Exploring Mono Lake—What to Know
Welcome to Mono Lake, a scenic body of water in the middle of nowhere Central California!
This lake isn’t just another body of water; it’s a natural wonder with intriguing trails, wildlife, and unique features.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Table of Contents
Mono Lake—A Bit of History
Mono Lake’s rich history dates back to around a million years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in the country!
So, aside from that fact, why is Mono Lake so special?
It features an alkaline and saline ecosystem that supports a unique web of life, including brine shrimp and alkali flies, which feed the many birds that pass through here.
The lake’s iconic tufa towers, those really weird-looking calcium-carbonate spires that decorate the shoreline, emerge from the water like sculptures, creating a surreal landscape you have to see.
So, how does one check out all the cool things to do at Mono Lake?
Let’s get into it…
Exploring Mono Lake’s Trails
These are the three best trails to tackle to explore Mono Lake and everything it has to offer.
1. Boardwalk Trail at Mono Lake Park
Distance: .5 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 42 feet
Other important notes:
- Dogs are not allowed
This easy, accessible trail leads to stunning lake views framed by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.
The wooden boardwalk meanders through white rock formations and past informational plaques that narrate the lake’s story.
There’s also a picturesque picnic area perfect for a family outing or a place to stretch your legs if you’re on a road trip.
2. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Boardwalk
Distance: .7 miles
Type of Trail: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 9 feet
Other important notes:
- Dogs are not allowed
- There is a fee for this trail—$5 (or display your national park pass)
Here, you’re able to wander through a landscape dotted with tufa towers and nature’s own artwork (or maybe a chunk of Mars that landed here a billion years ago).
While this is a short and easy wander, each step reveals a different angle of Mono Lake’s beauty, with more info displays along the way so you can better take in what you’re looking at.
Distance: 1 – 3.6 miles
Type of Trail: Loop or Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 30 feet
Other important notes:
- Dogs are allowed
- There is a fee for this trail—$3 (or display your national park pass)
The crown jewel of Mono Lake trails, this path offers a close encounter with the lake’s “Mars-like” terrain. You can simply do the 1-mile South Tufa loop or continue along the longer Navy Beach Trail.
The trail, marked by a boardwalk and even more informative placards (you’ll learn a LOT on these trails), leads you right up to the water’s edge, where tons of tufas hang out.
If you have only time for one trail, this is the one to do! This one gets you the closest to the marvels here at Mono Lake.
Wildlife and Birdwatching at Mono Lake
Mono Lake serves as a rest stop for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers or regular people like us who point at any cool bird and say, “Oh, look at that one!”
During our visit here, we caught the vibrant red-winged blackbird and the oh-so-sleek Brewer’s blackbirds.
Well, at least we think so. That’s what we surmised from reading the 1000 placards of info that are around this lake.
FAQ For Mono Lake:
Can We Swim in Mono Lake?
While swimming in Mono Lake is technically possible, it’s an unusual experience due to the water’s high alkalinity and salt content.
It’s buoyant, yes, but the salty and alkaline conditions mean you’ll want a good rinse-off after.
Definitely don’t take a dip if you have any cuts, and don’t dunk your head under. Some people swear by the water’s healing powers here!
Navy Beach is the best area to take a dip.
What Else Can I Do Out on The Water?
For a truly cool experience, consider kayaking to explore the tufa towers up close if taking a dip isn’t in the cards for you. Bring your own kayak or hit up Caldera Kayaks for a tour or rental.
There are no motorized boats allowed here. You can put in at Navy Beach.
When to Visit?
The best season to visit Mono Lake is late spring through early fall (May to October). The weather is pleasant, and the lake’s unique ecosystem is teeming with life.
Summer months can be warm but provide longer days to explore, while the transition months of May and October offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter is also a great time with even fewer crowds and the snow adding to the other-worldly vibes, but sometimes the roads out here become impassable, so keep this in mind.
What Should I Bring?
Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars for birdwatching. Or at the least, a nice zoom lens like we brought.
Other Notes:
- This area’s habitat is super fragile, so take care while wandering.
- Up until 1994, the water levels here were getting really low since they were removing water for city usage. This practice has luckily stopped, and the levels are coming back.
- The area around Mono Lake is currently geologically active.
What’s There to Do Nearby?
- Hot springs: Since the area is active, this means one thing—Hot springs! Visit the nearby Travertine Hot Springs, Hilltop Hot Springs, and Wild Willy’s Hot Springs for a nice warm soak.
- Lake Crowley: Want some more bizarre and cool-looking places in California? Lake Crowley Columns is just a bit south and has some more Mars-like terrain to wander.
- Yosemite: Mono Lake is right at the junction you’d want to take to visit the state’s most popular national park. Check out all the best things to do in Yosemite National Park.
We hope this helped you plan your visit to Mono Lake!
