Mono County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mono County with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore culturally important attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, best activities to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Mono County

Nestled in Eastern Sierra, in Sierra Nevada, Mono County boasts of its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous outdoor activities. Mono County is named after Mono Lake and is surrounded by the Inyo National Forest, Nevada Mountains, and the Bodie State Historic Park.

The county has a lot to offer to nature lovers, hikers, bikers, fishermen, skiers, and adventurers. The small towns and cultural attractions provide a glimpse into the county’s rich history.

Plan your trip to Mono County using our comprehensive travel guide. We have listed the top places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best activities to do, where to stay, what to buy, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Mono County

Mono County has plenty of attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here is a list of must-visit places in Mono County.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Bodie State Historic Park - a preserved ghost town that was once a bustling gold-mining town in the late 1800s.
  2. Mono Basin Historical Society - a museum showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of Mono County.
  3. Mono Lake - a saline lake with stunning landscapes.

Natural Attractions of Mono County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Yosemite National Park - a must-visit destination for all nature lovers.
  2. Mammoth Lakes - a year-round destination with scenic views and outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, fishing, and more.
  3. June Lake Loop - a scenic drive with picturesque views and outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
  4. Devils Postpile National Monument - a geological wonder with basalt columns.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mono County

Mono County has plenty of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and skiing. Here is a list of the top hiking/biking routes in Mono County.

  1. Mono Lake Trail - a 6.2-mile trail with stunning views of Mono Lake.
  2. Mammoth Crest Trail - a 9.6-mile trail with picturesque views of the Eastern Sierra.
  3. Convict Lake Trail - a 2.5-mile trail with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  4. Tioga Pass - a scenic drive with plenty of hiking trails along the way.

Best Things to Do in Mono County: Activities and Tours

  1. Skiing and Snowboarding - Mammoth Mountain Ski Area offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in California.
  2. Fishing - Mono County is home to some of the best fishing destinations in California, including Crowley Lake, Convict Lake, and June Lake.
  3. Kayaking and Canoeing - Mono Lake provides a unique kayaking experience with beautiful views.
  4. Hot Springs - Mammoth Lakes is famous for its natural hot springs, providing a perfect way to relax after a long day of activities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mono County

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Mono County:

Days Activities
Day 1 Bodie State Historic Park
Day 2 Convict Lake Trail, followed by fishing
Day 3 Tioga Pass drive and hiking
Day 4 Kayaking at Mono Lake
Day 5 Hot springs at Mammoth Lakes
Day 6 Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Day 7 Mono Basin Historical Society and local shopping

Food and Drink Scene of Mono County

The food and drink scene in Mono County reflect the county’s culture and cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Mono Lake Eats - specializing in sandwiches and salads made from locally sourced ingredients.
  2. Schat’s Bakery - renowned for its artisan bread, pastries, and sandwiches.
  3. Whoa Nellie Deli - serves Californian cuisine with a twist, located inside a gas station.

Local Beverages

  1. June Lake Brewing - a brewing company that serves a range of beers made from local ingredients.
  2. Mammoth Brewing Company - offers a range of beers and spirits made using snowmelt water and local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Mono County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mono County has plenty of accommodation options to suit all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Tamarack Lodge and Resort - a rustic resort offering cabins with stunning views of Twin Lakes.
  2. Mammoth Mountain Inn - a ski-in/ski-out resort located at the base of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
  3. Tioga Lodge at Mono Lake - a lakeside lodge with panoramic views of Mono Lake.

What to Buy in Mono County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade pottery from the Mono Basin Historical Society.
  2. Stuffed animals made from wool at the Mammoth Fun Shop.
  3. Souvenirs from the Bodie State Historic Park gift shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Mono County

The local culture in Mono County revolves around the appreciation of nature, history, and adventure. Visitors are expected to respect the environment, follow the local customs, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Mono County

The best time to visit Mono County is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, winter sports enthusiasts should visit Mono County during the winter months (December-March) when the ski resorts are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mono County

Do:

  1. Respect the environment and carry your trash with you.
  2. Book accommodation and activities in advance.
  3. Try the local cuisine and buy locally made products.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage natural and historical sites.
  2. Go off-trail or disturb wildlife.
  3. Engage in reckless outdoor activities that risk injury or the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mono County

Mono County is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors must exercise caution while indulging in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or fishing. Follow the safety guidelines and protocol provided by the tour operators or park rangers.

Health in Mono County

Mono County has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. Visitors are advised to carry their medication and take adequate precautions against altitude sickness.

Getting to Mono County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mono County

  1. Mammoth Yosemite Airport - located in Mammoth Lakes and is the primary airport serving Mono County.
  2. Reno-Tahoe International Airport - located in Reno, Nevada, and is 2-3 hours drive from Mono County.

Bus Stations Near Mono County

  1. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) - provides bus services to Mono County from various locations in California.

Other Options

  1. Rental Cars - visitors can rent cars from various rental agencies in California and Nevada.
  2. Private Shuttle Services - private shuttle services are available from nearby airports and major cities.

How to Get Around in Mono County

Mono County has plenty of transportation options to get around the county, including rental cars, bicycles, shuttle services, and public buses.

Where to Go Next from Mono County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Yosemite National Park - a world-famous national park known for its stunning views and outdoor activities.
  2. Lake Tahoe - a year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and water sports.
  3. Reno, Nevada - a nearby city famous for its casinos, nightlife, and entertainment.

Conclusion

Mono County is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in history and culture. With plenty of outdoor activities, scenic views, and cultural attractions, Mono County has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Mono County using our comprehensive travel guide and experience the best this destination has to offer.



    Bridgeport
    Lee Vining
    Mammoth Lakes