Sierra Nevada
How to Visit Mono Lake: Tufa, Sunrise and Kayaking
Plan a Mono Lake visit: South Tufa and the best sunrise spots, kayaking from Navy Beach, bird nesting rules, and what to see nearby in Lee Vining.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Mono Lake is a salty lake with limestone tufa towers, right off Highway 395 at Lee Vining. South Tufa is on my Highway 395 list.
This guide covers tufa sites, timing, paddling rules and nearby stops. It fits into my 7-day Highway 395 itinerary.
In This Guide
Why Mono Lake Is So Unusual
Mono Lake has no outlet and is about 2.5 times saltier than the ocean. Brine shrimp and alkali flies feed millions of birds.
How the Tufa Towers Formed
Tufa formed underwater where calcium-rich springs met the lake. They were exposed after Los Angeles began diverting the lake’s streams in 1941.
A 1994 State Water Resources Control Board decision ordered the lake raised. It’s still rising toward that target.
South Tufa Area
South Tufa has the densest tufa. An easy loop of about a mile follows the shore, and a small day-use fee is collected.
From Lee Vining, go south on 395, east on Highway 120 toward Benton, then follow signs to a short dirt road. It takes about 20 minutes.
Other Places to See Tufa at Mono Lake
Mono Lake County Park, north of Lee Vining, has a tufa boardwalk and a playground. The Old Marina has a short boardwalk, and Navy Beach has sand tufa and the kayak launch.
- South Tufa: best overall, day-use fee
- Mono Lake County Park: boardwalk and birding
- Old Marina: quick stop near Lee Vining
- Navy Beach: sand tufa and kayak launch
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots at Mono Lake
South Tufa is the main sunrise spot; arrive about 45 minutes early. For a view of the whole basin, use the vista point near Conway Summit on 395.
Kayaking and Canoeing on Mono Lake
Navy Beach is the main launch. The Mono Lake Committee has run summer weekend canoe tours.
- Launch: Navy Beach
- Best time: early morning, before the wind
- Rule: stay at least 1 mile from the islands from April 1 to August 1 to protect nesting birds
- Bring: fresh water to rinse off, sunscreen and a dry bag
Birding and Visitor Centers
California gulls nest on the islands, and eared grebes and phalaropes stop in late summer and fall.
The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center is just north of Lee Vining. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center in town has maps and tour info.
Near Mono Lake: Panum Crater, Bodie and June Lake
Panum Crater, south of the lake, has a rim trail and a steeper trail onto its obsidian dome.
Bodie State Historic Park is 45 minutes north. June Lake Loop is 15 minutes south (see my Eastern Sierra fall foliage guide).
Lee Vining Basics
Lee Vining has motels such as Lake View Lodge and El Mono Motel. The Whoa Nellie Deli is at the Tioga Gas Mart, at the 395 and 120 junction.
Mono Lake Safety and Leave No Trace
Stay on boardwalks and trails, and give nesting birds space. Lake water stings eyes and cuts, so rinse off afterward.
At over 6,000 feet, bring layers, sunscreen and water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Mono Lake?
Yes, usually at Navy Beach. Keep the water out of your eyes and cuts, and rinse off afterward.
Where is the best place to see the tufa towers?
South Tufa, with an easy loop trail. Mono Lake County Park is a good second stop.
How much time do you need at Mono Lake?
Plan 2 to 3 hours for South Tufa and one other spot. Add a half day to paddle, hike Panum Crater or visit Bodie.
How far is Mono Lake from Mammoth Lakes?
About 30 minutes north on Highway 395. It pairs well with June Lake Loop.
Is there a fee to visit Mono Lake?
Most viewpoints are free, but South Tufa has a small day-use fee. Check the Forest Service or Mono Lake Committee site for the amount.
