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Hiking trails & Routes

Mono County

Lee Vining

Mono Lake Trail

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Mono County

Lee Vining

Mono Lake Trail

Easy

hikers

Mono Lake Trail

Q: What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail is generally flat and consists of hard-packed native soil. There are also sections with a boardwalk, particularly through wetlands leading to the lake shore. It's considered very easy and accessible.

Q: What unique features can I see along the route?

The most striking features are the spectacular tufa towers , calcium-carbonate spires formed by the lake's unique chemistry. You'll also enjoy panoramic views of Mono Lake and the surrounding high desert, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. The trail passes near the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve and the Mono Lake Shoreline .

Q: Is this trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it is very suitable for beginners and families. The trail is rated as very easy, with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for all skill levels and fitness levels. It's a great introductory hike.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Mono Lake Trail?

Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and excellent opportunities for bird watching, as millions of migratory birds visit the lake. Summer is also popular, but can be hot. For photographers, sunrise and sunset provide stunning light on the tufa towers and lake.

Q: Where can I park and access the trailhead?

Parking is available at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center or directly at the South Tufa area. The trail is easily accessible from these points.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are generally not permitted on the South Tufa Trail or within the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to protect the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife. Please check official park regulations for specific areas where dogs might be allowed on leash.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee?

Yes, there is a small entrance fee required to access the South Tufa area of the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve . This fee helps maintain the facilities and protect the natural environment. You can find current fee information on the official California State Parks website.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Mono Lake is home to a unique ecosystem. You'll likely see vast numbers of alkali flies and brine shrimp, which are the primary food source for millions of migratory birds, including California gulls. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Q: Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Mono Lake Trail and near the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center. Other nearby areas include Lee Vining Creek Community and Lee Vining Creek Delta.

Q: Is the Mono Lake Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?

The specific 'Mono Lake Trail' described here is primarily an out-and-back route, featuring a boardwalk section. However, the popular South Tufa area within the reserve offers a short, easy loop trail around the tufa formations.

01:20

4.76km

100m

Hiking

Hike the easy 3.0-mile Mono Lake Trail to explore otherworldly tufa towers and panoramic views of Mono Lake in the Mono Lake Tufa State Natu

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Inyo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

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52 m

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Highlight • Lake

The reserve was established to preserve the spectacular "tufa towers," calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. It also protects the lake surface itself as well as the wetlands and other sensitive habitat for the 1 – 2 million birds that feed and rest at Mono Lake each year. Hiking, photography, bird watching, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing are popular in and around the lake.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514

Tip by

177 m

Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

Central visitor center serving the entire Mono Basin area. Usually closed in winter (Dec-Mar) with great info about Mono Lake, permits, and the trails in the adjacent Sierra Valleys between Tahoe, Yosemite, and Bishop.
Displays explain the unique biology of the salty, alcaline water, the purchase of all water rights of the valley by the water-hungry city of Los Angeles and the drastic dropping of lake water levels after completion of the celebrated Mulholland system of canals and pipe tunnels that dried out the lake and the entire Owens valley downstream in favor of the far-away metropolis. Legal battles led to small compromises in the 1990s to raise lake levels slightly and keep minimal water for local use, but it is far from sufficient to restore the damaged natural balance.

Tip by

1.29 km

Shepherds' Mono Tufa Cave

Highlight • Cave

Cool cave carved into the soft volcanic tufa rock near Mono Lake as shelter by shepherds grazing their livestock here in the last century.

Tip by

2.47 km

Mono Lake Shoreline

Highlight • Lake

From the parking lot on "Picnic Shortcut Road," here is the shortest walk to get to the shores of Lake Mono. Some activities usually enjoyed around this area are not only hiking but also photography, bird watching, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing.

Tip by

4.76 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.62 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.84 km

609 m

200 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 18 May

13°C

-3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail is generally flat and consists of hard-packed native soil. There are also sections with a boardwalk, particularly through wetlands leading to the lake shore. It's considered very easy and accessible.

What unique features can I see along the route?

The most striking features are the spectacular tufa towers, calcium-carbonate spires formed by the lake's unique chemistry. You'll also enjoy panoramic views of Mono Lake and the surrounding high desert, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. The trail passes near the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve and the Mono Lake Shoreline.

Is this trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it is very suitable for beginners and families. The trail is rated as very easy, with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for all skill levels and fitness levels. It's a great introductory hike.

What is the best time of year to visit Mono Lake Trail?

Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and excellent opportunities for bird watching, as millions of migratory birds visit the lake. Summer is also popular, but can be hot. For photographers, sunrise and sunset provide stunning light on the tufa towers and lake.

Where can I park and access the trailhead?

Parking is available at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center or directly at the South Tufa area. The trail is easily accessible from these points.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dogs are generally not permitted on the South Tufa Trail or within the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to protect the sensitive ecosystem and wildlife. Please check official park regulations for specific areas where dogs might be allowed on leash.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee?

Yes, there is a small entrance fee required to access the South Tufa area of the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. This fee helps maintain the facilities and protect the natural environment. You can find current fee information on the official California State Parks website.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Mono Lake is home to a unique ecosystem. You'll likely see vast numbers of alkali flies and brine shrimp, which are the primary food source for millions of migratory birds, including California gulls. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Mono Lake Trail and near the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center. Other nearby areas include Lee Vining Creek Community and Lee Vining Creek Delta.

Is the Mono Lake Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?

The specific 'Mono Lake Trail' described here is primarily an out-and-back route, featuring a boardwalk section. However, the popular South Tufa area within the reserve offers a short, easy loop trail around the tufa formations.

What's an insider tip for visiting the tufa towers?

For the most dramatic views and photography opportunities, plan your visit for either sunrise or sunset. The light reflecting off the tufa towers and the lake creates an 'otherworldly experience' that is truly unforgettable.