Mono Lake

Category: Skinny Dipping

GPS GeoCoords: 37.939865, -119.013433

Swimming in the salty Mono Lake near Lee Vining is not to be missed. It’s on life’s big tick list. The water is two and a half times saltier than sea water. If you can’t swim, this is the place for you as you can’t sink. And swimming is positively encouraged here according to the Park Ranger of Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve. You will share the water with brine shrimp and alkali flies, but don’t be put off as they are harmless and extremely interesting to watch. Access is at the south shore, from the South Tufa or Navy Beach parking areas. Both places are off Hwy 120, about five miles east of Hwy 395.

It is recommended that you either float on your back or wear goggles as the salty water is irritating to eyes. It is also a good idea to have fresh water handy on shore to rinse your face. Expect a whitish mineral residue on your skin, and stiff hair after you dry off. This residue washes off easily. There is no fresh water available in the South Tufa / Navy Beach area. Public showers are available in Lee Vining.

Just remember that this is a National Park and nudity is prohibited and lots of tourists taking ranger-led guided tour. If you are going to skinny-dip in Mono Lake, I suggest you do it on the north side. Better views there anyway.