Mono Lake Photography Opportunities

East of the Sierra Nevada crest is a whole other world: The mountains drop steeply to the rainshadow lands in their lee, the vast Great Basin country. Perhaps the best place to appreciate this magnificent landscape in Yosemite National Park's backyard is huge Mono Lake, reachable via Tioga Pass Road. Camera enthusiasts take note: Mono Lake photography opportunities are exceptionally rich. Tear yourself away, if only for a day, from the splendor of Yosemite and experience this otherworldly ecosystem.

Mono Lake Photography Opportunities

The Lake Sprawling across some 65 square miles, Mono Lake occupies a so-called endorheic basin—one that has no outlet. Fed by streams dropping from the east front of the Sierra, the lake—which may be older than a million years—thus accumulates salts through evaporation that otherwise would flush out via rivers. Mono Lake’s salinity is now better than twice that of the ocean. Photographers relish the lake’s dramatic setting amid bold mountains and rolling semi-desert steppe, as well as its own special features—including large islands and the famous spires of tufa, a calcium-carbonate formation stemming from the mix of freshwater springs and the lake’s brine. Capturing the Magic Mono Lake photography opportunities peak during the “magic hour” around sunrise or sunset, when rich, red, low-angle sunlight flares the landscape with ethereal ambience. The Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve is the ideal place to capture the glow upon the wild-looking calcium-carbonate outcrops. Include an excursion to Mono Lake on the fringe of the Great Basin on your Yosemite National Park vacation: This evocative landmark is one of California’s jewels. As a bonus, the drive down to its shores from Yosemite—through Tioga Pass—is jaw-droppingly magnificent!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re planning on visiting Yosemite in August, consider making your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all the wonderful summer activities inside and outside the park. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more.  Click for even more Yosemite National Park activities. Photo credit: jkirkhart35