As we near the end of June the Mono Lake Committee, in partnership with the US Forest Service and the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, is excited to announce the slew of activities that are coming up. Below is a brief list of the summer’s activities, which will be available from June 28 through September 1, 2014.
South Tufa Walks
What is tufa and where does it come from? Why is Mono Lake salty and what can live in the lake? Starting tomorrow, June 28, learn about the history of Mono Lake, the rich ecosystem, the bizarre water chemistry, the towering tufa, and more on a ~1 hour guided tour through South Tufa. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
Meet at the South Tufa Kiosk every day at 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 6:00pm. To get to South Tufa from Lee Vining, take Highway 395 south for ~5 miles and Highway 120 east for ~5 miles; watch for signs for “South Tufa.”
Panum Crater Walks
Panum Crater, only 650 years old, is a great place to hike and explore. Starting Sunday, June 29, you can learn about the young range of volcanic craters on a ~1.5 hour guided tour with a great view of Mono Lake. Bring sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Meet at the Panum Crater parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00am. To get to Panum Crater from Lee Vining, take Highway 395 south for ~5 miles and Highway 120 east for ~3 miles; watch for signs for “Panum Crater.”
Bird Walks
Take a ~1.5 hour stroll through Mono Lake County Park with a naturalist-birder and discover a variety of bird habitats with their plethora of bird inhabitants. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
Meet at Mono Lake County Park on Fridays and Sundays at 8:00am. To get to County Park from Lee Vining, take Highway 395 north for ~5 miles and watch for signs for County Park on the right.
Lundy Canyon Walks
In this ~1.5 hour walk, explore the flora and fauna, geology, and mining history of Lundy Canyon, where one of the Mono Basin’s early pioneer settlements was located.
Meet at the historical marker at Lundy Resort on Wednesdays at 10:00am. To get to Lundy Canyon from Lee Vining, take Highway 395 north for 7 miles and then west on Lundy Canyon Road. The Lundy Resort is at the far west end of Lundy Lake.
Stars Over Mono Lake
Starting Monday, June 30, come gaze at the stars and hear stories under the dark Mono Basin skies. The program lasts ~1.5 hours so be sure to dress warmly and bring something to sit on.
Meet at the South Tufa Kiosk on Mondays at 8:30pm (June & July) and at 8:00pm (August & September). To get to South Tufa from Lee Vining, take Highway 395 south for ~5 miles and Highway 120 east for ~5 miles; watch for signs for “South Tufa.”
For more information, you can call:
• Mono Lake Committee at (760-647-6595)
• Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760-647-3044)
• Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve at (760-647-6331)