Keep your eyes on the road, because the next major attraction is Mono Lake, a geological anomaly preserved as a natural reserve to protect its tufa towers, calcium carbonate knobs and spires formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake has no outlet and is said to be twice as salty as the ocean. Millions of tiny brine shrimp survive here and many millions are devoured by migrating birds in the fall. Stop by the visitor center (just off 395) to find out which of the many tufa-viewing trails are dog-friendly.
Dogs tend to be fascinated by the strange shoreline at Mono Lake — the tufa formations, the unusual smells, the flocks of birds lifting off the water. Keep your pup leashed and on designated trails, as the ecosystem is fragile and the alkaline water can irritate sensitive skin and paws. If your dog does wade in, rinse them off with fresh water afterward. The South Tufa area is the most popular viewing spot and allows leashed dogs on the boardwalk trail — it’s a short, flat walk that gives you a close look at the towers without much effort.
And then comes Lee Vining, at the turnoff to the Tioga Road (Highway 120), eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park, climbing 10,000 feet at Tioga Pass. The dog-friendly Murphey’s Motel makes a great base camp for hiking and sightseeing in the area. You’ll enjoy similar landscapes in Twenty Lakes Basin just to the east of the pass, where the scenery rivals anything on the other side of the border.
The Saddlebag Lake Loop Trail skirts the lake of the same name and is especially gorgeous — and uncrowded — in fall. This is a solid pick for dogs who enjoy moderate hikes, as the trail is well-maintained and the elevation (around 10,000 feet) keeps temperatures comfortable even on sunny days. Take it slow if your dog isn’t used to high altitude, and bring plenty of water for both of you. Tioga Road/Highway 120, by the way, will take you on a scenic journey through Yosemite and out the other side, where you can access Highway 99 for the trip back to Sacramento or the Bay Area. It closes for the season when snow starts to fly, so check its status once October rolls around and the weather gets iffy.
Oh yes, don’t miss the Whoa Nellie Deli inside a gigantic Mobil gas station at the park-road intersection. No warmed-over hot dogs or stale coffee here; this is one of California’s most famous road-food stops with menu offerings including buffalo meatloaf, Asian sashimi, fish tacos and a generous selection of sandwiches and other picnic treats you can enjoy on the road with your dog at your side. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, and the portions are generous enough to fuel the rest of your drive south.
