Mono County , California
Home Base for Yosemite .
Here ’ s why .
photo credit : Alicia Vennos / Mono County Tourism
Mono County , on the “ East Side ” of Yosemite National Park , is a sensational place to stay -- and to start or end a trip to California ' s Eastern Sierra . Just 12 breathtaking miles from Yosemite ’ s dramatic east entrance , Mono County is part of the ocean-to-mountain-to-desert triangle that many visitors travel to see as much of California as possible . Just be sure to plan enough time in Mono County for these “ don ’ t miss ” things to do and see :
Mono Lake ' s South Tufa State Reserve . Far saltier than the ocean , this vast inland sea is home to trillions of brine shrimp and millions of migratory birds – and the intriguing limestone tufa formations make the shoreline a photographer ' s dream .
Kayaking Mono Lake ( photo credit : Alicia Vennos / Mono County Tourism )
Bodie State Historic Park . A thriving mining town in the late 1800s , Bodie is now the west ’ s largest , unrestored and authentic ghost town , with about 170 buildings still standing in a state of arrested decay .
Mammoth Mountain . Ride the gondola to the “ Top of the World ” at 11,053 feet – and don ’ t miss hiking to the south ridge for awesome views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin .
Devils Postpile . One of the world ’ s finest examples of columnar basalt , this unique geological formation is unforgettable -- and the 3-mile hike continuing to Rainbow Falls is highly recommended .
Outdoor Adventure . Hike , fish , climb , golf , kayak , go horseback riding … fun in the outdoors is not just a pastime in the Eastern Sierra , it ’ s a passion !
Devils Postpile ( photo credit : Mono County Tourism )
Lodging and campgrounds in Mono County , conveniently accessed by scenic US Highway 395 , are a super option , especially during Yosemite ’ s busy season . Plus , the YARTS bus takes hikers and sightseers to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley daily throughout the summer . And if you want to get to the heart of Mono County even faster , fly Alaska Airlines to Mammoth-Yosemite Airport ( MMH ) direct from Los Angeles ( LAX ).
Free Visitor Guide : MonoCounty . org / 800-845-7922 . 24 Summer 2016 Adventure Outdoors
" Gem Lakes , Little Lakes Valley , John Muir Wilderness " photo credit : Alicia Vennos / Mono County Tourism