Our Pick Of 12 Mono County Destinations For Your 2023 Summer Plans
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Situated between the Nevada state line and Yosemite, Mono County is located in the east central portion of California.
Mono County is infamous for being a haven for fisherman, hikers, skiers and sightseers alike. It truly is a wonderful place.
Now that new year celebrations are past us, many people, including yourself, are probably beginning to map out your travel plans for the year.
I wrote this post to help inspire you to consider Mono County for your family vacation this year. It is one of our favorites and I have no doubt you’d love it too.
So read on as we list our twelve personal favorite destinations that we think you and your family would love.
1) Bridgeport, CA
Kicking off the list is our favorite little mountain town - Bridgeport. The town may be small but it’s packed with all sorts of sights to see.
You can soak in hot springs, explore historic buildings like the old jail, experience world-class fishing, dine at a local favorite or hit one the many hiking trails.
With so much to see and do, you could spend your entire vacation in Bridgeport. There are many hotels in and around town to accommodate you.
2) Travertine Hot Springs
Located down a dirt road behind the Bridgeport Ranger Station, Travertine Hot Springs in one of the many natural springs in Mono County.
This one, however, stands out as our favorite due to its ease of access and beautiful mountain views. Sunrise, in my opinion, is the best time to be here.
READ: “Travertine Hot Springs: A Relaxing Soak With Mountain Views”
3) The Robinson Creek Trail To Barney Lake
There are many fantastic hiking trails in Mono County, but the Robinson Creek trail to Barney Lake ranks up there as one our favorites.
The trail begins at the rear of the Mono Village campground and is a semi-moderate trek through the Hoover Wilderness.
It’s about 8-miles, out-and-back, and with the exception of some switchbacks towards the end, it’s fairly flat with no steep inclines.
4) The Virginia Lakes Trail
Another fantastic hiking trail, this one located at the mid-point between Bridgeport and Lee Vining, is the Virginia Lakes trail.
This trail is easy-to-moderate and around the same milage as Barney Lake but has a few semi-steep inclines. Still, they’re nothing difficult.
The best part of the trail is you’ll see three beautiful lakes; Blue Lake, Cooney Lake and Frog Lakes (which consists of three smaller lakes).
At the end, if you still have the energy, you can continue past Frog Lakes up the pass (difficult) to two additional lakes; Summit Lake and Hoover Lakes.
5) Conway Summit
Also situated between Bridgeport and Lee Vining (and just before the turn-off to Virginia Lakes) is Conway Summit.
What makes it special is it’s the highest point along highway 395. It’s easy to view as there are multiple pull-outs along the highway.
While it’s scenic any time of year, what really makes it shine is the fall colors that pop like none other. So be sure to add it to your plans if you’re driving through.
6) Lundy Canyon
The third hiking trail on this list, the trailhead for Lundy Canyon can be found closer to Lee Vining, past Lundy Lake and down a dirt road.
This trail is less than five-miles, roundtrip, but is more on the moderately difficult side. Mainly due to its extended rocky section and numerous inclines.
While it’s a fine trail to do anytime of year, where it really shines is in the fall. Aspen trees are everywhere here and their foliage pops during that time.
7) Mono Lake Tufa Reserve
Perhaps the most recognizable attraction in Mono County, Mono Lake may look featureless from afar, but that changes as you get closer to the shore.
The Mono Lake South Tufa Reserve is where you’ll find the largest collection of tufa towers found anywhere on the lake.
Tufas begin their formation underwater, when calcium-rich freshwater springs mix with lake water rich in carbonates. This process continues over decades, forming tufa towers
The reserve allows you to get up-close-and-personal with the tufas and enables you to walk through what was once an ancient underwater world.
8) Drive Up Tioga Pass
Tioga Pass one of the highest drivable mountain passes in the United States and once at the top, you’ll get excellent views of the canyon looking down.
There are numerous lakes along the pass you can park and view but if you continue on, you’ll eventually reach the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park.
9) Drive June Lake Loop
This 16-mile, highly scenic drive just past Lee Vining takes you on a tour through not one, not two, but FOUR stunning lakes. Each viewable from the road.
If you’re starting from the Lee Vining side, the lakes you’ll see are; Grant Lake, Silver Lake (my favorite), Gull Lake and June Lake.
If you get hungry during the drive, the town of June Lake has many local restaurants but for a real treat, stop by the Silver Lake Cafe for lunch.
READ: “June Lake Loop: A Highly Scenic Drive In The Sierras”
10) Convict Lake
Convict Lake is a beautiful drive-up lake just outside of Mammoth Lakes. It’s renowned for its fishing, but you can also kayak, paddle-board, swim and hike.
The 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles the lake is considered an easy hike. It’s perfect for those with small children or for those who’re new to hiking.
For more of a challenge, you can break off from the loop trail to higher elevation lakes, such as Edith Lake, Mildred Lake, Lake Dorothy and Lake Genevieve.
11) Hot Creek Geologic Site
If you want to get a small taste of Yellowstone right here in Mono County, look no further than Hot Creek Geologic Site.
You can view the main geothermal pools from the viewpoint but for a better look, take the quick (but steep) trail down to the bottom.
Both parking and entry into Hot Creek is free, making it a great stop for the kids to get out and stretch their legs during a road trip.
12) Bodie State Historic Park
Coming in last (but nowhere near least), no trip to Mono County would be complete with a visit to California’s premier ghost town, Bodie.
Bodie was a huge boomtown during California’s gold rush but as soon as the gold dried up, its residents abandoned it. Leaving behind their homes and belongings.
The remaining buildings in the park are being preserved in a state of arrested decay. Meaning they’re maintained, but only to prevent them from deteriorating.
You could easily spend a full day, or even two, exploring this park. You can even take a tour of the town’s former process mill (for an additional fee).
Your Thoughts…
Those were our twelve picks of amazing places in Mono County that we feel you would love. Are you planning on visiting any of them this year? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
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