Mono Lake Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
endorheic lake in California
About Mono Lake
Starting in 1941 the streams that fed Mono Lake were diverted for use by the city ofLos Angeles. With a yearly evaporation rate of45in (1,100mm), the lake level quickly dropped, going from an elevation of 6,417 feet (1,956m) above sea level to a low point of 6,372 feet (1,942m) above sea level. The accompanying 31% loss of surface area and 50% loss of water volume had a devastating effect on the estimated two million birds that used the lake each year, as well as causing air quality problems due to the dust from the now-exposed lakebed. In 1994 a court ordered that the lake be returned to a level of 6,392 feet (1,948 m) above sea level. The lake is believed to have formed 760,000 years ago, although it may be a remnant of a larger lake that formed 1-3 million years ago, thus making it o
Top Attractions in Mono Lake
Explore the best things to see and do in Mono Lake:
- ★Caldera Kayaks
- ★Mono Lake Tufa SNR
Where to Stay in Mono Lake
- 🏨Aspen Grove Campground
- 🏨Big Bend Campground
- 🏨Lower Lee Vining
- 🏨Lundy Canyon Campground
Mono Lake Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: