Mono Lake
A large, shallow saline soda lake that was formed at least 760,000 years ago.
Plan Around Mono Lake
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Mono Lake Details
Most of Yosemite is a tribute to conservation. For many years, Mono Lake was just the opposite. Located outside of the Park (approximately 20 miles from Tuolumne Meadows), this salty, alkaline lake shrunk by about a third between 1941 and 1982 due to water diversion to Los Angeles. Restoration efforts have led to some improvements in recent decades, however. You can take a canoe or kayak trip on the lake or join tours led by naturalists to learn all about Mono's history, ecology, and still-abundant wildlife. The big island you see in the middle of the lake is Paoha Island; the two smaller ones are Gaines Island and Negit Island. You can find shopping, restaurants, and hotels in the nearby village of Lee Vining.
Difficulty
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)
Nearby Parks Around Mono Lake
Compare nearby parks around Mono Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Mono Lake
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Mono Lake while the map context is still fresh.
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Jessie Benton Fremont
An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
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ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:
THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM
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30-Minute Helicopter Ride
Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.
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50-Minute Airplane Tour
The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.
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50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.
