They rise from the water like dimpled stalagmites, reminiscent of dollops of wet sand one upon the other dropped by a child playing at the seashore.  These eerie tufa towers, which create a setting both beautiful and mysterious here at Mono Lake, in Central California, are actually formed by layers upon layers of mineral as the underground freshwater steams bubble up through the alkaline waters of the lake.  The porous structures dot the glistening water of the lake, which is actually an ancient inland sea 695 square miles in size, and one of the oldest bodies of water in the Western Hemisphere.  RVers will be mesmerized by the haunting lake, and whether they choose to sit and meditate at its shore or sample the cam and soothing water via a canoe or kayak, they should reserve a few days to appreciate not only Mono Lake but the surrounding attractions, historic venues and variety of campgrounds in the stunning area of the Eastern Sierra.

Birdwatchers, in particular, will thrill to Mono Lake.  The lake’s saltwater ecosystem is home to millions of tiny brine shrimp and alkali flies, which in turn provide nourishment for thousands of migrating birds.  Before feeding the birds, the alkali flies are said to have fed the Native American Paiute tribe, the Kuzedika; this tribe’s neighbors, the Yokuts witnessed the “fly people” or monachie, and so the lake was named.

Some of the mystery of Mono Lake captured the imagination of one of our most beloved writers:  Mark Twain.  In his book, Roughing It, the prolific author devotes two chapters to the lake and mentions the strange little brine and alkali flies, although he could not identify them.

 Courtsey of