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Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve, California
Location
Mono Lake is located east of Yosemite National Park, in Owens Valley, near the little town of Lee Vining, north of Bishop. US395 runs north-south through Owens Valley.
Description
Mono Lake is famed for its unique tufa formations. These carbonate formations were formed due to the underground hot springs which feed into Mono Lake having a high density of calcium. The weirdly shaped formations became visible when the lake level fell as a result of Los Angeles drawing water from the streams which feed the lake.
By the way, the word tufa should not to be confused with the very similar word tofu which has a totally different meaning.
In the Area
- Bodie State Historical Park, California on California State Highway 270 north of Mono Lake. Bodie is a ghost town, around which you can walk. External link verified May-04.
- Devils Postpile National Monument, near Mammoth Lakes
- Mammoth Lakes, an expensive tourist skiing resort
- Yosemite National Park (reached via the Tioga Pass)
California
Canals, Islands, Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls
Desert Southwest
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Most recently modified 13-May-04