California Yosemite Area- outside Yosemite National Park Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve- 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park recommended by Debbie, Mike and their granddaughters from CA directions: off of Highway 395, near Lee Vining - this interesting interpretive trail is more of a walk than a hike- great for children! - interpretive trail is a wheelchair accessible boardwalk which provides access to north shore tufa area and marsh - tufa towers are huge calcium-carbonate formations - this salt lake is over 1,000,000 years old making it one of the oldest lakes in North America - swimming is permitted in the lake - visitor center just off Highway 395 for more info go to http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514