Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is located in California, USA. It lies between Yosemite National Park and the Nevada border and is situated in the Eastern Sierra region. It is famous for its unusual limestone formations called tufa towers and unique wildlife.
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Location Map,Lee Vining, California
California Related Links
Top Attractions Inside Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
- Tufa Towers – Unique limestone formations rising from the lake, ideal for photography and exploration.
- South Tufa Boardwalk – Accessible trail through dramatic tufa formations and wetlands.
- Birdwatching – Prime spot for observing migratory birds, including California gulls and eared grebes.
- Mono Lake Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Photography Opportunities – Stunning sunrises, sunsets, and reflections on the alkaline lake surface.
- Natural History & Education – Interpretive signs explaining the lake’s ecology, geology, and unique saline environment.
- Hiking Trails – Trails exploring the shoreline, tufa formations, and nearby desert landscapes.
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Facts
| Official Name | Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve |
| Location | Lee Vining, Mono County, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.0167° N, 119.0167° W (approx.) |
| Total Area | ~13,000 acres (5,260 hectares) including Mono Lake shoreline and surrounding natural reserve |
| Established | 1981 (as a California State Natural Reserve) |
| Founder | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Managed By | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Region | Eastern Sierra Nevada / Mono Basin, California |
| Address | Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, 43765 Highway 120, Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA |
| Zip Code | 93541 |
| Area Code | 760 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Limestone Tufa Formations, Brine Shrimp Habitat, Scenic Lake Views, Birdwatching, Photography |
| Sections (Areas) | South Tufa Area - Negit Island - Mono Lake South Shore - Visitor Center / Trails |
| Famous Attractions | South Tufa Formations - Negit Island Bird Sanctuary - Mono Lake Scenic Overlooks - Sunset Photography Spots |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 100,000–150,000 |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public access; parking at designated areas may require fee |
| Ticket Price Range | Parking / Visitor Center: ~$3–$10 per vehicle |
| Ticket Options | Self-Guided Trails - Guided Nature Tours - Photography Tours - Visitor Center Programs |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October (spring & summer for accessibility, birdwatching, and photography) |
| Nearby Airport | Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – ~35 miles (56 km); Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – ~220 miles (354 km) |
| Transportation | Car access via CA-120 / US-395 - Parking areas - Hiking trails - Guided tour vans |
| Official Website | https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514 |
Distances from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to Nearby Landmarks
- Mono Lake South Tufa – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Mono Lake North Tufa – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Mono Lake County Park – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Lee Vining, CA – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite National Park – 28 km (17.4 mi)
- June Lake Loop – 35 km (21.7 mi)
- Tioga Pass Road – 30 km (18.6 mi)
- Mammoth Lakes – 55 km (34.2 mi)
- Mono City – 8 km (5 mi)
- Walker Lake – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Mono Lake South Shore – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Mono Lake Tufa Towers – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Gull Point – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Conway Summit – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Bridgeport, CA – 60 km (37.3 mi)
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – 55 km (34.2 mi)
- Mono Lake County Campground – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- South Tufa Parking – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Mono Craters – 25 km (15.5 mi)
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