Mono Lake
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
827 reviews
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RoP
Los Angeles, CA69 contributions
Jun 2022
We stopped here on our way to Lake Tahoe (from Los Angeles). We exited the road and following a steep path ended up in a nice area with ample parking, a bathroom, a couple of clean picnic benches, and the lake iteself, of course.
Mono Lake is spectacular, scary and unique. There are interesting rock formations, and the water is still, so still that you can see the reflection of the sun, the clouds, the mountains in it. It smells like salt and sulphur. The smell does not keep sea birds away though. You can get really close to the water, but be careful not to step in the mud. You can have lunch with a view of the lake and take in as much beauty as you can.
I am happy that we came across this natural wonder on our way. I recommend visiting this lake for a couple of hours.
Mono Lake is spectacular, scary and unique. There are interesting rock formations, and the water is still, so still that you can see the reflection of the sun, the clouds, the mountains in it. It smells like salt and sulphur. The smell does not keep sea birds away though. You can get really close to the water, but be careful not to step in the mud. You can have lunch with a view of the lake and take in as much beauty as you can.
I am happy that we came across this natural wonder on our way. I recommend visiting this lake for a couple of hours.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India808 contributions
Oct 2022
Mono lake is one of the oldest lake on the north eastern part of California state. We stopped while coming from Yosemite to Tahoe. Only few visitors are there. There are interesting rock formation. Water is clear and the elevation is about 6500 feet and it is nearby the town Lee Vining.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa, CA926 contributions
Aug 2020
FINALLY. We visited Mono Lake! We went to the South Tufas and walked the trail. It was fascinating and beautiful. The walking is easy, so this is good for kids or people who might need a non-strenuous trail. They accept your National Park pass for parking. We did not go in the lake, as we did not have the proper shoes with us. You need some type of water shoe to protect your feet. We saw kayaking groups. That would be fun! I'm not sure if all the lake is accessibly anymore, as there was a fire near this area recently. But I would LOVE to visit again.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davidtmd
Montevrain, France71 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
If you have time go otherwise no!
Very average the pictures sell dreams the realities are different , presence of huge y of midge, yes it is pretty but without more if you were in Yosemite before or you went there do not stop take more time there. It's not worth it.
Very average the pictures sell dreams the realities are different , presence of huge y of midge, yes it is pretty but without more if you were in Yosemite before or you went there do not stop take more time there. It's not worth it.
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Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montanan_traveler
montana1,906 contributions
Apr 2021
We had not visited since the mid 1980's and were amazed at the changes. It is so beautiful now as it tis filling back up. We missed the Brine Flies we remembered from our prior visit. The weather conditions made for nice photos and lovely hiking. It seemed every spire had an osprey nest on it.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda M
Garden Grove, CA185 contributions
Jun 2020
Stopped here on our way to Carson City because I had never seen a Salt Water Lake. Unfortunately because of world situations the Visitors Center was closed but we were able to walk the paths and view the foliage and sights. I would like to go back when the world returns to normal (if that ever happens)
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl B
Denver, CO129 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Lovely lake with dark history in water use. Great one mile loop trail to see tufa. Try a swim! Amazing how easy it is to float. Bottom is rocky and all the shrimp disconcerting but it wasn’t as grimy afterwards as I expected.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nandini V
Milpitas, CA536 contributions
May 2021
Its a beautiful lake with these unusual rock formations called Tufa. There are two sets of Tufa that you can view - one is near the visitor's center, right off 395. The other -which the South Tufa, is on the other side, and there are many more of them there, and you can get much closer to them as well. The only thing is that the road there is partly unpaved, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. I believe the road (120) is also closed part of the year in winter.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MHecox
Sacramento, CA179 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
While winter is not the prime season to visit Mono, we found it very enjoyable. Not many people around - we went to the South Tufa Parking area / trail. Dog friendly. It was a fantastic little walk & exploration. We look forward to going back one day and spending more time exploring.
Written February 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SGangal
Chicago, IL9 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
We did not know about this place and just happened to see a picture of it at the visitor center in Mammoth lakes. This place is amazing!! The kids had a great time learning about the Tufa formations through a guided tour. We hung out there for 3-4 hours waited for sunset to take some amazing shots.
Written August 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When are some suggested times to make it out this way from the Bay Area? I’d like to plan a time to make it out for 1-2 days. Preferably without need for chains on out non 4WD CRV.
Written May 11, 2024
Alguna persona ha visitado Mono Lake en enero ?Se congela el lago ?
Written November 11, 2018
Robert C
Petaluma, California
I plan on visiting Mono Lake August 10th does anyone have an idea or exact information on the air quality and visibility relating to the Yosemite fires?
Written August 10, 2018
You can and we have! The ground is pretty rocky, so water shoes might be a good idea. Our feet really hurt. However, the salt and minerals might leave your shoes a little... different... Also, a shower soon afterwards would be good. We grabbed something to eat at Mono Cone and visited the Upside Down house and felt pretty gross until we got the chance to shower. We actually made a video about it. We can't leave links here, but if you search thatrogersfamily and Mono Lake you should find it. Happy swimming!
Written August 31, 2018
Is there a campground around mono lake? I'd prefer one with flushable toilet. Thank you
Written July 1, 2018
Sorry, I didn’t see this question, so it might be too late. I am not sure! We went in with other up to our knees, but I doubt you allowed to really swim.
Written November 12, 2017
buongiorno a tutti arriverò a Yosemite in tarda mattinata... spero massimo 10.30 il lago da come ho capito è in uscita rispetto al parco quindi difficilmente lo posso vederr il giorno stesso in cui arrivo perché vorrebbe dire visitarr il parco allontanarsi di circa 80 miglia dal albergo per il lago e tornare dietro e onestamente mi pare un perdita di tempo, il giorno seguente ancora non so a che ora mi muovo comunque sempre verso mattina ( dopo colazione ) per poi andare nella death! secondo voi se visito il lago prima di andare verso la death Valley sottraggo troppo tempo a quest ultima??
Written September 2, 2017
![[dp]](https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/08/67/0a/f6/drpest.jpg?w=100&h=-1&s=1)
Ciao, Mono Lake è proprio fuori il Yosemite!
Se arrivi al parco per le 10.30 potresti però visitare i view point principali per poi percorrere Tioga road in uscita e arrivare a Mono Lake ...considera però sicuramente più di due ore di macchina perchè c'è da fermarsi spesso :D ..oppure uno può tirare dritto ma il passo merita un po' di soste!
Il lago al tramonto è il top rispetto al resto della giornata...però dopo considera almeno 3/4 ore per avvicinarti o entrare direttamente nella death.
Written September 11, 2017
Hi, we are visiting CA in early August driving from Death Valley to Yosemite via Tioga pass. I have seen pictures and read about mono lake and this really appeals to me. However since we have a long drive ahead I am wondering how long this detour would take with a short stop. Any advice gratefully accepted.
Many thanks
Bish45
Written June 21, 2016
it is worth the stop. From highway 395 North, just make a right turn on CA-120. Drive 5 miles and you will see a dirt road that takes you really close to the Lake and the Tufas.
Written August 31, 2016
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