The Southern Sierra
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Southern Sierra - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bodie Ghost Town
Ghost TownThe mining village of Rattlesnake Gulch, abandoned mine shafts, and the remains of a small Chinatown are among the sights at this fascinating...
The mining village of Rattlesnake Gulch, abandoned mine shafts, and the remains of a small Chinatown are among the sights at this fascinating ghost town. The town boomed from about 1878 to 1881, but by the late 1940s all its residents had departed. A state park was established here in 1962, with a mandate to preserve everything in a state of "arrested decay." Evidence of Bodie's wild past survives at an excellent museum, and you can tour an old stamp mill where ore was crushed into fine powder to extract gold and silver. Bodie lies 13 miles east of U.S. 395 off Highway 270. The last 3 miles are unpaved, and snow may close the highway from late fall through early spring. No food, drink, or lodging is available in Bodie.
Bodie Rd., off Hwy. 270, Bodie, California, 93517, USA760-647–6445Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
2. Devils Postpile National Monument
Nature SightVolcanic and glacial forces sculpted this formation of smooth, vertical basalt columns. For a bird's-eye view, take the short, steep trail to...
Volcanic and glacial forces sculpted this formation of smooth, vertical basalt columns. For a bird's-eye view, take the short, steep trail to the top of a 60-foot cliff. To see the monument's second scenic wonder, Rainbow Falls, hike 2 miles past Devils Postpile. A branch of the San Joaquin River plunges more than 100 feet over a lava ledge here. When the water hits the pool below, sunlight turns the resulting mist into a spray of color. From mid-June to early September, day-use visitors must ride the shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to the monument.
Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA760-934–2289Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 per vehicle (allowed when the shuttle isn\'t running, usually early Sept.–mid-Oct.), $8 per person shuttle -
3. Mammoth Lakes Basin
Body Of Water/WaterfallMammoth's seven main lakes are popular for fishing and boating in summer, and a network of multiuse paths connects them to the North Village...
Mammoth's seven main lakes are popular for fishing and boating in summer, and a network of multiuse paths connects them to the North Village. First comes Twin Lakes, at the far end of which is Twin Falls, where water cascades 300 feet over a shelf of volcanic rock. Also popular are Lake Mary, the largest lake in the basin; Lake Mamie; and Lake George. Horseshoe Lake is the only lake in which you can swim.
Lake Mary Rd., off Hwy. 203, southwest of town, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA -
4. Mono Lake
Body Of Water/WaterfallSince the 1940s, Los Angeles has diverted water from this lake, exposing striking towers of tufa, or calcium carbonate. Court victories by...
Since the 1940s, Los Angeles has diverted water from this lake, exposing striking towers of tufa, or calcium carbonate. Court victories by environmentalists have meant fewer diversions, and the lake is rising again. Although to see the lake from U.S. 395 is stunning, make time to visit South Tufa, whose parking lot is 5 miles east of U.S. 395 off Highway 120. There, in summer, you can join the naturalist-guided South Tufa Walk, which lasts about 90 minutes. The Scenic Area Visitor Center, off U.S. 395, is a sensational stop for its interactive exhibits and sweeping Mono Lake views (closed in winter). In town, at U.S. 395 and 3rd Street, the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore, open from 9 to 5 daily (extended hours in summer), has more information about this beautiful area.
Hwy. 120, east of Lee Vining, Lee Vining, California, 93541, USA760-647–3044-visitor centerSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Panorama Gondola
MountainEven if you don't ski, ride the gondola to see Mammoth Mountain, the aptly named dormant volcano that gives Mammoth Lakes its name. Gondolas...
Even if you don't ski, ride the gondola to see Mammoth Mountain, the aptly named dormant volcano that gives Mammoth Lakes its name. Gondolas serve skiers in winter and mountain bikers and sightseers in summer. The high-speed, eight-passenger gondolas whisk you from the chalet to the summit, where you can learn about the area's volcanic history in the interpretive center, have lunch in the café, and take in top-of-the-world views. Standing high above the tree line, you can look west 150 miles across the state to the Coastal Range; to the east are the highest peaks of Nevada and the Great Basin beyond. You won't find a better view of the Sierra High Country without climbing. The air is thin at the 11,053-foot summit; carry water, and don't overexert yourself.
Boarding area at Main Lodge, off Minaret Rd. (Hwy. 203), west of village center, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA760-934–0745Sight Details
Rate Includes: $29 -
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6. Fresno Flats Historical Village and Park
Museum/GalleryFor a dose of colorful foothills history, make a quick stop at this engaging local museum centered around two 1870s houses. Self-guided tours...
For a dose of colorful foothills history, make a quick stop at this engaging local museum centered around two 1870s houses. Self-guided tours are available from dawn to dusk; museum visits are by appointment.
School Rd. and Indian Springs Rd., Oakhurst, California, 93644, USA559-683–6570Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Jan. and Feb. -
7. Hot Creek Geological Site
Nature SightForged by an ancient volcanic eruption, the geological site is a landscape of boiling hot springs, fumaroles, and occasional geysers. Swimming...
