Mono Lake
A saline lake east of Yosemite whose tufa towers were exposed when Los Angeles diverted its streams, and which a court case saved.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
The lake has no outlet, so everything carried into it stays, making it around three times as salty as the ocean and strongly alkaline. Tufa towers form underwater where calcium-rich springs meet the carbonate water; they were submerged until Los Angeles began diverting the feeder streams in 1941, after which the lake dropped about fourteen metres and the towers emerged. That drop nearly destroyed the ecosystem - brine shrimp and alkali flies feed around two million migratory birds - and a 1983 California Supreme Court decision on the public trust doctrine, followed by a 1994 state order, required the lake to be allowed to rise to a set level. It has recovered partway and the fight over water continues.
What you actually see
- Tufa towers - formed underwater, exposed by the lake's fall.
- Water three times as salty as the ocean - and strongly alkaline.
- Brine shrimp and alkali flies - feeding around two million birds.
- A landmark water rights case - which forced partial recovery.
When to go
May to October; sunrise at South Tufa is the light. Half a day.
Honest expectations
The towers exist above water because of environmental damage - the site interprets that honestly. Alkali flies swarm the shore in summer, harmlessly but densely. Swimming is possible and extremely buoyant but the water stings eyes and cuts. Winter access to South Tufa can close.
Nearby
Yosemite's Tioga Pass is west; Bodie is north-east.
What to pack for Mono Lake
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
