Monolake is one of the oldest lakes in the world. It has no outlets. The lake is surrounded by pillars of calcium carbonate that form as the water evaporates. Some of these spires may be as old as 200-250 years.
During summer, 1 trillion brine shrimp reach maturity and provide a food source for water birds. In the olden days, the Mono tribes used to harvest the shrimp, drying them to preserve them for their winter diet and for bartering with neighbouring tribes.
