Hotels near Lee Vining, California

A little about Lee Vining...

Lee Vining, California is an unincorporated town in Mono County, California, USA. It is located on the southwest shore of Mono Lake, at 37°57'27?N, 119°07'19?W. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 488 and its elevation is 6781 feet (2067m).

This friendly High Sierra community, located in eastern California, is your ideal vacation headquarters. Lee Vining is minutes away from Tioga Pass and Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Bodie (the official state ghost town), and Mammoth Lakes. Motels, restaurants, service stations, market, churches, and other visitor services are all available.

The economy of Lee Vining relies largely on tourism, since it is the closest town to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park, and is near other tourist destinations such as Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, popular trout fishing destinations, and June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain ski areas and the June Lake recreational area. Tourism is mostly confined to the summer months, because California State Route 120 through Yosemite is closed otherwise because of heavy snows, although year-round tourism has been increasing in recent years.

Place to go:

Yosemite National Park-In only twelve miles, Hwy 120 climbs to Tioga Pass at almost 10,000 feet, then winds past lakes, meadows, and forests to Yosemite Valley. Trout-filled lakes and streams abound. Spend a few days exploring the Mono Basin before traveling into the park. Hwy 120 is usually open from late spring through late fall.

Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve-The best spots to visit are South Tufa and Mono Lake County Park. The State Reserve, US Forest Service, and Mono Lake Committee offer free public tours daily throughout the summer.

Bodie Ghost Town-Bodie is considered to be the best, and most well-preserved, historic ghost town in the country just 45 minutes from Lee Vining.

Mono Craters-The Mono Basin Scenic Area is full of geological wonders, and these spectacular young volcanœs look ready to erupt at any moment. The craters range in age from 600 to 40,000 years old. Panum Crater, on the south shore of Mono Lake, is easily accessible by car.

And many more like winter fun, Birdwatching, Vibrant Fall Colors, Idyllic Camping, Great Fishing.