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    Mono Basin Visitor Center

    4.4 (8 reviews)

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    Afshin A.

    Start right here! If you are visiting the Mono lake Basin area for the first time, the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center should be one of your first stops! The Visitor Center, which opened in 1992, provides all visitors a great introduction to the Mono Basin area. There are interactive displays that teach about many aspects of the Mono Basin's geology and human history. In my two stops there, I haven't had the opportunity to watch the award-winning film "Of Ice and Fire: A Portrait of the Mono Basin", but I am told it is only 20 minutes long and gives an excellent introduction to Mono Lake. There is a bookstore that is operated by the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) that offers a comprehensive selection of books and maps of the region. I was told that the revenue from sales of these items goes towards supporting the interpretative programs offered at the center. There are also two galleries, one is the "At Mono Lake" photo exhibit and there other one is a changing art exhibit. The rangers who are present all day can answer your questions. In my two visits I have got a wealth of information by speaking to the rangers who helped me with everything from best spots for photographing the Mono Lake at different times of the day to the conditions of the roads in the area. If you walk through and make it to the back of the building, you will have a stunning view of Mono Lake. There are trails that start around the building and lead you to the lake.

    Josephine C.

    My family and I visited the visitor center on a Saturday morning in June. The rangers was at the desk seemed helpful. The exhibit was interesting too. Then we got to see the mono lake through the back of visitor center. The restrooms was opened and flushing. Parking was available.

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    20 Lakes Basin Loop

    20 Lakes Basin Loop

    5.0(3 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    We didn't see 20 lakes in the basin but enjoying nine peaceful mountain lakes during a single day…read morehike was darn fabulous. Located outside the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, 2.5 miles of dirt road is crossed to reach the trailhead at the closed Saddlebag Lake Resort at 10087 Saddlebag Lake Road. As a former resort, the location has lots of parking but since the closed buildings meant no running water and an outhouse toilet. The often-closed Tioga Road (aka Hwy 120) must be open to get to Saddlebag. For a longer and harder hike, the basin loop can be reached by going up Lundy Canyon located north of Lee Vining and might be an alternative starting point if Tioga is closed. The loop can begin by heading left across the dam, but we went right around eastern side of Saddlebag Lake - the largest and only man-made lake of the hike. The western side is rocky talus while the eastern trail around Saddlebag Lake is longer but has a more comfortable walking surface that was preferred by people fishing in the lake. The remaining lakes appear at regular half-mile intervals with each having their own flavor. The first set of lakes were small and serene Hummingbird Lake, deep and eerie Odell Lake, and classically graceful Lake Helen. We then took a worthwhile and brief side trip down to Lundy Canyon to the cascading Lundy Canyon Falls. We resumed on the loop to see our favorite Shamrock Lake with multiple little peninsulas poking into the lake which was followed by narrow inlet-like Excelsior Lake, cliff-sided Steelhead Lake below the Sphinx-ish Shepherd Crest, unremarkable Wasco Lake, and meadowy Greenstone Lake before returning along the opposite side of Saddlebag Lake. Maps showed two trails between Steelhead and Wasco Lakes. The western trail is incomplete but also led to the best geology with bold green layered rocks. Our hike was 9.3 miles to circle around nine lakes and one waterfall. The elevation varied from 9,900' to 10,400'. Never steep, the terrain rolled up and down which felt like a 1000' elevation change hike. The paths were mostly exposed with few trees. Located in a true basin, the lakes were surrounded by peaks and ridges. Icy snow pockets that survived the summer ensured water flow through the creeks and lakes.