Forged by an ancient volcanic eruption, the geological site is a landscape of boiling hot springs, fumaroles, and occasional geysers. Swimming is prohibited—the water can go from warm to boiling in a short time—but you can look down from the parking area into the canyon to view the steaming volcanic features, a very cool sight indeed. Fly-fishing for trout is popular upstream from the springs.
Hot Creek Hatchery Rd., off U.S. 395 (airport exit), about 10 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA760-924–5500Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
8. Hot Creek Trout Hatchery
Fish HatcheryThis outdoor fish hatchery has the breeding ponds for many of the fish—typically from 3 to 5 million annually—with which the state stocks Eastern...
This outdoor fish hatchery has the breeding ponds for many of the fish—typically from 3 to 5 million annually—with which the state stocks Eastern Sierra lakes and rivers. In recent years budget cuts have reduced these numbers, but locals have formed foundations to keep the hatchery going. For more details, take the worthwhile self-guided tour. Kids enjoy feeding the fish here.
121 Hot Creek Hatchery Rd., off U.S. 395 (airport exit), about 10 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA760-934–2664Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
9. Hume Lake
Body Of Water/WaterfallThis reservoir, built by loggers in the early 1900s, is now the site of several church-affiliated camps, a gas station, and a public campground...
This reservoir, built by loggers in the early 1900s, is now the site of several church-affiliated camps, a gas station, and a public campground. Outside Kings Canyon's borders, Hume Lake offers intimate views of the mountains. Summer lodge room rentals start at $160.
Hume Lake Rd., off Kings Canyon Hwy., 8 miles northeast of Grant Grove, 64144 Hume Lake Rd., Hume, California, 93628, USA559-305-7770 -
10. June Lake Loop
Scenic DriveHeading south, U.S. 395 intersects the June Lake Loop. This gorgeous 17-mile drive follows an old glacial canyon past Grant, June, Gull, and...
Heading south, U.S. 395 intersects the June Lake Loop. This gorgeous 17-mile drive follows an old glacial canyon past Grant, June, Gull, and Silver lakes before reconnecting with U.S. 395 on its way to Mammoth Lakes. The loop is especially colorful in fall.
Hwy. 158 W, Lee Vining, California, 93529, USA -
11. Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl
RestaurantA sprawling complex with sweeping views of the Sherwin Mountains, Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl supplies one-stop recreation, entertainment, and dining...
A sprawling complex with sweeping views of the Sherwin Mountains, Mammoth Rock 'n' Bowl supplies one-stop recreation, entertainment, and dining. Downstairs are 12 bowling lanes, lounge areas, Ping-Pong and foosball tables, dartboards, and a casual bar-restaurant ($$) serving burgers, pizzas, and small plates. The upstairs floor has three golf simulators, a pro shop, and Mammoth Rock Brasserie ($$$), an upscale dining room and lounge. If the weather's nice, sit on the outdoor patio or the upstairs deck and enjoy the unobstructed vistas.
3029 Chateau Rd., off Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes, California, 93456, USA760-934–4200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Bowling: $7 per game per person evenings and weekends, $5 before 5 pm and after 10 pm; $3 shoe rental, Bowling: from $16 -
12. Minaret Vista
Nature SightThe glacier-carved sawtooth spires of the Minarets, the remains of an ancient lava flow, are best viewed from the Minaret Vista. Pull off the...
The glacier-carved sawtooth spires of the Minarets, the remains of an ancient lava flow, are best viewed from the Minaret Vista. Pull off the road, park your car in the visitors' viewing area, and walk along the path, which has interpretive signs explaining the spectacular peaks, ridges, and valleys beyond.
Off Hwy. 203, 1¼ mile west of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546, USA -
13. Village at Mammoth
Town/VillageThis huge complex of shops, restaurants, and luxury accommodations is the town's tourist center, and the venue for many special events—check...
This huge complex of shops, restaurants, and luxury accommodations is the town's tourist center, and the venue for many special events—check the website for the weekly schedule. The complex is also the transfer hub for the free public transit system, with fixed routes throughout the Mammoth Lakes area. The free village gondola starts here and travels up the mountain to Canyon Lodge and back. Unless you're staying in the village and have access to the on-site lots, parking can be very difficult here.
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14. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Transportation Site (Airport, Bus, Ferry, Train)Travel back to a time when powerful steam locomotives hauled massive log trains through the Sierra. This 4-mile, narrow-gauge railroad excursion...
Travel back to a time when powerful steam locomotives hauled massive log trains through the Sierra. This 4-mile, narrow-gauge railroad excursion takes you near Yosemite's south gate. There's a moonlight special ($58), with dinner and entertainment, and you can pan for gold ($10) and visit the free museum.
56001 Hwy. 41, 8 miles south of Yosemite, Fish Camp, California, 93623, USA559-683–7273Sight Details
Rate Includes: $24, Closed Nov.–Mar. Closed some weekdays Apr. and Oct.
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