East of Yosemite National Park near the town of Lee Vining is natural wonder, Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Here the crystal blue lake contrasts against the dry Great Basin and snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a gorgeous view, capturing the cool crisp colored lake against the dry white rocky shore, painterly sky and snowcapped peaks. Both stunning from a distance and more intriguing hiking along the desert coastline.
Formed over 760,00 years ago, Mono Lake is one of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere. The soda lake gets it clear blue color from carbonate salt deposits in the endorheic basin. There are no fish due to the high levels of hypersalinity and alkalinity, however brime shrimp are plentiful and unique to the lake. And over 35 species of bird migrate here to eat, nest and rest along the shores, including the second largest population of California gulls.
Ascending from the lakes surface are limestone towers known as tufa, consisting of calcium carbonate minerals. The Tufa Towers are the lake’s great attractions. Some barely break the surface, form islands and other rise as towers ten-twenty feet high contrasting against the crystal lake and powder sky. In the center of the lake is a pale colored island of Paoha with volcanic domes and cones which formed 300-400 years ago. The island is volcanic and primarily made of ash, basalt, clay and marl. Mark Twain referred to the island as, “nothing but solitude, ashes, and heartbreaking silence”. As you explore Mono Lake that burning silence, solitude and peace surrounds you, even as you pass an occasional hiker.
Besides natural beauty of Mono Lake and limestone towers, the area offers many activities and wonders to explore, including some of the California best bird watching, nature trails, hiking and kayaking. Other nearby attractions include Mammoth Mountain, June Lake, Panum Crater and the Mono-Inyo Crater. Both Panum and Mono-Inyo Crater are volcanoes, only 600-700 years old. Lake Mono is beautiful and peaceful natural wonder easily accessible from Lee Vining and Route 395 and worth visiting.
