Address: 37.938677, -119.026991 Parking: Follow the dirt road off of CA-120 to a large parking area. Fee is $3 per person 24 hours a day at the self-pay station. Hours: Not posted Type: Walk (easy) Regulations: Dogs allowed on-leash Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset in spring or fall (temperatures soar in summer, and the trails are fully exposed). CAUTION: Do not allow your dog to drink from the lake, as it is nearly three times as salty as the ocean.
Description: Explore an alkaline lake formed 760,000 years ago, with stunning limestone formations towering above the lake and reflecting against the water. Sunrise and sunset make for particularly stunning times to visit the lake, and during certain times of the year, snow capped mountains are a scenic backdrop to the lake. The main trail down the boardwalk to the lake leads directly to the Tufa Towers. Allow at least an hour to explore the entire area. You can make this walk into a couple miles round-trip. Boats area available for rental near the other entrance to the visitor's center, and people are allowed to swim in the lake; however, dogs are not allowed in the boats or in the water. Pit toilets are available in the parking lot, but bring plenty of water.