Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, situated near the eastern Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its extraordinary tufa towers—peculiar limestone formations that rise from the lake’s surface. The reserve protects these intriguing features as well as the ecosystems surrounding Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes in North America. Due to its high salinity and alkalinity, the lake supports unusual shrimp and brine fly populations, which in turn attract millions of migratory and nesting birds. Historically, the area was significant to the indigenous Kutzadika'a people and later became a site of water rights controversy in the 20th century. Visitors to the reserve are captivated by the surreal landscape and have the opportunity to engage in bird watching, photography, and hiking. The South Tufa area is particularly famous for its accessible trails and the chance to view the tufa formations up close.