Why go
The highly salty Mono Lake is located in front of the eastern Sierra Nevada. Limestone towers, open desert landscape and millions of migratory birds make it one of California's most unusual lakes.
The stop can be easily integrated into the proposed round trip and offers a clear contrast to the previous stage.
At a glance
Category | Information
Ideal stay | 1⁄2–1 day
Best time to visit | May–October
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Priority | Nature, road trip & local experiences
South Tufa Area
Here are the most famous limestone towers right on the shore; in the morning and evening, the light is particularly beautiful.
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center
Exhibitions explain geology, ecology and the history of water dispute around the lake.
Panum Crater
A short walk leads through a young volcanic landscape with obsidian and views over the Mono Basin.
Things to do
Photo Tufa Forms
Watching birds
Short hike at the Panum Crater
Sunrise at the lake
Shopping
Lee Vining offers petrol stations, a small supermarket and outdoor equipment. Mammoth Lakes is suitable for large purchases.
Food & drink
Whoa Nellie Deli at Tioga Gas Mart is an unusually popular stop. Lee Vining has other cafés and simple restaurants.
Campgrounds
Mono Vista RV Park – in Lee Vining
Lower Lee Vining Campground – simple National Forest sites
Boondocking only on expressly permitted surfaces and with current testing
Practical tips
Enters sensitive shore areas only on marked paths.
Mosquitoes can be very strong seasonally.
Check the Tioga Pass before continuing.
Our recommendation
Mono Lake can be easily connected to Yosemite, Bodie and Mammoth Lakes. Sunrise at South Tufa is one of the most beautiful photo moments in East Sierra.