Overview: Mono Lake in California is one million years old. It was once the biggest pond in North America. It is about 60 times smaller today but it is still a great place to explore. Underwater springs bubbled up from the lake-bed seeping minerals into the super-salty waters of Mono Lake slowly creating limestone towers. South Tufa is a photographer's dream, so don't forget the camera and try to aim for an early or late visit as the light will be best for pictures and the crowds will be gone.