Lee Vining CA Ultimate Outdoor Guide

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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for your next adventure, Lee Vining CA will exceed expectations. This small town tucked in the Eastern Sierras along Highway 395 and is bursting with possibilities for exploration.  

Lee Vining may be a quiet little town, but the area is teeming with options for even the most adventurous traveler! 

The stunning views of Yosemite’s east entrance and Mono Lake (a stunning 760,000-year old saline lake) are within proximity to a variety of camping and lodging options. 

For unique eats, and the tastiest option, refuel at Whoa Nelly Deli inside the local Mobile Gas Station. This stop along Highway 395 is not to be missed. And yes, you read that correctly, inside a gas station.  

To the south, you can drive the 15-mile June Lake Loop scenic drive, passing 4 alpine lakes along the way. To the north is the country’s best preserved ghost town, Bodie State Historic Park.

Here is a breakdown of why the Lee Vining area is so amazing. 

Mono Lake

Mono Lake, a large and ancient saline lake, is an incredible sight to see at the base of Lee Vining and the towering mountain ranges of Yosemite. 

The average depth is only 21 feet, due to underground runoff from flowing streams, and is home to trillions of brine shrimp, which draw in numerous species of birds.

The tufa towers, which look like something from Mars, are one of the main attractions here. Tufas are formed when calcium-rich freshwater springs mix with the salty lake water. 

Mono Basin Scenic Visitor Center

The Mono Basin Scenic Visitor Center is a must-see stop while in this section of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The center is located right off Highway 395, at the base of the salty Mono Lake. The Visitor Center offers a wealth of information about the area’s history, ecology, and wildlife, and you will gain an immense amount of insight on the area. If limited on time to explore the lake, this is the one place to visit!

Mono Lake Park

The Mono Lake County Park is a great place to take it easy and enjoy some time outdoors, taking in the views of the area. The willows along the walkway provide excellent opportunities for birding, while you can explore the wetland habitats and tufa towers. Amenities include a free parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, playground, grassy area, and the boardwalk for easy access to the lake.

Mono Lake South Tufa Area

An excellent way to experience this amazing lake, is in Mono Lake South Tufa area. The parking is easy, the landscape isn’t too busy with other people, and the location fantastic for sunrise or sunset. You will have closeup access to the tufas, and ample opportunity to take in views from the Mono Basin vantage point.

Yosemite National Park

Drive 20 minutes up Tioga Road and you will enter Yosemite National Park via the east gate.  The views along the Tioga Pass are simply jaw dropping, and the arrival into Yosemite is like a little slice of alpine heaven.  

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows, nestled at 8,600 feet, has unparalleled beauty. The Tuolumne River winds through the 2-mile meadow, and offers spectacular views Lembert Dome and Pothole Dome. Tenaya Lake has an idyllic sandy beach at the east end, making for a perfect spot to catch the late afternoon sun. 

Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley

If you want to make the trek to Yosemite Valley from Tuolumne Meadows, while totally worth it, the drive is about 1.5 hours. Make sure you plan accordingly, as there are loads of beautiful places to stop along the way.

Hiking

Lee Vining is the perfect place to escape the crowds and hit some of the east side’s quiet trails.

Panum Crater Hike

If the idea of hiking in a volcano crater is appealing, then the 700-year-old Panum Crater is for you!  

The 700-year-old Panum Crater is a fascinating area to check out near Mono Lake. You will find a ton of glossy obsidian, along with the formations of a volcano that erupted long ago. The tiny bits can be quite sharp, so just be careful. 

This hike to the Panum Crater Summit is a short 1-mile hike, and although it has some sections you need to scramble, it is very doable. You will have an incredible, 360 degree view of Mono Basin at the top. Once you descend into the crater, and will find piles of pumice and obsidian.  Definitely worth checking out.

Black Point Fissures

The Black Point Fissures Hike is only 1.8 miles round trip, but is considered a bit challenging. The trail is a bit sandy, and there are some spiny bushes along the trail that requires some bush whacking.  If you can, wear pants.

Once at the fissures, you will be amazing at these mini little slot canyon type of geological features. 

Camping

Lee Vining has a population of less than 100, and there are at least 10 campgrounds to choose from in the area.  From creek side, to high alpine, there is a locale for anyone. 

Here are a few of the best Lee Vining campgrounds.

Lower Lee Vining Campground

You’ll be surrounded by Jeffrey Pines and have easy access to pristine Lee Vining Creek. Take your pick from an array of spacious tent sites or RV spots with fire pits, bear boxes, and picnic tables – some tucked away in shade while others bask in open sunlight! Get there early, as spaces are offered on a first come-first serve basis.

Aspen Campground

Only 10 miles from Yosemite, this campground also sits along Lee Vining Creek. This first-come-first served campsite has 50+ sites available for RV’s, trailers or tents. A few of the sites are fairly close together, but they have the benefit of being right along the creek.

Moraine Campground

Another campground along the creek with some great waterfront spots.  This Lee Vining campground is very close to Tioga Road, so it does fill up quickly, and makes for an ideal basecamp for Yosemite and Mono Lake exploring. 

Fishing

Lee Vining Canyon offers an unforgettable fishing experience. Here, you can find wild rainbow and brown trout in abundance, thriving within the canyon’s rugged mountainscape. 

There are plenty of fishing holes to explore and healthy stock levels, making it a popular spot with most anglers.

Food

Whoa Nellie Deli

Whoa Nellie Deli is located inside the Mobil Gas Station, right off Tioga Rd and Highway 395.  You will find an array of amazing menu choices and a chill mountain vibe in the outdoors picnic area. 

Basin Cafe

Another excellent choice, with tasty burgers and barbecue.  The staff is friendly, and the outdoor seating area is beautiful.  Can’t go wrong with this choice!

FURTHER EXPLORATION

Bodie State Historic Park

If you’re looking for a time travel adventure that is not a tourist trap, then drive 45 minutes north of Lee Vining to Bodie State Historic Park.  This real life ghost town will make you feel like you stepped back in history to experience the Wild West.

The gold rush days made it one of California’s most prosperous mining towns with nearly 8,000 residents at its peak during 1877-1882; bringing an impressive $38 million worth of gold & silver out from mines across this region. 

There are over 200 haunted buildings still standing today, in ‘arrested decay, including churches, saloon bars, school houses and more. Go explore the fascinating relics left behind by miners right before they vanished.  It’s mind-boggling. 

Be sure to time your visit wisely, as roads leading here will close when snow begins to fall.  Always check conditions before heading out. 

June Lake Loop

The LeeVining vicinity offers an astounding array of scenic opportunities, and the 16-mile June Lake Loop is one of its most spectacular.

June Lake is about 15 miles south of Lee Vining, and the loop drives passes by 4 stunning alpine lakes.

With ample opportunity to hike, fish, and camp, it is certainly worth it if you have a bit of extra time. 

Before you go…

If you are heading into Yosemite National Park for a longer period of time and want to maximize your scenic views, be sure to check out our post on the Yosemite viewpoints:

Top 10 Best Viewpoints in Yosemite

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