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THINGS
TO DO IN CALIFORNIA |
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Mono Lake California’s Eastern Sierra |
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| By Lacey Kohlmoos | ||
Mono Lake is a
salt water oasis of the Great Basin located just 13 miles from
Yosemite National Park in California’s Eastern Sierra. Although
it has suffered for decades at the hands of humans diverting water
from its tributaries, the lake still supports an ecosystem that
includes brine shrimp and millions of birds. Aside from its ecological importance, the 70 square mile Mono Lake is stunningly beautiful. Visitors come across the globe to admire the Sierra Nevada reflected in its still waters, the image broken only by the tufas and small islands rising hauntingly from the lake’s surface. The Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve and Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area surrounding the lake are also natural wonderlands where the entire family can go boating, swimming, hiking and biking. Formed over one million years ago, Mono Lake is one of North America’s oldest lakes. Since it was formed, the lake has supported a unique ecosystem that includes algae, brine shrimp and millions of migratory and nesting birds. The first humans to come in contact with Mono Lake were from the Native American tribe of Northern Paiutes called the Kutzadika’a, who foraged the lake for alkali fly larvae. However, it wasn’t until the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power diverted the lake’s tributary streams in 1941 that Mono Lake was negatively affected by humans. By 1990, the lake had lost half of its volume, dropped 45 feet in depth and doubled in salinity as a result of the water diversion. Since 1978, however, the Mono Lake Committee has fought to save the lake. As a result of the committee’s efforts, the lake’s water level has risen to 6,383.56 feet – just a few feet to go until it is at a healthy level again. |
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 Mono Lake California |
Saving the lake from extinction not only saves
an entire ecosystem, it also preserves one of California’s
most dazzling destinations. People come from all over the world
to capture Mono Lake on film. Its uniquely stunning beauty and
easy accessibility makes it a perfect destination for professional
and amateur photographers alike. The best place for photo ops
is along the nature trail at South Tufa. |
Mono Lake Visitor Center |
 Mono Lake Tufa |
| Although it is always fun to explore the lake independently,
most visitors find tour offerings - ranging from bird walks to sunset
tours to conservationist talks - highly rewarding. Most are free and
last from one and a half to two hours. Weekend field seminars are another way to get to know Mono Lake. These in-depth classes led by expert instructors provide instruction on everything from photography to hydrology. Mono Lake is located 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park on Highway 395 near a town called Lee Vining. From Los Angeles, take I-15 N or Hwy 14 to Hwy 395 towards Lee Vining and Bishop. From the San Francisco Bay Area, take Hwy 120 E over Tioga Pass to Hwy 395 at Lee Vining. From Sacramento, take US 50 E through Nevada to Hwy 395 S toward Lee Vining and Bridgeport. |
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