, and my hike was 3 miles out & back, with about 334 ft of elevation gain.
It is an easy hike down to the lake, with more of a cardio workout hiking back up.
The trail is fully exposed, it has a lot of sand and a lot of loose dirt. So make sure to bring a lot of water, wear a big hat, and sunscreen.
Mono Lake is one of the coolest lakes I’d ever seen. It is a little smelly and muddy but there are super pretty views of the lake. Those Tufas have been building up for so many years surrounded by a very pretty countryside.
Mono Lake is a salt water lake and at the beach I saw that some of the locals used to go swimming there. I definitely will come back again whenever I’m in Lee Vining...

Went there for photography. Was able to disperse camp about three miles away... and more spots even farther. Be aware of nesting birds and STAY AWAY. Traveled the entire area - around the lake - super interesting and worth having at LEAST an AWD vehicle. Get out and explore-away from the car.

A great place for a family hike & dogs are allowed. Such a unique & stunning place, a must see! There's a visitors center (closed right now) but if you drive another mile down the road, you can park right next to the lake. The geology & history is fascinating. Also a sense of mystery.

The lake and picnic area was beautiful. The little lake flys on shore were also pretty cool. There were thousands and thousands of them and they kept to themselves.

The foreigner's weren't very friendly. But I don't blame them considering our current social climate. The locals were nice.

We had the pleasure of picking up garbage and placing it in the receptacles while we were there. 👍👍

Great little historical stop. You learn alot about how mono lake was formed, how the volcanic activity shaped the area and features of the lake itself. How the growing city of L A took the water and now has to fix it.

It's very interesting & the tufa outcroppings are super cool. It had a strong smell, and there were some kind of fly larvae spawning all over the shore. Must stop & see... Get the photos. This lake is twice as salty as the ocean & used to be crazy deep.

Really amazing place. Kind of alien looking, but really beautiful. The lake is a beautiful blue from the reflection of the sky (moreso in pictures), and the tufas are fascinating. There are also rocks that are rimmed with salt crystals. And they have picnic tables!

This place is so cool. I recommend doing some research on this park before you arrive. If you're just casually driving by on your way to or from on the highway I'd recommend going to the visitors center first and learning about the lake before you visit the viewing area. Also tons of small water bugs in and by lake so I wouldn't let my dog run around.

Really good visitor center included just right length movie theater, great interactive displays, photos and tons of info. Nice easy trails with lots of signage and story boards. Instead of the 1 mile each way hike to the lake we went to the State park and paid the $3 parking to shorten the walk and still got a full measure of it all. Great experience!

Most amazing lake on the high altitude, so beautiful you need to see it!

Cool place, been here a few times the visitor center has a little museum type thing but make sure it's open because it was closed last time I went but it was a Tuesday altho online it said it was open.

Very beautiful and peaceful to sit and relax there. Calm water and breeze have a very relaxing effect

Sad to see the effects of diverting supply streams for irrigation and other human needs. Glad to see that now it's a protected area and the counties are more water conscious.

This place is a beautiful reminder of nature to protect it.

There's a nice parking lot with a $3 fee and a trail that goes to the lake.