Interpretive Programs
Guided educational activities

Are you looking to get a little more out of your trip to Mono Lake? Join a free, naturalist-guided walk at Mono Lake and find out why Tufa towers have nothing to do with tofu, why Mono Lake has no fish, and how alkali flies manage to scuba dive without a dive chart or other scuba gear, find out 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.

South Tufa programs are fun, interactive for all ages and levels, and you can actually learn a few things about Mono Lake! You might even see Forrest down at the lakeshore, still counting brine shrimp.

Mono Lake Committee Interpretive Programs are permitted with the Inyo National Forest. The Committee leads programs in partnership with the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve and the Inyo National Forest.

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

FALL 2009: South Tufa Tours are at 1pm on weekends thru October 18th

SUMMER 2009: June 27-September 7

• SUNDAY
  1. Canoe Tours - 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am
  2. Bird Walk - 8 am
  3. Panum Crater Walk - 10 am (ends Aug 4)
  4. Bennettville Walk - 10 am
  5. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  6. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
  7. Dana Plateau - 2 pm (July 1 - Aug 6)
• MONDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  2. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
• TUESDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  2. Stars Over Mono - 8:30-10 pm
  3. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
• WEDNESDAY
  1. Help Keep The Trees Alive! - 10 am
  2. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  3. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
  4. Glacier Lakes of Mt. Dana - 9:30 am (July 1 - Aug 6)
• THURSDAY
  1. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  2. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
• FRIDAY
  1. Bird Walk - 8 am
  2. Lundy Canyon Walk - 10 am
  3. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  4. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
• SATURDAY
  1. Canoe Tours - 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am
  2. Panum Crater Walk - 10 am (ends Aug 4)
  3. South Tufa Walk - 10 am, 1 pm, 6 pm
  4. Dana Gardens: Mdws, Moraines, & Memories - 2pm
  5. Scenic Area Visitor Center Patio Talks - 10 am, 2 pm
  6. Gaylor Lakes and the Historic Mining District "Dana City" - 10 am (July 1 - Aug 6)

Field Seminars
Click here to see a list of this summer's seminars, ranging from butterflies to basketry and water to wildflowers. Usually a Saturday-Sunday with prices ranging from $80-275.

Special Tioga Pass Programs
Join a Yosemite National Park Ranger for these longer hikes through August 6th.

Canoe Tours
Go to this page for more information.

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

Panum Crater Walk
Explore the secrets of one of the most recent volcanoes to rock the Eastern Sierra. Wear sturdy shoes. Meet at Panum Crater parking lot (4 miles east of Highway 395 on Highway 120). 1.5 hours. Last walk August 4th. Back to list

South Tufa Walk
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. Back to list

Stars Over Mono
Enjoy an evening of stargazing and stories with the precious 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. Back to list

Visitor Center Patio Talks
Come join a naturalist ranger for a twenty minute talk on various subjects covering the unique ecology, geology, and human history of the Mono Basin or Yosemite National Park. Back to list

Help Keep the Trees Alive!
Can a riparian ecosystem rebound from decades without water? Join a Mono Lake Committee naturalist to water recently planted trees and learn about creek restoration. Short drive on some dates. Wear long pants. Bring snack. Meet at MBSA Visitor Center Patio. 2-hours. Back to list

Bennettville
Join a Yosemite Park Ranger for a walk to historic Bennettville, a 19th-century mining camp. Bring sturdy shoes. Meet at Junction Campground bridge (junction of Highway 120 and Saddlebag Road). 2 hour walk. Back to list

Dana Gardens: Meadows, Moraines, & Memories
Join a Yosemite Park Ranger. Meet just outside of Tioga Pass Entrance Station on north side of road. 2 hours. Back to list

Lundy Canyon Walk
Explore the flora and fauna, geology, and mining history of Lundy Canyon. Meet at historical marker at Lundy Store (west on Lundy Canyon Road from Hwy. 395, 7 miles north of Lee Vining). 1.5 hours. Back to list

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 Reserve, and the Mono Lake Committee.