Trail Overview
This scenic descent drops 380 feet over 1.7 miles as it approaches the South Tufa area at Mono Lake. The trail leads from the Panum Crater area down to near Mono Lake, winding slowly into a canyon with high walls on both sides. The route is very narrow, barely one car wide, and features very thick brush that can cause pinstripes on your vehicle. There are also off-camber, ruts, and large articulating sections. Despite these challenges, the trail offers beautiful views of Mono Lake and the mountains behind it, making for a rewarding journey to one of the Eastern Sierra's most iconic destinations. There is also an old, closed mine shaft along the way, but you can see the old wooden supports.
Difficulty
This trail earns a moderate-easy difficulty rating due to its very sandy track with some very small off-camber articulating sections as it drops down the canyon. The extremely narrow width and thick brush present navigation challenges, while washboards and some ruts add to the technical requirements. High clearance and 4x4 are recommended for safe passage through the varied terrain.
History
The tufa formations at Mono Lake's South Tufa area are geological wonders formed over centuries by the interaction of freshwater springs and the lake's alkaline waters. These towers, made of calcium carbonate, were largely submerged until water diversions in the 20th century lowered the lake level, exposing them. The South Tufa area is known for its high concentration of these impressive tufa towers, making it a popular destination for visitors.
