Lee Vining, California
Looking for the best chillin in Lee Vining? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Lee Vining. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Lee Vining
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Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
3.0Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Tenaya Lake
4.63.08 mi / 0 ft gainTenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others pre...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack to Garnet Lake
5.014 mi / 2030 ft gainAlthough this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Take the Panorama Gondola to the Summit of Mammoth Mountain
3.5The summit of Mammoth at 11,053 feet provides one of the most stunning views you'll find in California. Take a scenic trip up the Panorama Gondola for a 360 degree vista of Sierra Nevada peaks and a commanding view of the San Joaquin River Valley below. Grab a lunch at the cafe at the top, then v...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Tubing at Woolly's Tube Park
There probably isn't a more fun way to goof around and play in the snow. And we take it up a notch - skip the hiking, and catch a lift to the top, then bomb down as fast as you dare in one of our high-speed snow tubes. (Children must be 42" to tube.)Highlights include everything you could be look...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Romantic Sunset Snowcat Tour
Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Experience the sights and sounds of the backcountry in the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat.After a day on the slopes, celebrate a spectacular view over the Ritter Range and the Minarets with a champagne toast...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Buckeye Hot Springs
3.8From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Snowshoe Shady Rest Park
2 mi / 100 ft gainShady Rest Park is located on Sawmill Road just minutes from the Mammoth Lakes town center. Start off by crossing through the parking lot headed north towards the large open field covered in snow. The open field is a great place to walk around and become comfortable with wearing and walking in sn...Read more -
Benton, California
Photograph Wild Mustangs in Mono County
Since these are wild horses, tracking them can be difficult. However, they tend to play and graze in a certain field in Mono County, right outside of Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite! From CA-395 turn onto CA-120 towards Mono Lake. Take this road for 21 miles until you reach Dobie Meadows Road, a one l...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail
5.052 mi / 6300 ft gainCross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you. Planning GPS Map (Caltopo): https://caltopo.com...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Photograph Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes
4.0Lake Mary is the largest of the 11 lakes in the Mammoth Mountain area. Explore the lake’s perimeter and find your own perfectly peaceful place to watch one of Mammoth’s signature stunning sunsets. Parking is easy to come by either on the side of the road or at the marina parking lot up the road.B...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Soak in Mammoth's Hilltop Hot Springs
4.3Mammoth’s volcanic valley floor is peppered with these natural steamy tubs with panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra. It’s pretty damn whimsical. My personal favorite is the Hilltop Hot Tub, which is a man-made stone pool fed by a bubbling, steamy creek. According to some corner of the web, it i...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Relax at Laurel Lakes
0 mi / 0 ft gainThe Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP
4.5This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...Read more