Interpretive Programs

Are you looking to get a little more out of your trip to Mono Lake? Join a free, naturalist-guided walk at Mono Lake!

Find out why tufa towers have nothing to do with tofu ... why Mono Lake has no fish ... how alkali flies manage to scuba dive without scuba gear ... why Mono Lake is famous in the history of California water law. You could also do a little bird watching and catch a glimpse of thousands of phalaropes or Eared Grebes.

Join any number of free interpretive programs in the Mono Basin during the summer months. There's something for everyone.

Please bring water and sunscreen to all walks. Binoculars are great to have as well.

SUMMER 2012: June 23–September 3

• SUNDAY
  1. Canoe Tours - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am
  2. Bird Walk - 8:00am
  3. Panum Crater Walk - 10:00am
  4. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  5. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
• MONDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  2. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
  3. Stars Over Mono - 8:30–10:00pm
• TUESDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  2. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
• WEDNESDAY
  1. Restoration Wednesdays - 10:00am
  2. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  3. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
• THURSDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  2. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
• FRIDAY
  1. Bird Walk - 8:00am
  2. Lundy Canyon Walk - 10:00am
  3. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  4. Patio Talk - 2:00pm
• SATURDAY
  1. Canoe Tours - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am
  2. Panum Crater Walk - 10:00am
  3. South Tufa Walk - 10:00am, 1:00pm, 6:00pm
  4. Patio Talk - 2:00pm

Field Seminars
Click here to see a list of this summer's seminars, ranging from birding to basketry and water to wildflowers. Seminars usually begin on Friday evenings and end midday on Sundays. Prices range from $80–285.

Tioga Pass Hikes
Join a Yosemite National Park Ranger for these longer hikes.

Canoe Tours
Go to this page for more information.

Bird Walks
Meet some of the feathered denizens of the Eastern Sierra on this easy stroll through wetlands, willows, and cottonwood trees. Meet at Mono Lake County Park (5 miles north of Lee Vining, just east of Highway 395). 1.5–2 hours.

Panum Crater Walks
Explore the secrets of one of the most recent volcanoes to rock the Eastern Sierra. Wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Panum Crater parking lot (4 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 120). 1.5 hours. Panum Crater Walks begin on July 7, 2012.

South Tufa Tours
Discover the mystery of Mono Lake's strange water and wildlife. Meet at the South Tufa kiosk (5 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 120). 1.5 hours. South Tufa is a fee area; there is a $3 per adult entrance fee.

Patio Talks
Hear from a ranger or naturalist at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center patio. Topics will range from the geology, ecology, and biology, to the human history of the Mono Basin.

Stars Over Mono
Enjoy an evening of stargazing and stories with the dark skies of the Mono Basin. Meet at the South Tufa kiosk (5 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 120). Bring a blanket or chair and warm clothes. More than 50% cloud cover will cancel the talk. 1.5 hours. The talks will start at 8:30pm on Mondays between June 25 and July 30. Between August 6 and September 3 the talks will start at 8:00pm.

Restoration Wednesdays
Can a riparian ecosystem heal without help? Join a Mono Lake Committee naturalist to learn about creek restoration, water seedling trees, and uproot invasive sweet clover. Restoration Wednesdays begin on June 27, 2012; the last Restoration Wednesday of the season will take place on August 29, 2012. There will be a short drive on some dates. Wear long pants and bring snacks. Meet at the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center patio. 2 hours.

Lundy Canyon Walks
Explore the flora and fauna, geology, and mining history of Lundy Canyon. Meet at historical marker at the historical marker at Lundy Resort (west on Lundy Canyon Road from Highway 395, 7 miles north of Lee Vining). 1.5 hours.

For more information contact one of the following:

• Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760) 647-3044.

• Mono Lake Committee at (760) 647-6595.

Tours are made possible through a partnership between the US Forest Service, the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, and the Mono Lake Committee.