Mono Lake is 760,000 years old and fed by small creeks that flow into a closed basin. With no outlet salt builds up in the lake. This high salinity makes the lake uninhabitable for fish but the lake's microscopic algae support an enormous number of brine shrimp and alkali flies which in turn fed migratory shore birds and regional nesting birds.
But the coolest thing about the lake are the tufa towers created by dissolved calcium bubbling out of the underwater springs and combining with the carbonate rich lake water to form limestone. As the lake water receded, due to thousands of years of climate change and more recent diversions to supply Los Angles with water, the underwater towers were exposed.
The small visitor center has exhibits on the formation of the towers, the ecology of the lake, and the human history in the area. The theater features a short film. The center sits on a hill with good views of the lake.
The center is accessible. The trails are not accessible.
One of the parking lots is signed for RVs. Look for the concrete walkthrough paths to easily get to the center entrance or park in the main lot if it's not busy. Center 37.96595, -119.12048
Thanks for this post. I watch you now and then, when you are off to places I will never visit I tune ya out. I almost missed this one. I live in NC Washington and just got back from a 3 week fun trip: Wa.-Id.-Mt.-back to Craters of the Moon and then Three Island Crossing State Park. Then Oregon and back home for a dental tune-up. My next trip is to Vantage Wa. to finally see the Meteor Shower with no moon, and the best site with no close campers. (screaming dogs and barking Rugrats)
ReplyDeletePersoids.. I'll have to pay more attention to your posts.
Too hot to now Head towards Death Valley...Eh?
Safe Travels, and Take Care!
And I missed your comment! Sorry about the late reply. Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California are all so beautiful and you'll never run out of things to see and places to go. Hope you have a good view of the meteor shower!
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