Mono Lake

This site is for information and pictures of Mono Lake.

Mono Lake is among the oldest lakes in North America - at least 760,000 years old and probably older - (Read more information about Mono Lake further down the page in this post)

Mono Lake Tufa Towers - seen from my kayak

My Mono Lake Kayaking, Canoe, and SUP site is right here - MonoLakeKayak.blogspot.com

Mono Lake is at least 760,000 years old and probably older.  Mono Lake may be 1–3 million years old.

Mono Lake is among the oldest lakes in North America.

Mono Lake contains many Tufa Towers.

The Tufa are formed under water by springs bubbling up and depositing minerals.  They are similar to stalactites and stalagmites formed under water.

The South Tufa are the largest Tufa Towers in Mono Lake.

The Tufa only form under water, so the Tufa we see above the water were formed at a time when the lake level was higher.

The water Level in Mono Lake has gone up and down over time.

Because of water diversion by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Mono lake was shrinking.  In 1982 it had a historic low of 6372'

Fortunately, there have been some conservation efforts and water diversions have been reduced.  This has allowed Mono Lake's water level to rise and helped Mono Lake's ecosystem.

The water in Mono Lake is more salty than the ocean.  However, the amount of various minerals is different than the ocean.  When I swam in Mono Lake, the water felt like slippery soap.  Also when I kayaked in Mono Lake,  my paddle felt like it was covered in soap when it go wet.

Mono Lake is located in Mono County California - here is a Google map link to Mono Lake

Sources of information: Mono Lake Committee, Wikipedia, National Forest Service Publications, my own experience and observations.  Mono Lake information on Tumblr.com

More of my travel information, pictures, videos and TV specials are available at https://buffalodavetravel.blogspot.com/

Swimming in Mono Lake

I went for a swim in Mono Lake after I went kayaking in Mono Lake

I went swimming by Navy Beach.  You float very good on Mono Lake - The minerals in the water feel like soap and gets you very clean!!

Swimming in Mono Lake

Floating in Mono Lake

Floating on Mono Lake - Swimming in Mono Lake - you float very good on Mono Lake!!

I swam at Navy Beach.  I swam in Mono Lake towards the end of summer.  The water was pretty comfortable at end of summer.  In the beginning of summer, the water in Mono Lake can be quite cold because there are lots of springs feeding the lake.  More water is coming out of the springs at the beginning of summer because the snow is melting in the surrounding mountains.

Swimming in Mono Lake pictures on Tumblr

South Tufa

The South Tufa are the largest Tufa in Mono Lake.

There is a South Tufa parking area for those who want to walk to see the South Tufa Towers.

One can launch a kayak, canoe or SUP from Navy Beach to see the South Tufa from the water.

For information on kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddleboarding on Mono Lake, visit MonoLakeKayak.blogspot.com or visit my Mono Lake kayaking tumblr site - MonoLakeKayak.tumblr.com

South Tufa seen from my kayak

Tufa Towers in Mono Lake - Seen from my kayak - these Tufa are offshore from the South Tufa Area - I launched from Navy Beach to go kayaking on Mono Lake

South Tufa in Mono Lake kayak / canoe SUP video

Navy Beach

Navy Beach on Mono Lake is an excellent place to launch a kayak, canoe, or SUP.  Navy Beach is also and excellent place to go swimming in Mono Lake.

Navy Beach Mono Lake - Kayaks and Canoes on Navy Beach

Information about kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding on Mono Lake is right here

Swimming in Mono Lake near Navy Beach

Information about swimming in Mono Lake is right here


Here is a Google map link to Navy Beach.

Dispersed Camping Mono Lake

Dispersed Camping Mono Lake.

Mono Lake is a beautiful spot for dispersed camping.

You need to get a California Campfire Permit to disperse camp at Mono Lake.  A California Campfire Permit is free and is needed even if you won't have a campfire (see information and link further down this page).

I recommend that you don't have a campfire when dispersed camping because the process for setting up for a campfire when dispersed camping is quite involved and tends not to be environmentally friendly.  

Campfires also pose the danger of starting a forest fire.  Often times campfires are prohibited here  because of fire restrictions.

Dispersed Camping Mono Lake - playing the fiddle at my campsite

Dispersed Camping Mono Lake

I camped in the pine trees along highway 120 just a little bit East beyond the turn off for the South Tufa and Navy Beach (Off a dirt road - perhaps forest road 1N23 - about here - or perhaps a bit east - there are quite a few small dirt roads and pull offs along 120)

Primitive/ Dispersed Camping -- All National Forest lands are open to dispersed camping unless otherwise posted. You can check at a Visitor Center for a map that shows what areas are closed to camping. The advantages to this type of camping are many – peace, solitude, and adventure. There are a few rules to follow: 1. You will need to have a California fire permit for all fires including stoves and charcoal grills (free at a Visitor Center) or free online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.  2. Check for current fire restrictions.  3. Follow Leave No Trace techniques. 28-day stay limit on any district.

Mono Lake information links - right here - detailed links I used for my Mono Lake trip that you may find helpful.

I never have a campfire when dispersed camping.  The process for setting up for a campfire when dispersed camping is quite involved and tends not to be environmentally friendly.  Camp fires are often prohibited because of fire restrictions.  

Not having to breath other camper's campfire smoke is something I especially enjoy about dispersed camping.

Campfires also pose the danger of starting a forest fire.  There had been a forest fire in this area between the time I camped here in 2019 and when I camped here in 2022.  Remember, you are financially responsible if you start a forest fire! 

I bring my giant 5 gallon water jug along,  small shovel (you need to bury human waist), propane stove, tent, and sleeping bag.  Please be kind to the environment when you disperse camp - take your trash out with you!

Have a fun trip!

Kayaking Mono Lake - Canoe Mono Lake - SUP Mono Lake

Mono Lake is spectacular place for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or canoeing.

I have a website dedicated to Mono Lake kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and canoeing

MonoLakeKayak.blogspot.com

Kayaking Mono Lake - by the Tufa Towers

More information, pictures, and video of Mono Lake kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and canoeing

MonoLakeKayak.blogspot.com