Tufa Trail, Mono Lake CA

• 4-star hike
• 1 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 10 ft | Peak 6,600 ft
• Lee Vining, CA | Eastern Sierras
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The image shows a scenic view of Mono Lake, located in California. The lake is known for its unique tufa towers, which are limestone formations that rise dramatically from the water. In the background, there are rugged mountains with patches of snow, adding to the picturesque landscape. The contrast between the blue water, the tufa towers, and the mountainous backdrop makes this image visually striking and interesting. The tufa formations are a result of the interaction between freshwater springs and the alkaline lake water, making them a significant geological feature.

The dramatic scenery of the central Sierras doesn't stop at the boundaries to Yosemite National Park. Driving beyond the eastern park entrance along Route 120 and you'll find yourself on the snaking Tioga Pass highway with its towering volcanic peaks and sheer cliff-faces, before being faced with the sight of the enormous Mono Lake.

Mono Lake is a curious body of water located 6,400 feet above sea level and replenished by run-off from neghboring Eastern Sierra mountains. Since the lake has no outlet and until recently only ever lost its water to evaporation, salts have collected in the lake over hundreds of thousands of years which according to the State Park website makes the lake "two-and-a-half times more salty and eighty times as alkaline as the ocean".

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⬤ 4★ Tufa Trail Loop 1.0 mi loop, easy, gain 10 ft
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The salts from the lake created underwater columns of calcium-carbonate rock known as "Tufa towers" which have become exposed to view as the size of the lake has shrunk. This curiosity is dotted all around the lake, but most abundant on the southern perimeter of the lake at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.

The reserve is well signposted off the highway and ample parking is available. A small fee is payable at the ranger station, which is also the trailhead for this short trail.

The image shows a scenic view of a lake with clear blue water, surrounded by rocky formations. A group of people is standing near the shore, enjoying the natural beauty. In the background, mountains with varying shades of green and brown rise under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a scenic view of a lake with clear blue water, surrounded by rocky formations. A group of people is standing near the shore, enjoying the natural beauty. In the background, mountains with varying shades of green and brown rise under a clear blue sky.

Tangents:
• Official: CA State Parks
• AllTrails Public: South Tufa Loop
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