1 min
Overview
This short, easy hike leads to one of the more otherworldly natural features in the State of California, the tufa of Mono Lake. Tufa are unusual limestone formations produced by the interaction of subterranean spring water and Mono Lake’s high concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon. Over thousands of years, carbon accumulations formed the bizarre pillars that cluster just west of Navy Beach, forming previously submerged towers and pinnacles. As Mono Lake’s level dropped following decades of Los Angeles diverting water from the Rush Creek, Lee Vining Creek, and Mill Creek drainages, the tufa became exposed. This short trail wanders among the tufa while periodic interpretive panels give you a primer on the geology, hydrology, human history, and natural history associated with the area. Red Tape Mono Lake is a Federal Fee area, which means that you’ll have to pay a fee to park at the trailhead. The fee is $3 for adults, and there’s a kiosk that collects the fees on most days. An America the Beautiful pass will cover your fee, if you’ve got one. It’s a good investment if you’re a frequent park visitor. Tufa Geology Mono Lake occupies what geologists call an endorheic basin, a term that refers to any basin that does not drain to the ocean. Because Mono Lake has no outlet and only collects water, large quantities of salt accumulate, creating very high levels of salinity and alkalinity. One of the elements associated with this alkalinity is dissolved calcium carbonate, a primary component of limestone. Beneath the South Tufa area, numerous small springs release fresh water to mix with the lake’s salty, alkaline water, and the lake’s calcium accumulates around the opening of the spring. Over time, towers of calcium minerals form, creating the tufa. The California Water Wars In 1941, L.A.’s Department of Water and Power extended its aqueduct system north from Owens Lake (which the city had already drained) to the Mono Basin to capitalize off of the heavy run-off produced from snowmelt on the Sierra Crest along
Trail Stats
3.0 km
15 m
1956 m
1946 m
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Photos
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