We almost missed it.
After reaching US-395, we drove straight to the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center. I was able to appreciate the grandness of the lake while waiting in line to talk to one of the rangers.
“The Tufa Reserve is about 5 miles from here,” the ranger said while marking with a yellow pen the route on the map.
We got into the car again as quickly as possible. We felt thin raindrops falling over our faces before we were able to enter our vehicle. During the entire day, the sun kept playing hide and seek with the clouds.
Later during the day, a thick layer of haze was covering the entire sky. We aimed to make it to our destination before the downpour.
But, the Eastern Sierra is full of scenic sights. After driving only one mile south, I saw the signs pointing to June Lake.
“Uh,” I said to myself, “I have never been to June Lake.” One second after that thought, I asked my husband to turn right.
Well, we stopped at all the lakes in the loop and got out of the car to eat in the small town which bears the name of the area.
It was obvious that my husband was done for the day. I kept mentioning Mono Lake but he consciously, or unconsciously, decided to ignore me.
To make things more frustrating, I couldn’t find any information about closing hours. A quick search on my phone’s browser revealed zero information. Rain kept threatening the entire experience.
Finally, we made it to the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve at 5:00 p.m. (don’t asked me how I convinced my husband to move!)
There is nobody monitoring the reserve, so, I guess it is open from sunrise to sunset.
What I saw left me speechless. There was a reason (a hunch) why I wanted to stop by this place so badly.
Table of Contents
A Story of Survival
Mono Lake is ancient. It was formed at least 760,000 years ago as a terminal lake on a basin that allows no outflow to other external bodies of water. The lack of an outlet causes high levels of salts to accumulate in the lake. These salts also make the lake water alkaline.
This desert lake has an unusually productive ecosystem based on brine shrimp that thrive in its waters, and provides critical nesting habitat for two million annual migratory birds that feed on the shrimp and blackflies (that also feed on the shrimp).
Even with all the unique characteristics that describe the lake, the City of Los Angeles started to divert its water in the ‘40s. So much water was diverted that evaporation soon exceeded inflow and the surface level of Mono Lake fell rapidly.
In 1974, graduate student David Gaines studied the Mono Lake ecosystem, and he became instrumental in alerting the public of the effects of the lower water level. Gaines formed the Mono Lake Committee in 1978. He and Sally Judy, another student, led the committee and pursued an informational tour of California.
In was not until 1994, that the California State Water Resources Control Board issued an order to protect Mono Lake and its tributary streams. Other lakes in the area have dried up after years of water diversion.
That is why in my opening statement I said that we almost missed the lake.
Tufa Towers
Tufa forms under Mono Lake’s waters. When freshwater springs rich in calcium bubble up through the carbonate-rich lake water, the calcium and carbonates react to form a salt deposit, which is called a tufa. This solid, limestone-like material continues to develop, eventually forming towers.
A lot of the formations we see nowadays were uncovered when the water level dropped due to the water diversion the lake experienced.
The tufa creation process continues under the surface and, sometimes, it can be appreciated from the shoreline. The fresh water will look like oil over the salty water. When the lake is calm, new crystals can be observed close to the areas where the springs are located.
Those clouds that felt so threatening during the entire day proved to be the perfect complement to the tufa formation. Just take a look at the photos.
I was impressed at how tall some of the formations were. The lake was still like a mirror. That made the reflections on the surface crisp and clear.
I find funny that my husband was very impressed with the surroundings. He kept repeating: “I can’t believe we almost passed by.”
Importance to Birds
Mono Lake is a vital resting and eating stop for migratory shorebirds. Nearly 2,000,000 water birds, including 35 species of shorebirds, use Mono Lake to rest and eat for at least part of the year.
Do Not Miss It
This is a highly recommended place. Do not miss it if you are in the area. By the way, the Eastern Sierra is full of treasures. The different visitor’s center in the area provided information on what to do and where to go. You can always search for information about Mono and Inyo counties.
Details
- The State Reserve can be visited during day hours.
- It is difficult to find exact directions to the Reserve using a GPS. The GPS will direct you to the Visitor’s Center but that is not where you want to go. To go to the reserve, you need to take CA-120 West (sometimes called Mono Lake Basin Rd, located south of the 395 / CA-120 East junction). Then, turn left at Test Station Rd (you are going to see signs). Be careful since you are going to be driving on unpaved roads.
- You can ask for exact directions at the Visitor’s Center.
- Nobody seems to monitor the entrance of vehicles and people. Therefore, you can visit late if the sun is still up.
