For those who think life is a beach, don't forget about California's upper crust--the mountainous areas of the Sierra Nevada mountains where beauty unfolds in surprising ways on a daily basis. Seasons mean so much more when summer greenery transforms to orange, yellow and red before your eyes--a sign that big changes are coming. For those who haven't visited California's spectacular mountain destinations in Mono County, it takes about 5-7 hours driving from the Bay Area and approx. 6-8 hours from L.A. Or you can fly into Mammoth Airport (90 minutes from L.A., 90 minutes from San Diego, 65 minutes from the Bay.)
Here are a few tried & true places to check out in Mono County (read more about them):
BENTON HOT SPRINGS: In the historic stagecoach station visitors can soak
in a temperature regulated natural hot springs.
BRIDGEPORT: Fishing and hiking during the summer are two sports activities
Bridgeport, the Mono County Seat, is known for. A whitewashed wooden
courthouse had been in use since 1880.
CONVICT LAKE / MCGEE CREEK: Under the towering Mt. Morrison, Convict Lake is
an anglers paradise but also extremely popular with hikers and wedding
revelers. Fall foliage is spectacular at McGee Creek Canyon.
CROWLEY LAKE: If you are a trout fishing fan, this lake has your name
written all over it.
JUNE LAKE: At the base of the 10,909-foot Carson Peak is a scenic mountain
hideaway. June lake is both a summer fishing retreat and winter snow
retreat. This is sportsmen's paradise realized. June Mountain Ski Area opens
in December 2013.
LEE VINING: Gateway to Yosemite National Park 12 miles up Tioga Pass, Lee
Vining overlooks the dramatic Mono Lake. Stunning beauty makes this a
popular photo location.
MAMMOTH LAKES: The big city among the Mono County resort destinations,
Mammoth is well known for its winter snow and spectacular skiing. Shopping,
dining, great hotels and events throughout the year make this year-round
place to experience the high Sierra in all its splendor!
ROCK CREEK/TOM'S PLACE: If you've heard of Tom's Place, you probably know
about the home-made pie. If not, give it a try. Little Lakes hiking trail
and fall foliage are two of nature's gifts in this wonderful hidden gem.
SILVER LAKE: The oldest resort in Mono County features cabins, RV camping, a
General Store and Silver Lake Cafe. Silver Lake Resort is operated under
Special Use Permit issued by the Inyo National Forest.
TOPAZ: Topaz Lake is the big draw as in Big Fish. The nine month long
fishing season that includes a spectacular big cash derby, plus a location
minutes from the Nevada casinos means that you may get lucky.
WALKER AND COLEVILLE: California's only ATV Jamboree in the northern part of
the county makes these ranch towns of Walker and Coleville a very small,
famous spot on the map.