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December 2023 by Zongle
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.
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October 2023 by Rhonda W.
Very interesting Gorgeous place. unusual rocky formations (tufa) make this place one of a kind must see. Several things make this great location for photography and birds. There are tiny bine shrimp and some tiny fly that the birds love .. the flies didn't bother people. The tufa formations are shelter and home to birds. layers of mountains frame the very blue water and Tufa formations. The water is 8 times more salty than the ocean and very alkaline so good for your skin. I guess they don't mind you swimming but not totally sure about that. they do have kayaking. We only had a short time and lots of driving to get from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite but made a point to stopping here to check it out. my husband is a vet so a lifetime pass for national parks so we didn't have to buy anything or pay. We came in late September and the water was nice but not warm enough to swim. I was hoping there wouldn't be a breeze and get the stunning reelections in the lake. But there was a breeze so no reflections ... wish i had the time to see this place at sunset or sunrise. saw different birds and chipmunks. Visitors center is nice. nice bathrooms. There is a wooden boardwalk to the lake..
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October 2023 by Petr Divis
A strange but beautiful lake - in the desert wasteland, with extinct volcanoes on one side and the high snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada on the other. One time the lake is deep blue and the other time it's pea green, it's salty and yet like sugar, dead and yet full of life.
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September 2023 by Debra R.
A great stop along the 395. The boardwalk can be accessed on the north side of the lake from the Mono County Park on the lake's north shore. It is a fascinating place, with interesting history and incredible mountain views. The tufa and beautiful lake color are worth a boardwalk. The county park has parking, flush toilets, picnic tables, and a playground with a climbing wall.
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September 2023 by Joe T.
Definitely get the free tour! It explains a lot. SIgn up at the Mono Lake Committee visitor's center in Lee Vining or online. Parking is free if you have the National Park pass, leave it on the dash of your car. Otherwise three bucks, credit card only.
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August 2023 by Linda R.
Mono Lake is a nice stop at the end or beginning, depending on which way you go, of the Tioga Pass. The Mono Lake area was new to me. My husband had heard of it because he is a huge Pink Floyd fan and a geologist. If you are a Pink Floyd fan, Mono Lake is featured on the Wish You Were Here inner album sleeve. Unfortunately, the water level has dropped a lot since 1975.It is a saline lake that supports a unique and productive ecosystem. The lake has trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies and is a nesting area for birds. The tufa towers are beautiful and worth a close up view. After some internet research, I learned that the South area is the best area to view the tufa towers. After visiting the area, I have to agree.There is a $3 charge to walk the paths, or you can use your National Park's Pass. There are two paths, and they connect and lead back to the parking lot. Beautiful Views!
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August 2023 by Ed T.
This review is for South Tufa Loop Trail which was a ~0.8 miles round trip that took ~25 mins to complete.Short and easy with unique views of tufa towers and Mono Lake! Worth stopping by only if you're near Mammoth Lakes.Short video of the hike for those interested! youtu.be/2JMLkz1hyTg
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July 2023 by He Hu
Most amazing lake on the high altitude, so beautiful you need to see it!
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June 2023 by Kessler Ramirez
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!
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June 2023 by Jennifer M.
Nice stop on the way to Tahoe. Picnic tables, parking and a place to stretch your legs, beautiful views.The ground off the walkway is marshy and your shoes are likely to get wet or muddy. The rocks near the water are sharp like concrete and there are places with a lot of flies. The lake is typically very clear in the summer , the shrimp population was low so the lake was not very clear.
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May 2023 by Jan Katsman
Mooie dag gehad hier met leuke vogels: geoorde futen en parende visarenden. Bijzonder: al die tufa's: zoutpilaren die gevormd zijn in de tijd dat het meer veel dieper was.
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February 2023 by Kai Dwd
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
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January 2023 by Daryl & Janie Brown
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 windRestrooms: Outhouse.
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May 2022 by Robbie R.
This is a must come spot to see something you'll never see anywhere else on this planet. This site was used on a Pink Floyd album cover I hear. Maybe a little before my time, but the spot is famous. Made of Calcium carbonate these towers form as fresh water springs flow out and mix with the super salty waters of Mono Lake. Yep, you can wade in and float real easy! It's a bit of a walk to the lake from the parking lot, but at least it's flat. Best times are at sunrise or sunset. Middle of the day in the summer is not a good idea. Bring you cameras, yep, lotta peeps doing selfies here.
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March 2022 by Hyon K.
This is my first time visiting the southern part of Mono lake. Compared to the location further north, this one has clean restroom and walk way that leads you directly to the lake. Tufas here are bigger and much closer up than the other locations. They both have their own unique features so I suggest that you stop by another location if time permits. They ask for $3 parking in an envelop so if you come with dollar bills, it would be easy to pay for parking. Getting there on the dirt road feels like forever but you will get there and enjoy a nice walk & view.