- Payment is on the honor system ($3) per person. You put your money on an envelop and deposit on a box. I urge you to pay your fees. This fragile ecosystem depends a lot on us.
- RESPECT the environment. It is obvious that the tufa formations should not be climbed or damaged. There are signs all over the place instructing visitors what NOT to do. However, some people do not understand that they are visiting an unique place. I saw teenagers rupturing the formations and playing with the pieces. Their mom watched them in action and didn’t say anything. You have no idea of how angry I felt.
- Authorities and protecting organizations take note. Maybe specialized personnel should be on site taking care of the area.
What do you think of the Tufa Towers?
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Lydia C. Lee says
You know what’s amazing in all these photos – the sky. The amount the colour changes, and then changes back is incredible. I did not know any of that about the limestone, but I realise now I’ve seen it (but just thought it was weird rocks…)
Ruth says
I think a lot of us have seen this type of rock in one way or another. They are related to karst (which are big limestone formations) which can be found in places like Halong Bay. Another name given to them is travertine. These can be found in rivers or hot springs. In this case, it just happens that the formations look like spires and other cool structures.
Lyndall says
Hey Ruth, Thanks for sharing this fascinating place with us. Those tufa towers are pretty impressive! It’s like nothing I’ve seen before.
Ruth says
Lyndall, that is exactly why this place is so unique. I will even say there is no other place in the world like it.
image-in-ing (weekly photo linky) says
Beautiful! What a marvelous place to explore!
Thankks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/08/bennett-place-bit-of-history.html
Muza-chan says
Looks amazing…
Ruth says
I know. The place is totally cool!
noel says
What a fascinating place to discover, too bad most of the lake is gone but what a fun place to explore and see these interesting formations.
Ruth says
I am so happy this lake was saved. I can’t imagine a place like this lost. Sadly, other places around didn’t share the same fate.
Jackie Smith says
What a lucky find. Glad you didn’t miss it!
Ruth says
A great find indeed. I want to go back already. I want to see if I can visit during a part of the day with more light. Or, I may want to catch a more dramatic sunset.
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
Thanks Ruth for sharing your wonderful photos of Mono Lake, another place I haven’t heard of but now want to visit! I’m glad that even after a few wrong turnings you managed to find it. What a special place and it looks like it’s out of this world! Thanks for sharing on #MondayEscapes
lana says
I grew up in CA and never have heard of that lake! The formations look fascinating, and it doesn’t look like there are too many tourists to contend with?
Ruth says
You will agree that California has the power to surprise. There are so many wonders in the state. Yeah, the place was almost ours. Few people here and there scattered around.
Pinay Flying High says
It looks like a movie setting! 🙂
Glad your husband decided to still come along with you. My husband is the same thing so I would normally leave him somewhere with coffee or beer while I explore the area and take photos if he’s already tired. :p
Ruth says
That is a good way to describe it. What we are going to do with our husbands? I like your idea of leaving him doing his thing while you go away to explore.
stephanie@stephsjoy says
what an interesting landscape Ruth. I’d love to see it IRL.
Ruth says
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! Glad you liked the photos.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
An amazing looking place, loved the shots of those storm clouds rolling in.
Ruth says
The clouds that threaten the activities of the day ended up being our best allies at the time of taking pictures.
Ruth says
What a fascinating place – I enjoyed the facts and information in your blog, and the pictures of the rock formations are stunning.
Ruth says
Thanks Ruth! It is always a pleasure to share awesome places like this.
Natasha says
Stunning captures Ruth! The rock formations are amazing and the reflections on the water are so pretty. Lovely set of photos! – Tasha
Ruth says
Thanks Tasha! The reflections really stunned me. I could have stayed there for the rest of the day.
Liz says
Beautiful pictures! The Tufa Towers really do look ancient. I think the moody clouds add a nice touch. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
I have to admit the clouds add a different feeling to the scene. I will like to see how every thing looks on a sunny day.
Fairlie says
It’s a very surreal landscape…like a sci-fi movie setting! So lucky that you didn’t miss it.
Ruth says
Oh wow! That is another good way to describe the place. I guess Star Trek or The Planet of the Apes could have been filmed here.
Jen says
I can still remember my first glimpses of Mono Lake – it really is an other-worldly place, isn’t it? Actually, all of the Eastern Sierra – I miss it all terribly. We have got to get back there again soon.
Thank you for joining us again this week for Photo Friday!
Ruth says
Jen, I know the feeling. I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of the Sierra. I want to visit next month to see the fall colors.
