Mono Lake is one of Northern California's loveliest destinations for swimming and water sports, located in Mono County near the edge of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The ancient saline soda lake, which formed over 760,000 years ago, is unique for its high levels of accumulating salts, which make its waters very alkaline. Because of this, it has no fish and is instead populated by brine shrimp, alkali flies, and millions of beautiful migratory birds. Lake visitors can embark on birdwatching interpretive programs from the lake's visitor center, which showcases exhibits on its one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
Mono Lake's waters make for unusual swimming conditions, with some claiming they have healing properties akin to hot springs. Hiking, boating, and cross-country skiing are also popular at the lake throughout the year, along with camping at nearby Lundy and Lee Vining Canyons.