Location: Lee Vining
Top Things to do in Lee Vining
10 Things to do in Lee Vining That You Shouldn't Miss
Lee Vining (formerly, Leevining, Poverty Flat, and Lakeview) is a census-designated place in Mono County, California, United States. It is located 21 miles (34 km) south-southeast of Bridgeport, at an elevation of 6781 feet (2067 m). Lee Vining is located on the southwest shore of Mono Lake. The population was 222 as of the 2010 census, down from 250 reported as of 2000 by Mono County. At the previous census (1990) the town population was 398, and at the census before that (1980) it was 315.
Restaurants in Lee Vining
1. Tioga Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 369 reviews
This road, leading to Yosemite's high country, winds through one of the highest mountain passes in the state.
Reviewed By sgphoto - Grand Junction, United States
Wonderful drive up to the Tioga entrance station. Even we tried to get tickets to Yosemite to go over into Yosemite, the website told us no passes were being issued to Yosemite. We were very frustrated, but it turned out to be a real blessing as we were able to enjoy the lakes and mountains leading up to the pass (and then back down!). Ellery lake is gorgeous in the morning (about 8am) with perfect reflections. Saddleback lake (up a good travel road) was low, but still beautiful. The Sierra's are beautiful along the way..take the time to explore!
2. Mono Lake Committee Information Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
The Mono Lake Committee is a 16,000 member non-profit citizens group, dedicated to protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem and educating the next generation. The Committee’s Information Center & Bookstore provides: books, maps, educational exhibits about Mono Lake, Mono Lake gear, gifts and cards by local artisans, educational toys, and information about lodging, dining, and local services. Additionally, the award-winning HD film “The Mono Lake Story” is featured in the store’s Theater & Gallery as well as rotating art exhibits. The staff is knowledgeable about Mono Lake and the surrounding area and is happy to provide information about great activities to enjoy during your visit to the Mono Basin. The storefront patio is a great place to hydrate, relax, meet friends, take in the scenery, or watch the incredible sunsets. During the summer, Committee staff and volunteers provide guided interpretive walks in the Mono Basin and canoe tours on Mono Lake. Open all year!Fall/Winter/Spring Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.Summer Hours: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm.
Reviewed By OverTheHillHikers - Woodbridge, United States
My goal was to get a soft serve cone at the Mono Cone but that never quite happened. Instead, we opted for burgers and shakes after almost 12 miles of hiking. Those burgers and fries hit the spot! The milkshakes were fabulous. This was old fashioned Americana Drive In dining at its beat!
3. 20 Lakes Basin Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By OverTheHillHikers - Woodbridge, United States
I have spent a lot of time in the Western Sierra. After seeing photos of the June Lake mountains, we decided to spend 5 nights at Mono Vista RV Park so we could hike and explore. Our first hike was a loop around Saddlebag Lake and 20 Lakes Basin. 20LB was a magical hike. We encountered remnants if winters' snow, gorgeous lakes and ponds, waterfalls and spectacular granite vista's. The scenery rivals Yosemite and even our Macchu Pichu trek (in some respects). Yosemite us not pet friendly, so we think we have a new favorite region to hike. We wandered off on many side trails, and eventually tallied almost 13 miles for the day.
4. Ellery Lake Campground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By PAC626 - Sierra Madre, United States
As the others have written, this is a wonderfully small campground with fewer than 2 dozen sites. The proximity to the creek is enticing, however is also offset by the hordes of Mosquitoes 'in season' so be prepared.... There is simply so much to enjoy in this majestic location that you will likely finding that you will need, and want, to come back in order to enjoy the area to it's fullest. Saddlebag Lake, Twenty Lakes, Bennetville, Mono Lake, Tioga Pass Road, Tioga Pass Resort, Tioga Lake, Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows, Dana Meadows, Tenaya Lake and all of the various hiking trails and destinations within 10 to 15 miles of this area. Venture further out on the way to or from this area and there is Mono Lake, Bodie, June Lakes Loop, Mammoth Lakes and soooo much more. Get out and explore and enjoy!
5. Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Christina1119 - New Orleans, United States
There’s lots of information inside the center regarding how the basin came to be. Lots of interactive things as well. Good area to walk around in & read about Mono Lake. Take a stroll & see Mono Lake & it’s craters. Well worth the stop.
6. Lundy Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned for another fun day at Lundy Lake We enjoyed trout fishing. There is good hiking trails. The water level was high and people were going boating. We were there on a beautiful sunny day June 2018.
7. Black Point
8. Mono Basin Historical Society
9. Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Reviewed By Cali4niahiker - Merced, United States
You can get a really good view of the entire Mono Lake from a nearby volcano, Panum Crater. It takes a bit of an effort to hike this 2.1 mile loop trail, it has some steep sections and the trail is gravel. But besides views of Mono Lake with South Tufa, you also get great views of the Sierras and a few smaller nearby volcanos. From Highway 395 take 120 East. The Panum Crater sign is easily missed. It’s on the left side of the road. When you reach South Tufa you’ve gone a bit too far. South Tufa was closed in late October when we visited. Not sure when it will open again.
10. Mono Lake County Park
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