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Camp > Destinations > California > Mono Lake

Mono Lake, California.Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve 
Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area

Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve
P.O. Box 99; Lee Vining, California 93541
Phone: 760-647-6331 | E-mail

Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area
Mono Basin Visitor Center
P.O. Box 429; Lee Vining, California 93541
Phone: 760-873-2408 x 5.

 


Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve consists of those State-owned lake bed lands below the elevation of 6,417 feet above sea level. The Reserve was established in 1982 to preserve the spectacular tufa formations and other natural features of Mono Lake.

The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area was designated by Congress in 1984 to protect the natural, cultural, and scenic resources of the Mono Basin. The Scenic Area encompasses 116,000 acres and includes the Mono Basin Visitor Center in Lee Vining. The Mono Basin Scenic Area was the first of its kind in the National Forest System. California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service work cooperatively to manage the public lands around Mono Lake.


Area: 116,000 acres
Elevation: 6,417 feet
Fees: N/A
Hours: N/A
Visitor Center: Yes
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, trails.
Directions:
Coordinates: Map Coordinates (NAD83): 38 0.98N; 119 8.52W.
Weather:
 
Click for Mammoth Lakes, California Forecast
Regulations:
  • Tufa may not be damaged or collected anywhere in the Mono Basin.
  • Contact the Scenic Area Visitor Center about snowmobiling areas.
  • Campfire permits are required outside of campgrounds for all campfires, barbecues, and stove except portable stoves in designated parking lots.
  • In order to protect nesting birds, all visitors are required to remain at least one mile away from Paoha and Negit Islands and the islets between April 1 and August 1.
  • See US Forest Service Restrictions and Regulations.
  • See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry.
  • See Encountering Wild Animals.
Precautions:

Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, California.

Camping

There is no camping within the Reserve or the Scenic Area.

Hiking

There are several very short nature trails at various points around the lake, most notably in the South Tufa Area. Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions.

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Site design by Frank Stehno
All photographs by Frank Stehno unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © 2012 by Frank and Anne Stehno. All rights reserved.