Summary
Plan a Getaway to Mono County, California
East of the Sierras and Yosemite along Highway 395 lies some of California’s most beautiful and least-visited country. A getaway to Mono County is easy on your budget and long on unspoiled, natural beauty. This getaway focuses on Mono County from spring to fall, emphasizing the region’s stunning landscapes.
You can plan your Mono County getaway using the resources below.
Why Should You Go? Will You Like Mono County?
- Get a Preview: Take a look at our Mono County Pictures
- Mono County is popular with hikers, fishermen, photographers, and nature lovers. It’s also one of the most affordable places in California to visit, with moderate hotel prices and many free attractions.
Best Time to Go to Mono County
Plan your visit in summer or early fall. In fact, if you’ve ever seen this area when the aspens are in full fall color, you’ll find it drab by comparison the rest of the year. Winter snow closes the Tioga Pass, making access from the San Francisco area difficult, and some hotels and attractions also close in winter.
Don’t Miss
If you’ve only got a day, spend it in Bodie, the “mother lode” of California ghost towns.
5 More Great Things to Do in Mono County
- Bristlecone Pines: The world’s oldest living things, these gnarled, twisted trees survive in an austere, dry, high-mountain environment. Small entry fee.
- Mono Lake: An other-worldly landscape, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
- June Lake: A selection of restaurants and places to stay in this lakeside town, where trout fishing is good, and it’s especially pretty in the fall when the aspen trees turn golden.
- Hot Creek: This geological site resembles thermal features in Yellowstone, and the nearby fish hatchery is fun to visit as well.
- Hot Water: Discover delightful open-air hot springs located on public land in Mono County; soaking here with panoramic views is a real treat.
Annual Events You Should Know About
- Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua: Held in June, this event is a birdwatcher’s extravaganza, which becomes so popular that planning months in advance is advisable.
- Independence Day: The town of Bridgeport hosts a classic celebration, and the fireworks above Crowley Lake are especially striking against dark skies.
Tips for Visiting Mono County
- If you’re driving from the west through Yosemite on Highway 140, you’ll have to pay their entry fee, even if you’re just passing through. For frequent visitors to national parks, consider obtaining an annual park pass for better value.
- Even if you’re not on top of a mountain in Mono County, you’re still in a high desert. Find out what you should do before you go.
- Bring your binoculars; you’ll find ample opportunities to observe unique wildlife.
- Many locations are short on television reception, so consider taking a break from screens and bringing a book or magazine instead.
Best Bites
Anyone who’s visited will rave about the Tioga Gas Mart near Lee Vining and Yosemite’s west gate. The Whoa Nellie Deli offers an unexpected menu featuring lobster taquitos on Brazilian black beans, grilled pork tenderloin with apricot-wild berry glaze, and desserts that will tempt you to order first. It’s a must-visit culinary experience whenever you’re nearby.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Benton Hot Springs features seven comfortable rooms, with breakfast included, guaranteed to fuel your day. Furthermore, guests have access to outdoor hot tubs fed by some of California’s finest natural hot springs, making this a true escape.
The Bridgeport Inn is a family-owned historic hotel centrally located, featuring a friendly bar and even a resident ghost (no extra charge).
Additionally, accommodation can also be found in Lee Vining, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes.
Getting To Mono County
From San Francisco (over the mountains) to Mono County is 351 miles, 333 miles from Los Angeles, and 207 miles from Sacramento. A small airport is located near Mammoth Lakes for those who prefer flying.
