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Mono Lake, California

Lee Vining Creek Trail, Lee Vining, California

Description

Mono Lake is located in the namesake county in western California, between Yosemite National Park and the border with the state of Nevada. Because it lacks an outlet (river drain), it has high level of salts which render the water alkaline (high pH). The ecosystem is however surprisingly rich with brine shrimp thriving (but not fish) and providing food for an estimated two million migratory birds (eared grebes and phalaropes) and shore birds (American avocets, killdeer and sandpiper). Another singular feature are the tufa tower formations that rise above the surface of the lake. Those primarily consist of calcium carbonate minerals such as calcite that are being precipitated by the alkaline water.

Access & Transport

The area is quite remote: Sacramento is 4h away, San Francisco 4h30, Yosemite Valley 2h, Lake Taho 2h and Las Vegas 5h30. The closest town is Mono City, just to the northwest of the lake.

Instructions & Recommendations

No motorboats are allowed on the lake but canoe, kayaks and SUP are authorized.

Meta review

The lake isn't a very well-known attraction, but online reviews suggest most visitors did enjoy their time there although a minority thought it looked better on photographs. The main qualities highlighted by travellers include the stunning colours, the large number of birds flying around, the enjoyable hiking options and the unusual rock formations.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity that educates visitors about the local ecosystems. Socially marginally positive thanks to the small economic activity derived from tourism

Conclusion

Mono Lake is a biodiverse natural environment that is ideally suited for birdwatchers and for a walk on flat terrain. It is best enjoyed for those with a car on a regional itinerary but, for most travellers, it doesn't warrant a long-range trip on its own. Also note that the experience will be heavily dependent on the weather, including cloud/cover and lighting conditions.

Key positive

Excellent bird watching

Not busy

Key negative

Time consuming to get to

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility will be able to discover some of the area by car but will be limited in accessing trails

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Allows sufficient time for a walk, picnic, and/or nautical activities

av. transport time:2h

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$3
Adult
16 - 64
US$3
Child
3 - 15
US$0
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Fee for the South Tufa area

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