Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is located at the eastern entrance to Yosemite. It lies just north of Lee Vining on Highway 395. This surreal, saline lake is famed for its towering tufa formations, sparkling alkaline waters and vital habitat on the migratory bird highway—offering a stark yet enchanting contrast to the high Sierra backdrop.
What Makes Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Unique
Mono Lake is a rare alpine soda lake—nearly three times saltier and extremely alkaline. Here, calcium-rich springs interact with carbonate waters, creating ethereal tufa towers ranging from delicate spires to 30-foot monoliths. The park preserves these geological sculptures, wetlands and shoreline ecosystems that support millions of migratory birds each year.
Top Activities & Amenities
🥾 Hiking Trails & Interpretive Exhibits
A one-mile ADA-accessible self-guided loop walks through the tufa formations at South Tufa, with interpretive panels explaining geology and ecology. The boardwalk trail at Mono Lake County Park reveals wetland and marsh habitats, and a scenic 1.2-mile connector trail links the Visitor Center to the Old Marina shoreline.
🦅 Guided Tours & Bird Watching
From May to October, park naturalists lead guided walks at South Tufa. County Park offers 1.5–2‑hour birding tours through willow and sage scrub habitats. Expect to see eared grebes, phalaropes, snowy plovers and nesting California gulls.
📸 Photography & Scenic Views
Sunrise and sunset are magical—glass-like reflections of tufa spires and Sierra peaks create photographer’s dreamscapes. Night photographers can capture star-filled skies and milky way arcs silhouetted against the towers.
📚 Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center—just off Highway 395—features exhibits, films and friendly staff ready to recommend trails, programs and current conditions. A small gift shop offers maps, books and regional souvenirs.
🚻 Restrooms & Parking
Clean restrooms are available at South Tufa, the visitor center and County Park. Large parking lots at each access point accommodate cars and trailers—but the South Tufa parking area may fill by mid‑morning during peak season.
Visitor Tips
- Entrance Fee: South Tufa and Old Marina charge $3/person (under-18 free); America the Beautiful pass accepted. County Park boardwalk is free.
- Pets: Dogs allowed only on lake-edge trails south of the official reserve; prohibited on boardwalks and tufa areas—check signage.
- Trails: Stay on trails and boardwalks—tufas are fragile and erosion-sensitive.
- Safety: Wear layers and sun protection—winds can surge quickly. Bring water and sturdy footwear for shallow water walks.
- Reservations: Guided tours often require advance booking through Mono Lake Committee, especially during summer weekends.
- Restoration Areas: Sensitive wetlands may be closed to visitors during nesting season—observe all posted closures.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit at dawn in late spring or early fall. At this time, you can catch the tufa towers glowing in soft light. The glassy water reflects these and migratory birds are silhouetted mid-lake. After sunrise, walk the boardwalk through the cottonwood fringes for peaceful bird encounters. For a lesser-known gem, follow South Tufa’s shore path toward Navy Beach—there you’ll find quiet, tufa‑lined coves perfect for contemplative breaks or reflective photos, often missed by midday crowds. Keep a camera ready—Mono Lake’s mystery is best captured when you least expect it.