June 25 – September 5, 2022
Strange Waters: South Tufa Tour Daily at 10am and 6pm (1 hour)
Discover the mystery of Mono Lake’s unique waters, geology, and natural history. Easy, 1 mile walk with a naturalist among the spectacular tufa towers on the lakeshore. Meet at South Tufa, 5 miles south of Lee Vining on Hwy 395, then 5 miles east on Hwy 120 E, follow signs to South Tufa.
Bird Outing Sundays and Fridays @ 8am (1 ½ – 2 hours)
Join a naturalist-birder for an outing through various habitats at the Mono Lake County Park and Tufa State Natural Reserve boardwalk. Meet in the parking lot at the County Park, 5 miles north of Lee Vining on Cemetery Rd.
Stars Over Mono Lake Mondays (1 ½ hours)
June 27 th – August 1st at 8:30pm, August 8 th – September 5 th at 8:00pm
Explore the skies over Mono Lake and hear stories about the stars. Bring something to sit on & warm clothing. Meet at South Tufa, 5 miles south of Lee Vining on Hwy 395, then 5 miles east on Hwy 120 E, follow signs to South Tufa.
Nature-based Yoga Fridays at 8am (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Learn natural history of the Mono Basin and Sierra Nevada while we practice yoga. Practitioners “become” White Bark Pines, Clark’s Nutcrackers, Phalaropes, and more. After the program, participants are invited to join on a Naturalist Hike/Stewardship Cleanup at a different trail each week. Meet at Gus Hess Park in Lee Vining.
Lundy Canyon Bird Outing Saturdays at 8am (1 ½ – 2 hours)
Join a naturalist-birder for a leisurely walk in Lundy Canyon, where the convergence of coniferous forest, sagebrush scrub, riparian woodlands, and open water offers a diverse list of bird species. Meet in front of the Lundy Lake Resort. From Highway 395 turn onto Lundy Lake Road (7 miles north of Lee Vining). Continue straight for 5 miles to the Lundy Lake Resort.
Panum Crater Volcano Tour Saturdays & Sundays at 10am (1 ½ hours)
Discover the geologic history of the Mono Basin with a walk into the middle Panum Crater, a plug- dome volcano. Meet at the Panum Crater parking lot. 5 miles south of Lee Vining on Hwy 395, then 3 miles east on Hwy 120 East, look for the Volcano Tour sign.
Lundy Canyon Walk Fridays at 10am (1 ½ – 2 hours) Starts July 8 th
Discover the cultural and natural history of beautiful Lundy Canyon on a short stroll starting from the Historic Lundy Lake Resort. Meet at the historical marker at the Lundy Lake Resort. From Highway 395 turn onto Lundy Lake Road (7 miles north of Lee Vining). Continue straight for 5 miles to the Lundy Lake Resort.
Fire and Ice: A Land of Contrast, interpretive hike
Friday July 1 st , August 5 th , and September 2 nd at 10 am (4 hours)
Explore the changing environment on a 4 hour walk from Junction Campground to Bennettville Mine to Fantail Lake. Volcanoes, Glaciations, Fires and Mining History will be topics included on the walk. Meet at Junction Campground on the Saddlebag Lake Rd., 10 miles west of Lee Vining on Hwy 120 W.
For more information call the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center at
760-647-3044.
All programs are FREE of charge. A day-use fee of $3 per adult is required at South Tufa, Federal recreation passes are accepted.
Programs may be cancelled due to wind, rain, or poor air quality.
