Mono Lake
Mono Lake Tufa
Near Lee Vining, CA
Image by Deb Snelson @ www.debsnelsonphotography.com
Hauntingly beautiful Tufa Towers emerge from the shimmering blue waters of Mono Lake, one of the oldest lakes in North America, in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada. The Towers line the edges of the 65 square mile lake. There are various viewing areas, but the largest grove is on the southern rim, with a mile-long interpretive trail from the parking area to the shoreline. Wandering among the tufa towers at the water's edge is an otherworldly experience, perhaps most comparable to touring a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. But unlike deep dark caves, the towers here have beautiful background skies with sunsets and sunrises to light up the towers and a lake for great reflections.
Mono Lake has no outlet and, until recently, only ever lost its water to evaporation, giving rise to water three times more salty than the ocean. The towers were formed below the water surface when fresh-water springs bubbled up through the ultra-alkaline ancient lake water, causing precipitation of solid calcium carbonate into these tall knobs and spires. When the city of Los Angeles diverted water from the tributary streams flowing into the lake in 1941, the lake water level fell 40 feet by 1981, exposing the underwater towers we see today. The lake is now protected from excessive water diversion, and the lake surface is rising steadily as rain and snow melt from the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range has returned to flow into the natural basin, forming the lake. Eventually, part of this trail and the Tufa will be underwater again.
SPECIAL NOTE: the tufa are fragile - climbing destroys them and is prohibited, along with collecting pumice or obsidian.
Images and location summary by Deb Snelson
Trail Difficulty - EASY
From the parking lot, the trail descends to the shoreline of Mono Lake along a 0ne-mile interpretive trail. The trail is paved for approximately .25 miles but eventually becomes a hard-packed soil pathway through the Tufa towers.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
6,383 Ft Elevation
Photography Tips
There are a multitude of angles to shoot the tufa towers - remember to shoot both high (standing) and low (from a more crouched position) and both horizontally and vertically. If you time your visit right, the moon reflects brightly in the lake. The Sierra Nevada mountains to the west of the lake light up with the rising sun.
There are additional Tufa's to photograph. The 1st set is found just south of Navy Beach (see map below), and another 2nd set of formations is about a mile east of Navy Beach (see map below). The 2nd set is much larger but requires a 1-mile hike along a sandy/dirt road.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Mono Lake Parking area
From Bishop, CA - drive north on US-395 for 30 miles until you see a Mono Lake / CA-120 sign. Exit to the right and drive 4.7 miles until you reach a road directing you to Mono Lake South Tufa. Take a left and drive approximately 1 mile until you reach the parking area.
From Lee Vining, CA - Head southeast on US-395 for 5.4 miles and turn left on CA-120 E/Mono Lake Basin Rd. Drive 4.7 miles until you reach a road directing you to Mono Lake South Tufa. Take a left and drive approximately 1 mile until you reach the parking area.
From the parking area, take the boardwalk toward Mono Lake. At the end of the boardwalk, walk to the right for about 350 yards (through a series of footpaths) until you reach a small beach area.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 47 mm
Exposure – 1/8 th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 4th
Time – 6:25 pm
Other Images From This Location
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Sunrise, Early morning, Late afternoon, Sunset
You can shoot here at any time of day, but for great light and great color in the sky, sunrise and Sunset are the best times. You are more likely to get crystal clear reflections in the lake at sunrise—afternoons and evenings can be windy. Pre-dawn and after Sunset provide opportunities for silhouettes of the Tufa towers.
Best Time of Year
Summer, Fall
The lake is accessible all year round from Highway 395. However, foot access depends heavily on the lake level and the amount of rain/snow melt, so winter and early spring may be the best times to avoid. Naturalists lead guided walks at the South Tufa Area Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Lens(es) Needed
You will need 24mm-105mm or similar.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
A permit is required, and payment can be made at either the visitors center or the kiosk at the South Tufa viewing area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is west by northeast around 60°.
Equipment Needed
There is no shade, so wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and drink water.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
It depends entirely on the time of year—in the fall, expect about 20-30 people, including tourists and photographers.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty at this location.
Area Guides and Workshops
None