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Mono County, California

Mono County, California is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. With its rugged terrain, beautiful lakes, and stunning mountain views, there are plenty of top attractions and activities to explore. From hiking and camping to fishing and mountain biking, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Popular attractions in the area include the June Lake Loop, Bodie State Historic Park, and Mono Lake. For a scenic view, head to the Mammoth Mountain Ski area or the Tioga Pass. For a more adventurous experience, check out the Rush Creek Trail or the Mono Pass Trail. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Mono County has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Mono County

  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake's South Tufa Loop

    4.4
    0.91 mi / 39 ft gain
    Mono Lake is was formed at least 760,000 years ago, making it one of North America's oldest lake. Explore the coastline of this unique lake filled with unusual rock formations called tufas. Photograph the tufa towers with the majestic mountains in the background. The towers can make for some very...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Explore the Mono Lake Tufas under the Milky Way

    5.0
    This past spring, I got the urge to photograph the Milky Way over the other-worldly landscape of Mono Lake, a large, desert saline lake at the edge of the eastern Sierras in California. One of the the lake's defining features is it’s incredible tufa rock formations, a variety of limestone. The e...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike Panum Crater Trail

    3.3 mi / 874 ft gain
    If you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake Vista Point

    Mono Lake Vista Point is a quick pull off on the right side of Highway 395 as you’re headed south toward Mono City. The pull off is fairly big and is a great spot to pull over quickly to take in a view of Mono Lake and the greater area.
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  • Mono County, California

    Rock Climbing at Clark Canyon

    5.0
    Good quality volcanic tuff? That may somewhat of a contradiction, but nevertheless, Clark Canyon is indeed one of the best pocketed playgrounds in the Mammoth area.Be advised, however, that it is a little tricky getting there, and in certain spots you may need high clearance (a Prius won't make i...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Camp at Mono Lake

    5.0
    Many people visit Mono Lake for a quick photo opportunity of the South Tufa. When I discovered camping was allowed on the North side of the lake, I knew I had to experience it and share.You head East on Cemetery Rd. just North of Lee Vining. This road turns into a dirt road, which will require yo...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Explore the Black Point Fissures

    4.3
    2 mi / 500 ft gain
    This area is such a great way to spend time exploring. It's a lot different than what it's surrounded by, making it a great change of pace in the Eastern Sierra.Just East of Lee Vining, California is Black Point, which sits on the North side of the massive Mono Lake...Which used to be an underwat...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake Boardwalk

    2.0
    0.69 mi / 30 ft gain
    Mono Lake Boardwalk is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.
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  • Mono County, California

    Snowshoe the Obsidian Dome Trail

    6 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Obsidian Dome Trailhead provides access to a large network of winter hiking trails through Inyo National Forest. These are marked trails that are groomed on an intermittent basis by the National Forest Service. To find the trailhead and parking area, drive north on highway 395 from Mammoth La...
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  • Bishop, California

    Camp at Oh Ridge Campground on June Lake

    5.0
    Nestled along the shores of picturesque June Lake, is the Oh Ridge campground. Oh Ridge has access to the beach of June Lake via Pine Cliff Road, and the town of June lake as well as Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake are all within a short driving distance along the June Lake Loop.  Mammoth ...
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  • June Lake, California

    Parker Lake Trail

    5.0
    3.55 mi / 584 ft gain
    Parker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...
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  • June Lake, California

    Explore June Lake

    4.7
    June Lake is a hidden gem in the Eastern Sierra, just north of Mammoth Lakes. June Lake is a quaint little lake with spectacular views. The neighboring town of the same name also boasts a brewery with tasty brews. For a truly unforgettable sunset, grab some brews and walk over to June Lake for th...
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  • Mono County, California

    Obsidian Dome Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 75 ft gain
    Obsidian Dome Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near June Lake, California.
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  • June Lake, California

    Gull Lake Loop

    1.97 mi / 174 ft gain
    Gull Lake trail is one of my favorite hiking spots in the June Lake Loop area. It is a very scenic trail that goes through varying terrains from meadows to marshes to aspen and conifer groves.  Trailhead starts at the Mono County Community Center and winds counter-clockwise around the lake to th...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Hike to Upper Sardine Lake

    Directions (from south of June Lake): 395 northTurn right onto the 158Keep right at fork onto Parker Lake Rd and go about 0.5 milesTurn right at first right and head all the way to the top until you hit a parking lot/camping ground/trail head From North of June Lake: 395 southTurn left at 158Keep...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Mono Lake Park Nature Trail

    5.0
    0.54 mi / 79 ft gain
    Mono Lake Park Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.
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Camping and Lodging in Mono County

Obsidian Flat
Mono County, California

Obsidian Flat

Oh Ridge
June Lake Loop

Oh Ridge

June Lake
June Lake, California

June Lake

Reversed Creek Campground
June Lake, California

Reversed Creek Campground

Silver Lake Campground June Lake (Ca
June Lake, California

Silver Lake Campground June Lake (Ca

Trailhead Group
Lee Vining, California

Trailhead Group

Guides, Insights and Stories from Mono County

Hot Spring Sunrises, Alpine Lakes, and Fall Colors: Autumn in the Eastern Sierras

Hot Spring Sunrises, Alpine Lakes, and Fall Colors: Autumn in the Eastern Sierras

Benjamin Canevari

Exploring the Desert in Mono County

Exploring the Desert in Mono County

Benjamin Canevari

An Epic Paddle Boarding Adventure at 9,000 ft. - July at Tioga Lake

An Epic Paddle Boarding Adventure at 9,000 ft. - July at Tioga Lake

Alexandra Graziano

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Tips for Stand Up Paddlers With Dogs

Kristen Fuller

California national parks 101

California national parks 101

The Outbound Collective

8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer

8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer

The Outbound Collective