The lake is estimated to be between 760,000 and 3 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America.
The water is highly alkaline, with a pH of approximately 10, preventing fish from surviving in the lake.
In the early 1980s, the California gull population reached a record low due to a land bridge forming, allowing coyotes to reach nesting islands.
The alkali fly, Eydryas philoe, can exist in immense swarms that were traditionally harvested by the local Kutzadika’a Paiute people as a food source.
The lake serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds, with some species traveling from as far as South America.
During winter, the lake surface does not freeze over entirely because of its high salt and mineral content.
The tufa towers are only exposed because the lake level dropped significantly following water diversions that began in 1941.
The lake supports a specialized species of brine shrimp, Artemia monica, which exists nowhere else on Earth.
Mono Lake is an ancient saline soda lake in the Eastern Sierra characterized by its prominent tufa towers, which are calcium carbonate spires formed by the interaction of underwater freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake lacks an outlet, causing minerals to accumulate and creating water that is two to three times saltier than the ocean. It serves as a vital nesting and migratory habitat for millions of birds, including California gulls and eared grebes. The ecosystem supports a unique food web dominated by brine shrimp and alkali flies. The lake level has historically fluctuated due to water diversions, though levels are currently managed under environmental protections. The shoreline is largely composed of volcanic sediment reflecting the region's intense geological activity. The surrounding landscape is part of the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area.
The South Tufa Area features the most dense and accessible collection of iconic spires.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the shoreline can be muddy, sharp, or covered in salt crusts.
Bring polarized sunglasses to cut the intense glare reflecting off the water's surface.
Protect yourself from swarms of alkali flies; while they do not bite, they can be dense in certain areas.
Do not attempt to walk on the salt crusts if they appear soft or wet, as they may conceal deep mud.
Do not climb on or touch the fragile tufa towers, as they are protected geological structures; pack out all trash.
