Near Lee Vining in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Navy Beach
Photographed by Richard Wisehart, July 8, 2009
1. Navy Beach Marker
During the Cold War, Mono County was home to one of many remote facilities used by the US Military to test new weapons and weapons systems. A "secret military installation" operated by the US Navy was located along the south shoreline of Mono Lake.
During the 1950's and 1960's several branches of the US Armed Forces utilized this test facility to conduct various research. Numerous top-secret exercises were actually performed here during what was called "seismic testing." However with the expansion of other nearby bases, growing public safety and environmental concerns, this facility soon outgrew its usefulness. In May 1962 all operations ceased and soon thereafter the facility was abandoned.
Although many scientists, technicians, soldiers and sailors worked at this installation for many years, all that remains today of their activities are a few remnants and the name "Navy Beach."
This monument and plaque dedicated as a California sesquicentennial event on September 11, 1999.
Erected 1999 by Bodie Chapter E Clampus Vitus, and US Forest Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military
this page online
Location. 37° 55.63′ N, 119° 1.368′ W. Marker is near Lee Vining, California, in Mono County. It is on South Tufa Entrance Road just north of State Road 120, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lee Vining CA 93541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mandated Mono Lake Level (approx. one mile away); Mono Mills (approx. 4.4 miles away); a different marker also named Mono Mills (approx. 4.4 miles away); Grave of the Unknown Prospector (approx. 4.6 miles away); Mono Lake (approx. 5 miles away); Lee Vining (approx. 5.6 miles away); Upside-Down House (approx. 5.7 miles away); Bloody Canyon (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lee Vining.
More about this marker. Navy Beach is now used by visitors to launch canoes and kayaks. A posted notice has the following:
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Regulations & Restrictions
Wildlife
1) Lands and waters within 1 mile of Mono
Photographed by Lester J Letson, September 8, 2012
2. Navy Beach Marker and Propeller
2) From April to September, remain at least 200 yards from osprey nests. Please refer to map on bulletin board for visual details.
3) Ospreys, owls, and other birds nest on offshore tufa towers. Birds may also be present on the shoreline and at creek deltas. Respect wildlife; do not disturb any congregation of birds whether on water or land. Back away if wildlife reacts to your presence. Land watercraft a minimum of 250 yards from any population of wildlife.
4) Please do not climb on any tufa.
Safety Information
1) Ensure you have the correct amount of Personal Floatation Devices (i.e. life jackets) and oars/paddles (if applicable). Confirm your gear is properly functioning.
2) Never begin a trip on the lake when the wind is blowing. Check weather reports prior to launching. Mono Lake is subject to sudden, high winds that can make travel by water extremely dangerous.
3) Be prepared with adequate hydration, sun protection, food, and other gear before venturing onto the lake.
4) Be aware of submerged tufa.
5) Launch at your own risk. Rescue May Not Be Possible.
For more information please call the Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760) 647-3044 or the Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve at (760) 647-6331.
Photographed by Richard Wisehart, July 8, 2009
3. Navy Beach Marker
Mono Lake in the background. Foreground is the entrance to the South Tufa Area.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
4. Navy Beach
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. This page has been viewed 3,165 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 11, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. 2. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Lester J Letson of Fresno, California. 3. submitted on July 11, 2009, by Richard Wisehart of Sonora, California. 4. submitted on November 11, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
