One of North America's oldest lakes, this inland sea is ringed by curious formations of calcium carbonate, called tufa. Formed underwater by the interaction of freshwater springs with minerals in the lake, the tufa becomes exposed as Mono's waters fluctuate.

The lake takes its name from a division of the Shoshonean Indians, who were called Monachi by their Yokuts neighbors. Monachi means "fly-people," for the Monachi ate the fly pupae from the Brine flies that crowd Mono Lake's shores.

With its mysterious tufa towers and fragile ecosystem, Mono Lake has captured the heart and imagination of those who venture to its shores. The giant salt lake, which is important to both nesting and migratory waterfowl, received federal protection as a National Scenic Area in 1984. Mono Lake is a majestic body of water covering about 65 square miles. The ancient lake has no outlet.