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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Lee Vining, California
Hike to Agnew Lake from Silver Lake
4.04.4 mi / 800 ft gainJune Lake never ceases to amaze. In just about any weather, this particular portion of the 395 is something to be experienced in its entirety.If you are dedicating a day or two to explore the June Lake loop, then a trek to Agnew Lake is the perfect hike to throw into the plans. It is not extremel...Read more -
Mono County, California
Gem Lake via Rush Creek
5.06.91 mi / 2313 ft gainThis hike starts next to Silver Lake in the June Lake Loop, located just north of Mammoth Lakes, CA off HWY 395. There is a parking lot near the RV park as well as street parking across the road from the trailhead. Once you head out on the hike, you'll start gaining elevation as you hike up tow...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 -
June Lake, California
Hike to Fern Lake
5.03.5 mi / 1500 ft gainLess than 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, the beauty of the region is captured even on the drive to get to the trailhead. No bathrooms at the trailhead, however the town of June Lake is a short bit away. Out of the gate, the trail quickly climbs 850 feet in just less than a mile. The way up, w...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Junction Campground, Mono County
Junction campground is by far one of my favorite campsites when I am visiting the High Sierra and Tuolumne Meadows. The only downside is, you can only camp certain months; usually from June through October when highway 120 is open. The Junction campground is far away from the crowds of Yosemite...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Inyo Craters Trail
4.01.51 mi / 253 ft gainInyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb the Third Pillar of Dana
From Highway 120 (Tioga Road) you can park at the lot just above Tioga Lake. Another mile up the road is the Yosemite entrance, so if you hit that, you've gone too far. Follow the trail around the south side of the lake and into Glacier Canyon. After about 2 miles you'll start scrambling on the N...Read more -
Twain Harte-Tuolumne City, California
Mount Dana
5.04.89 mi / 3120 ft gainThere's something special about the landscape that Yosemite National Park offers, and the scenery around Mount Dana is no different. The trail begins at the Tioga Gate entrance to Yosemite with the trailhead at the north end of the small parking lot south of the gate. It winds through the ponds,...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Middle Gaylor Lake
1.46 mi / 764 ft gainThe main trail to the Middle Gaylor Lake is about 1.5 miles round-trip, but if you’re looking for more adventure, you can hike a little further to Upper Gaylor Lake (which will add a mile to your trip) or continue on to the Great Sierra Mine (which will add 2 miles to your trip). The Gaylor Lake...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Lyell Loop
35.88 mi / 5541 ft gainStart the hike at the Mono pass trail. You'll eventually take the fork towards Parker Pass a couple miles in. We tackled the trail in late spring, and it quickly became clear that there was still enough snow to make our lives difficult. As we climbed out of the Parker drainage, the trail essenti...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Mono Pass to Silver Lake Trailhead via Koip Peak Pass
20.25 mi / 3606 ft gainThis trip begins in Yosemite National Park and can be completed as an out-and-back or by hiking one-way to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and exiting at Silver Lake on the east side of the mountains. Start at the Mono/Parker Pass trailhead, a few miles past Tuolumne Meadows. Don't forget to make a pe...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb North Peak via the NW Ridge
DirectionsAlthough North Peak lies right on the border of Yosemite, the hike starts just outside the park at the Saddle Bag Lake trail-head. There are also some campsites here if you wish to spend the night, but I think they are usually in high demand and hard to come by. To get to Saddlebag Lak...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
20 Lakes Basin Loop
5.07.81 mi / 915 ft gainThis trail is overall very easy to hike, but the 9.1mi distance at a 10,000ft altitude is what makes it a bit of a doozy for people who aren't frequent hikers. That said, if you are a relatively in-shape individual, you should have no problem with this trail. Remember to take frequent water bre...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Photograph Dana Fork
Yosemite is filled with some amazing views but rarely do you get to experience these views by yourself. This hidden treasure is located off of Tioga Pass, is near some of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, and offers an outstanding sunrise and sunset views without the crowds. Located 2.5 miles Sout...Read more -
Madera County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Thousand Island Lake
5.0This is one of the most recogizable lakes on the John Muir Trail and is known for being one of Ansel Adams' favorite places to photograph. Banner and Ritter Peaks tower over the tree covered islands and make for incredible scenery. This is a good spot to spend the day eating lunch and swimming ou...Read more -
Madera County, California
Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows
5.019.6 mi / 3642 ft gainStart from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set...Read more
