Mono Lake Tuffa, California

This large, shallow lake is situated in Mono County, California. Formed over 760 000 years ago, this is a terminal lake, so it has no outlet to the ocean. This results in very high salt levels and alkalinity. The beauties that emerge from this salinity are the tufa towers or columns that have made this lake so popular. These formations are made of a variety of limestone and occur naturally over a period of years. Thousands of migratory and nesting birds can be observed here, but do not expect any fishing activities; the high salinity makes the water virtually inhabitable for fish, and all you will find is an abundance of minuscule brine shrimp.