Tufa viewing is a favorite activity at Mono Lake, where visitors admire the unique limestone formations rising from the water.

Mono Lake, located near the Sierra Nevada, is known for its striking tufa formations—towering, salt-encrusted limestone spires that have formed over thousands of years. These formations, visible at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center and along the shoreline, are the result of freshwater springs interacting with the alkaline lake. Tufa viewing is a major draw for visitors, as it offers a glimpse into the lake’s unique geological and ecological history. While kayaking and boating are also popular, it is the tufa formations that truly define the lake’s appeal.