    Hiked this as an overnight backpacking trip with 2 friends in late July, it was the most beautiful…read moreamazing hike I've done and seen in a very long time. Drove up from San Diego the night before and tried to get a camping spot at ~7K feet altitude to get adjusted but all the campsites were full, so ended up camping overnight at disbursed camping down the road (still up at altitude, just no facilities and no fires allowed). Woke up in the morning and made a quick stop at Whoa Nellie Deli to use the bathroom, fill up on water etc. And then drove the very rocky road up to the trailhead. I have a Subaru Impreza, all wheel drive but not a lot of lift, so it was doable, but would have definitely felt better in an SUV, although I also saw a Prius in the parking lot so any car can make it I guess. Parked in the parking lot, there are bear boxes there to leave everything from your car that you're not bringing with you on your backs (also bring a bear canister if you're doing overnight!). Then we headed out. We hiked around the north side of Saddlebag lake, which was beautiful, and a little more crowded as a lot of day hikers just hike that lake. We then took the turn off to the right to head up to the rest of the lakes. On day 1 we did about 6 1/2 miles. We kept passing beautiful lake after beautiful lake. There was a point where we were hiking down a pretty steep climb and it started hailing on us! I was relieved we were hiking down at that point and not up with our packs on. I'd recommend having alltrails map downloaded as there are literally no trail markers, there would have been really know what to know which way to go without it. So we kept hiking and climbing, up and down, around more and more lakes. And then we setup camp for the night around Greenstone Lake. Night 1 was Friday night and was very quiet, no other over-nighters around. Night 2 was a Saturday, and it got a bit more crowded. Nothing too crazy, but there were definitely others in sight and ear-shot. We setup for 2 nights, and then did a day hike the next morning up to Conness Lake which was actually possibly the most beautiful lake I've ever seen in my entire life. I even went swimming in the freezing water! On our last day we woke up in the morning, packed up, and hiked out the remaining 3ish miles back around the bottom of Saddlebag Lake.

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    20 Lakes Basin Loop
    20 Lakes Basin Loop
    20 Lakes Basin Loop

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    Mono Lake South Tufa Area - Tufas under the stars

    Mono Lake South Tufa Area

    4.6(28 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    This is one of a kind lake . It was formed by underground fresh water . The lime stone formations…read moreare unique. When I first visited this lake many years ago, the lake was a lot bigger than now . We came around 5:30'pm amd the sun was setting . We saw the orange cloud in different shade and golden sun beam was reflected on the lake and he cloud at the same time . It was magical ! I am sad today to find out most of the lake water was re directed to Los Angeles area for other uses . The lake has shrink and the water becomes super salty . That affects the tiny shrimps that live inside the lake , the algae and the seabirds that eats the creatures that live in the water . I hope the situation would improve soon . We create a new problem to solve the existing problem.

    It is off the main road to access this area, but only by a few miles and it's worth it. An easy…read moredrive, plenty of parking. An easy hike to the lake, flat with a slight descent. At the waters edge you can see several of the tufa's. You get a nice view across the lake. At the parking lot are some kiosks with information pertaining to the lake. Along the trail are some placards with additional history and information. The waters edge was covered with thousands of the alkali flies. Kind of gross but memorable! Also on the trail down are markers showing dates and what water levels were at that time. That really is impressive to see how low the lake was from its original level. At the parking lot is a payment station. It's 3$ per adult. Also some pit toilets at the end of the parking lot.

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    Mono Lake South Tufa Area
    Mono Lake South Tufa Area - South Tufa

    South Tufa

    Mono Lake South Tufa Area - Sunrise

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    Sunrise

    Aspen campground - There are so many aspen trees in this area.

    Aspen campground

    4.6(12 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    Aspen trees for miles…read more I always make a point to stop here just to witness the Aspens changing color, a breathtaking transformation that typically peaks in late October. It's absolutely worth the short detour. Located approximately 20 mins from Yosemite's entrance at Tioga Pass. These golden groves are located just before the entrance to the campground. While I'm not much of a camper myself, I did stroll through the site to get a feel for it just incase I ever change and become a camper. It's serene, quiet, and beautifully nestled alongside Lee Vining Creek. The area is shaded by trees and offers amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. If camping is your thing, I recommend checking out their website for more details. Even if you're not into camping, catching the Aspens in their autumn glory should be on your list if you're in the area between late October and early November.

    I'm very hesitant to review this campground, because we wanted to keep this special Eastern Sierra…read moreNevada hideaway all to ourselves. We arrived on a Friday afternoon without a reservation, and began to mildly panic one we learned most of the sites had already been taken. Luckily we came across some super friendly Aspen Campground regulars, who invited us to share their double site which just happened to be situated in a prime spot right next to the beautifully bustling river - SCORE! The Big draw to Aspen is hands down the fishing. It just so happened that right before we arrived the local hatchery dropped a load of fresh trouts, ready to be hooked! This was my first time fishing, and I was able to catch (and Cook) my very first fish! If you like to fish and you like to camp, going to Aspen is a no brainer. The trees are also large and plentiful, so if you come, don't forget to pack your hammock!

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    Aspen campground - Looking west from Highway 120 towards Aspen Campground

    Looking west from Highway 120 towards Aspen Campground

    Aspen campground
    Aspen campground

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    Mono Basin Visitor Center - parks - Updated May 2026

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