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South Tufa

South Tufa at Mono Lake

Inyo National Forest – Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area

Step into a landscape like no other—where limestone towers rise from salty waters, looking like something out of a sci-fi film or a Dr. Seuss story. These tufa towers are the result of freshwater springs mixing with Mono Lake’s salty, alkaline water. You’ll find the highest concentration of them along the South Tufa Interpretive Trail.

37°56'19.4"N 119°01'37.1"W (37.938603592061654, -119.02717603506288)

Mono Lake: Almost 3x Saltier Than the Ocean

Mono Lake's water is nearly three times saltier than the ocean and feels slippery, like soap due to the high alkalinity (pH~10). It’s easy to float! Bring goggles to protect your eyes and fresh water to rinse off afterward.

Explore by Foot or Non-Motorized Boat

Walking tours daily at 10 AM and 6 PM
- Meet a ranger at the South Tufa Hut 37°56'19.4"N 119°01'37.1"W (37.938603592061654, -119.02717603506288)
Canoe tours on weekends (summer only)
- Book in advance at monolake.org
Great for photography, birdwatching, and sunrise/sunset views
Check the wind forecast before boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. Strong winds can pick up quickly and create dangerous conditions on the lake.

South Tufa is a stopover for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, including California gulls, Eared Grebes, and Phalaropes.

General Information

General Information

Operational Hours
- South Tufa is a day use site open 24 hours, 7 days a week as it is popular for viewing the Dark Night Sky. No camping.
Passes/Permits/Restrictions
- America the Beautiful Pass waives day use fee—leave on the dashboard of your car
- $3.00 permit can be obtained on site with cash, check, or card
- No overnight camping
- No drones over Mono Lake
Fee Site and Information
- Day Use: $3 per person per day (16 and older)
- Children 15 and under are free of charge.
- Self-guided trail with interpretive signs
- Interpretive tours at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Vault toilets (no running water)
- No shade — bring water, sunblock, and a hat
- No services onsite — nearest town is Lee Vining (11 miles)
- Dumpster with a bear lock (not a human lock)
Dogs Information
- Dogs are allowed but must stay on leash at all times. Bring plenty of water and dog waste bags for your furry friend—please help us Leave No Trace and keep this area clean for wildlife and visitors.

South Tufa Fee Area is open to visitation 24 hour/day, 7 days a week.

No camping, day use only.

Day Use:
$3 per person per day (16 and older)

South Tufa Fee Area charges the following standard amenity fees.

Children 15 and under are free of charge.
Interagency Passes are accepted. Interagency Passes admits passholder and up to 3 adults.

Dogs must be on leash, and under owners control, at all times in developed recreation areas.

Address: 1 Visitor Center Dr Lee Vining, CA 93541
Phone: (760) 647-3044
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (passes & permits available on Sunday and Monday only 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m.)