Mono Lake is thought to be 760,000 years old. That would make it one of the oldest lakes in North America. From the highway, it may look like just another ordinary lake, but by taking a five-mile trip off 395 onto the South Tufa Road, you'll discover that this lake is anything but ordinary.

The first thing you'll notice are the tufas. These are porous rock formations that are formed when salt water and fresh water combine to create a buildup of calcium carbonate. It continues growing in height, so that when the water level is low, the tufas are exposed.

Besides being an astounding and picturesque lake at any time of day, it's also one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Trillions of brine (tiny tiny shrimp) and alkali flies swarm the shores playing their part in the food chain. They are the food upon which millions of California seagulls, grebes and Wilson's phalaropes feast during their annual migration between South America and the Arctic. In addition, Osprey have been nesting on the tufas in several locations for a number of years.

Mono Lake is located near Lee Vining. The best access to the most tufas is the South Tufa Road, five miles south of Lee Vining.