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Where is Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve,Lee Vining, California?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve is located in California, USA. It lies between Yosemite National Park and the Nevada border and is situated in the Eastern Sierra region. It is famous for its unusual limestone formations called tufa towers and unique wildlife.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Location Map,Lee Vining, California

Top Attractions Inside Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

  • Tufa Towers – Unique limestone formations rising from the lake, ideal for photography and exploration.
  • South Tufa Boardwalk – Accessible trail through dramatic tufa formations and wetlands.
  • Birdwatching – Prime spot for observing migratory birds, including California gulls and eared grebes.
  • Mono Lake Overlooks – Scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Photography Opportunities – Stunning sunrises, sunsets, and reflections on the alkaline lake surface.
  • Natural History & Education – Interpretive signs explaining the lake’s ecology, geology, and unique saline environment.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails exploring the shoreline, tufa formations, and nearby desert landscapes.

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve Facts

Official NameMono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
LocationLee Vining, Mono County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude38.0167° N, 119.0167° W (approx.)
Total Area13,000 acres (5,260 hectares) including Mono Lake shoreline and surrounding natural reserve
Established1981 (as a California State Natural Reserve)
FounderCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation
RegionEastern Sierra Nevada / Mono Basin, California
AddressMono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, 43765 Highway 120, Lee Vining, CA 93541, USA
Zip Code93541
Area Code760
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptLimestone Tufa Formations, Brine Shrimp Habitat, Scenic Lake Views, Birdwatching, Photography
Sections (Areas)South Tufa Area - Negit Island - Mono Lake South Shore - Visitor Center / Trails
Famous AttractionsSouth Tufa Formations - Negit Island Bird Sanctuary - Mono Lake Scenic Overlooks - Sunset Photography Spots
Annual VisitorsApprox. 100,000–150,000
Entry Fee TypeFree public access; parking at designated areas may require fee
Ticket Price RangeParking / Visitor Center: $3–$10 per vehicle
Ticket OptionsSelf-Guided Trails - Guided Nature Tours - Photography Tours - Visitor Center Programs
Best Time to VisitMay–October (spring & summer for accessibility, birdwatching, and photography)
Nearby AirportMammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – 35 miles (56 km); Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 220 miles (354 km)
TransportationCar access via CA-120 / US-395 - Parking areas - Hiking trails - Guided tour vans
Official Websitehttps://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514

Distances from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mono Lake South Tufa – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Mono Lake North Tufa – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Mono Lake County Park – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Lee Vining, CA – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite National Park – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • June Lake Loop – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Tioga Pass Road – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Mammoth Lakes – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Mono City – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Walker Lake – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Mono Lake South Shore – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Mono Lake Tufa Towers – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Gull Point – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Conway Summit – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Bridgeport, CA – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Mono Lake County Campground – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • South Tufa Parking – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Mono Craters – 25 km (15.5 mi)

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Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
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Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
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Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
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Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.