Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve in Lee Vining, Mono County, United States | state park

The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve in Lee Vining, California, USA was established to preserve the spectacular tufa towers which were formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water to form calcium carbonate spires and knobs. The ancient Mono Lake is over a million years old, and one of the oldest lakes in America covering over 65 square miles, and throughout the years, salts and minerals have washed into the lake from the Eastern Sierra streams. Freshwater evaporating from the lake each year has resulted in salts and minerals being left behind, making it two and a half times as salty as the ocean and very alkaline, come to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve for a fascinating visit. Boating and swimming is permitted at the lake and it's the perfect setting for a wonderful hike, also enjoy interpretive programs and bird walks, plus there's a visitors centre.