Next weekend my GF and myself are heading up to Lone Pine (Boulder Creek RV Resort) for two days, then up to Lee Vining (Mono Vista RV Park) for three days, then back to Lone Pine for two nights befor heading home. Anyone have any advice for things to do in Lee Vining, places to go, food locations, neat things to see, etc?
We plan on hitting Mono Lake a lot, for some sunrise and sunset photography. I plan on taking her up to Tuolumne Meadows, she's never been to Yosemite before. There's also the June Lake Loop and Bodie. It's mostly a relaxing, geocaching, sightseeing, photographing, fishing trip! LOL
Thanks,
Dave www.SoCalRailFan.com
2006 Jeep Wrangler Umilimited, 2008 Fleetwood Westlake
Photograph ops are great just about anywhere in this area.
Do you hike? One of my favorites is Parker Lake, at the north end of the June Lake Loop. Lots of different vegetation along the way, vistas, spots to rest, and not too many folks around. Road to trailhead is usually bumpy, but no problem for your Jeep.
If you want to go just a little farther north on 395 there is Bridgeport. There is a beautiful, rustic CG up at Twin Lakes. Annetts Mono Village. I don't know of anything to do right in the town of Lee Vining. It is a very small spot in the road. Sounds like you have done your research on the area. As you start up Tioga Pass for Tuolumne Meadow there is a wonderful deli on your left. It is at the Mobil gas station. Whoa Nellie Deli. Don't forget to stop in Bishop at Schats bakery in the middle of town. Oh, and how about Mammoth Lakes, between Bishop and June Lake. Another beautiful area. Enjoy your trip. Betsy.
I've seen more wildlife such as deer and bear while camping at Oh Ridge CG on June Lake Loop, then at Yosemite. Last time we saw more animals than people.
A few ideas
Bodie state park
Tuolumne meadows in Yosemite
navy beach tufa formations
Take a ride up Conway summit and visit Virginia Lakes
best food in Lee Vining is at the "Whoa Nellie Deli" located in the Mobil gas station.
The mono cone in LV has a ovaltine malt which is really good
Lake Tahoe is only a few hours away
The visitors center in LV should have more info on the area also.
Take your Jeep and go up to Whitney Portal and eat at the store. Only buy one breakfast as his omlets are 6-9 eggs and pancakes look like a singler layer of a cake.
Check out the view coming down - SPECTACULAR.
I second the gas station food in Lee Vining.
A good breakfast in Bishop is Jack's Cafe on the west side of the street right in the mioddle of town.
I will third the restaurant in the Mobil Station. We cannot even go by Bishop without stopping at Schatt's Bakery - YUMMY! It is a "do not even think of driving by without stopping" type of place.
I will add, especially since you like photography:
The hike from Devil's Postpile to Rainbow falls (about 7 miles roundtrip, IIRC). Not particularly difficult, it is a beautiful hike and it is amazing to see the Rainbow Falls area coming back after the Rainbow fire 10 or so years ago. The area at the bottom of the falls is beautiful and worth the going down and coming up. Also, when done, nothing tastes as good as an ice cream bar from the General Store at the Reds Meadow campground.
To do this hike, you will need to park at the Mammoth ski area and will be bus'd in. There is a fee to enter this area - I believe it's totally worth it!
You other option is to skip Lone Pine on the way up and camp around the June Lake Loop - from there, everything else you want to do is a not too long drive away. Boulder Creek campground stop on the way home for 2-3 days would be better IMO than 2 days on the way up and 2 days on the way back. You time is better spent up by Mono Lake/June Lake areas!
You have ID'ed most of the good spots around LV. Add in Hot Creek, and the rock arch nearby. Also, the whole Mammoth area has good photo ops (Mamie Lake, eg). Also some decent hikes into or on top of craters.
Thanks for all the info everyone. I was up there two weeks ago for three days at Boulder Creek and enjoyed it. This is supposed to be a relaxing trip for my GF who just lost her mother, but with my ADHD and love of photography and sightseeing I can't sit still! She's not into driving all day, hence the three different stops.
I at at Schatt's last time I was there, we'll be stopping there twice for bread, sandwiches and pastries! I've heard good things about Whoa Nellie Deli. I'd go for the kayaking, but after my Zion NP adventure where I got swept down the river and destroyed my Canon 20D I'm staying away from water right now with my new 40D!
This is also her first time camping in the popup with me, every other trip Ive been solo, so it should be interesting to say the least! I know she's going to love Whitney Portal, Alabama Hills, etc from my photos she's seen.
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