Mono Lake, California
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Mono Lake - by Ngo Hai Anh on Google
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.
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
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:2h
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo