Mono Lake is located about 13 miles east of Yosemite on Highway 395 South near the town of Lee Vining. This highly alkaline lake is about 65 square miles and over 1 million years old. It was established as a reserve to protect its tufa towers, which are calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed addition of salts and minerals into the lake and the loss of fresh water. The lake is available for picnics, hiking, walking and kayaking. Regular walking and kayak and canoe tours are offered free through the visitor center. The center has a bookstore and various exhibits about the lake and its history. Winter is a particularly beautiful time at Mono Lake. The crowds are gone, a quiet stillness prevails, and snow crystals sparkle on the tufa towers. The road to South Tufa is kept plowed, when staffing permits, allowing year round access except immediately after large storms. South Tufa, Navy Beach, and the Old Marina area are all wonderful places to cross-country ski when snow conditions permit.