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary says
The Tufa Towers are such unique structures and the way they were formed is quite unique as well. It looks like a nice place to explore! Thanks for sharing!
samiya selim says
Wow! Such stunning pictures of these unique rock formations,would love to visit Mono Lake, thanks for sharing all the useful details and information as well 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Great! I know you guys will love Mono Lake. It is truly a special place.
bettyl - NZ says
I’ve never heard of this place but it should be on the cover of all travel magazines! What a unique place. I think I’d have to be dragged away–all the while, still snapping shots!
Ruth says
Betty, I know. It is just so pretty. Agree that California’s Eastern Sierra should be featured more often in travel magazines.
Christen Tyre says
These photos are stunning! Looks like a wonderful place. I love all the facts and history.
Ruth says
The photos are great but I couldn’t leave the story behind. It was a place that was almost lost. It feels good to celebrate that we still have it.
Lowest Room Rates says
Awesome photos. 760,000 years old and still in marvelous shape. Amazing.
Ruth says
I think everything looks in a good state since it was underwater for a long period of time. I hope it remains in a good condition for many more years.
Karen says
Interesting post, Ruth! Growing up in California, I had heard of Mono Lake, but I didn’t know about the tufa towers. Very cool. I agree with you that there should be personnel dedicated to conservation at this place.
Ruth says
The tufa towers are the crown of the lake. Even though they are amazing, the lake can be enjoyed in other forms. There are several parks surrounding it. Plus, there are opportunities to kayak around the formations.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
So, those tufa towers were once underwater? You weren’t kidding when you said the lake was drying up. Those towers are cool looking, and I like the science behind how they were created. Thanks for linking up with #WkendTravelInspiration.
Ruth says
Yes, they were once underwater. Actually, signs on the site describe them as petrified springs. The science behind the formations is definitely cool.
Gunilla says
Gorgeous photos! Beautiful skies and fascinating fornations.
Ruth says
Thanks Gunilla. I think i am in love with every single photo in here.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says
Wow…those are some unbelievable rock formations! Gorgeous photos! Oh and I hate it when people don’t respect the environment…we see it often in national parks here too where people just leave their rubbish around in spite of so many signs telling them not to.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Ha – don’t you love those ‘I told you so moments’ 🙂 It must have been annoying to be racing the rain but those clouds have really made these shots interesting!
Thanks for linking up for #wednesdaywanderlust
Ruth says
I kept saying: “I told you were going to like it.” It was funny to see my husband taking tons of photos (that is king of rare).
Vlad says
The formations look very fascinating and your photos are gorgeous! I bet it must have been surreal to experience it yourself 😀
Ruth says
Yes, I have never been in a place like these. I am happy about having follow my hunch.
Abrianna says
That is a neat lake and great formations.
Ruth says
Glad you liked it Abrianna. Thanks for stopping by!
Amanda & Brian - Eat_Work_Travel says
The formations look very interesting! Seems like a wonderful place to talk around with no shortage of photo opportunities.
Kelly del Valle says
HOW AMAZING!I love how reflective the surface of the water is… you got some great light here!
Ruth says
I guess it was my lucky day. There are other times when the sunset is clearer and the sky turn into pink and orange colors.
Maria (one tiny leap) says
Wow, this is incredible – I had no idea and wish we would’ve gone there. Gorgeous photos, and the landscape is just beautiful.
Corinne says
Ruth, I have been to Mono Lake, and the day we were there looked very similar to your day with threatening clouds. We didn’t stay long, but I would love to go back and photograph the sunset. So pretty!
Ruth says
Good to know you have visited! Seems like nobody knows about this lake. I also want to go back.
Laia | colibrist says
It’s cool that your husband was finally impressed by the landscape! And no wonder, it looks impressive and the clouds give a magical atmosphere 🙂
Ruth says
I know! At least, we agreed that the last moment push to make it there was worthwhile. I think magical is the correct way to describe the setting.
Camilla @ Summer Isn't Over says
Wow, what stunning photos! This looks like such a beautiful and unique place 🙂
Anda says
Hi Ruth,
You have some exceptionally beautiful photos of this strange lake. I’ve been there last year in February, when it was cold and snowy, and the place looks totally different.
Ruth says
I am sure the views on the lake depend on the season and on the time of the day it is visited. I will like to stop by several more times. It is a place that deserves more than one visit.
Marcella @ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
Oh wow – these photos are seriously incredible! Thanks so much for sharing. The colours are really beautiful 🙂