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
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
12.6 mi / 3779 ft gainGet a permit. Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center. Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister! Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4. Eagle Pe...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Rock Climb in Camp 4
5.0Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP
4.5Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop
5.016.03 mi / 5177 ft gainFour Mile Trail to Panorama Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail
5.09.59 mi / 3200 ft gainGlacier Point is one of the highlights of Yosemite. The point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road. This viewpoint allows you to survey the entire Yosemite Valley and gives the viewer a captivating sight of Half Dome. It's a little bit of a tourist trap (especially during the summer season...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Union Point via Four Mile Trail
6 mi / 2332 ft gainFour Mile Trail is steep, but hikers efforts are more than rewarded. Union Point sits above Yosemite Valley at 6,332 feet - offering sweeping views of El Capitan and the valley entrance to the left, and North Dome / Half Dome & Clouds Rest to the right. You can also see Yosemite Falls straigh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Glacier Point
4.79.17 mi / 3491 ft gainEveryone that knows Yosemite, knows Glacier Point. An overlook that attracts thousands of people per day that drive up via Glacier Point Road is rarely vacant of the hustle and bustle of people. However, there is a loop hole here, and when the stars align you can have Glacier Point ALL to yoursel...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake
4.023 mi / 880 ft gainLMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
5.048.29 mi / 10610 ft gainThis is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Coming up out of Pate Val...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Witness Yosemite's Firefall
5.00.1 mi / 0 ft gainOver 5 million visitors flock to Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada Mountain Range every year to take in the geological splendor. While most visitors get to see the park's waterfalls, very few ever get to witness the Firefall. For two weeks between mid-late February, a small wat...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake
32 mi / 2400 ft gainThe hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Watch the Sunset in El Capitan Meadow
After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss).Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, walk over to the eas...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Hike to Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail
4.016.07 mi / 5568 ft gainA Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Bridalveil Fall
3.81.2 mi / 200 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just about a 10 minute walk to the falls.If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trailhead
5.07.51 mi / 300 ft gainBefore you start, be sure to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and grab an overnight permit. More info on this at nps.gov. This trail meanders through beautiful, dense meadows full of wildlife - watch for bears! When you're not hiking among the wildflowers and babbling brooks, you're enc...Read more
