Mono Lake is a geological anomaly in an otherwise semi-arid landscape. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve was established to preserve its distinctive tufa towers, calcium carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake is a habitat for as many as 2 million birds that rest here each year. The lake covers about 65 square miles and is one of the oldest in North america. It has no outlet and is twice as salty as the ocean.

Leashed dogs can join their uprights on many, but not all trails in the area. Boardwalks and areas designated as a county park are off limits. The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit to this area and find out which trails are dog-friendly. The center is just off Highway 395 north of Lee Vining and includes a variety of exhibits about the natural and human history of the Mono Basin. The Visitor Center is closed December through March.