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
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Yosemite Valley, California
Snowshoe to Snow Creek
5.010.97 mi / 3550 ft gainTake the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next. This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a differen...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike to Basket Dome
9.45 mi / 6752 ft gainGetting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. The Trail You'll hike more than 140 switchbacks to reach the top of Ba...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)
4.2Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get t...Read more -
Bishop, California
Little Lakes Valley Trail
5.03.43 mi / 465.22 ft gainThe Little Lakes Valley located in the John Muir Wilderness provides easy access to spectacular views of High Sierra peaks as well as a long list of beautiful alpine lakes. The area is accessed via the Mono Pass Trail starting from Mosquito Flat/Little Lakes Trailhead. From the trailhead at the...Read more -
Bishop, CaliforniaLong Lake via Mosquito Flats
4.34 mi / 584.65 ft gainMosquito Flats is one of the most scenic eastern gateways to the Sierra Nevada, offering breathtaking views and lush alpine scenery. This high-elevation adventure requires visitors to come well-prepared with water, sun protection such as a hat, and insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes. During ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Fish for a Sierra Grand Slam in Little Lakes
Access to this relatively mellow (for the Sierras) trail can be reached via Rock Creek Road off of Highway 395, north of the town of Bishop, California. Following Rock Creek road southwest until its terminus will take you directly to the parking lot and signed trailhead for Little Lakes Valley.Fr...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack to Ruby Lake
5.04 mi / 1000 ft gainAt 10,200 feet, the trailhead (Little Lakes Valley) for Ruby Lake is one of the highest (if not the highest) in the Sierra. Meaning you get right to the heart of the mountains quickly. Ruby Lake itself is at 11,200 feet elevation.How to get there: At Tom's Place off of Hwy 395, turn southwest int...Read more -
Bishop, California
Morgan Pass via Little Lakes Trailhead
5.011.07 mi / 1685.26 ft gainTake the 395 North for 20 miles past Bishop and make a left on Rock Creek Road. Follow this road for 10 miles until you reach the free parking area at the Mosquito Flats Trailhead. Even on a holiday weekend, finding parking wasn’t a problem. The trailhead offers easy access to bathrooms and bear ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome
4.613.88 mi / 4934 ft gainFirst things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. Th...Read more -
Mariposa, California
Panorama Trail
4.816.87 mi / 5184 ft gainThe Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...Read more -
Tuolumne Meadows, California
Sierra Point via Happy Isle
5.01.44 mi / 1007 ft gainThe unmaintained trail is initially hard to find if you’re not familiar with its location. Here are the instructions: From Happy Isle, start on the JMT trail heading towards Vernal Falls. Shortly after passing a sign indicating the start of the John Muir Trail, you'll come to another sign o...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Vernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail
5.02.4 mi / 761 ft gainVernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
4.93.11 mi / 1319 ft gainThis is one of the most epic short hikes that you can do in Yosemite. Highly recommend it for anyone staying in the valley or visiting with enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. While the distance isn't long, you will stop a lot along the way to take in the beauty and also spend time at the top of the...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Mirror Lake
4.62.56 mi / 190 ft gainMirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far ...Read more -
37.739698,-119.564018
Snow Creek Trail
5.020.43 mi / 5367 ft gainThis is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles
4.67.23 mi / 2815 ft gainThis popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Tra...Read more
