Mono Lake

Considered to have existed for almost 760,000 years, the Mono Lake is among the oldest in the country. Boasting an extremely productive ecosystem, the desert lake has always been a source of wonder for many. The wonder only escalated when, after huge amounts of water were diverted to another location, massive calcium-carbonate formations were exposed. These geological formations, called tufa towers, are almost 30 feet (9 meters) tall. Owing to the mystique of the tufa towers, the rare flora and fauna, and the brilliant green shade that the lake takes on in spring, a large number of tourists visit this spot every year.