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

Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve
P.O. Box 99
Lee Vining, California 93541
Phone: 760-647-6331
E-mail: monolk@qnet.com

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

 Topics
 Overview

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:
 
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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:
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Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, California.
 Camping
There is no camping within the Reserve or the Scenic Area.
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 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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 Landmarks
Within the Reserve
Check our personal notes for details about these points of interest:
  • Black Point
  • Devil's Punch Bowl
  • Navy Beach
  • Mono Craters
  • Old Marina Site
  • Panum Crater
  • Simons Springs
  • South Tufa Area
  • State Reserve Boardwalk
  • Visitor Center
  • Warm Springs
Near the Reserve
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 Maps
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 Books and Resources

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This page was last updated Sunday, October 12, 2008
   
 
   
 
A Canyon Country cairn.