Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve - California

Address:Lee Vining, California

Mono Lake covers 65 square miles and is over 1 million years old. Filled with salts and minerals from nearby streams, the lake spawned tufa flowers, or calcium carbonate spires and knobs, which were formed by the alkaline water and minerals. Today, winter park-goers can see snow crystals sparkle on the tufa flowers and enjoy the quiet of the lake all year. Both tours and interpretive programs are available here as well as a spooky moonlight walk in October. Hiking, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing are also enjoyed by park visitors, as well as camping in the forest area.

The reserve was established to preserve the spectacular "tufa towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.