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Mono County, California: It’s Time To Choose Your Own Adventure
The Eastern Sierra is a premier winter destination. Home to Mammoth and June Mountain, Mono County attracts powder chasers eager to ride storms and spend days at the resort. However, adventure lies far beyond the ski area boundaries. Let’s explore what lies beyond the ski area. It’s time to choose your own Mono County adventure!
Choose Your Level of Adventure
Option 1: Adrenaline-Pumping Adventure
The first step in planning your perfect trip to Mono County is choosing your level of adventure. From exhilarating backcountry trips chasing powder and epic lines to gliding along a groomed cross-country ski trail while taking in Mono County’s breathtaking geological wonders, there’s an adventure for everyone! Book a guided backcountry tour with Sierra Mountain Guides or hop on a snowcat with High Sierra Snowcat for snowcat-assisted laps in untouched terrain. Looking for something even more thrilling? Explore the Eastern Sierra backcountry with DJ’s Snowmobile Adventures, available as a guided or self-guided tour. For experienced snowmobilers looking for a winter playground Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area is the perfect winter trail system.
Option 2: Scenic Exploration
Adrenaline-packed backcountry adventures aren’t for everyone. Instead, soak in the endless views with a peaceful snowshoe trek to Hot Creek Geological Site or Obsidian Dome. Take a scenic drive to one of Mono County’s many stunning lakes, like Mono Lake, Convict Lake, or Twin Lakes. If you time it right, you may even witness the rare “pogonip” phenomenon, a freezing fog that coats the tufa towers in a sparkling, otherworldly sheen.
For cross-country ski enthusiasts, Mono County offers plenty of well-groomed trails. From trailheads to full-service ski centers, the options are endless:
- Bridgeport Winter Trail System – A multi-use trail system perfect for XC skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.
- Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center – 19 miles of groomed trails for all skill levels.
- Shady Rest Park (Mammoth Lakes) – A 1.8-mile groomed track ideal for a quick ski session.
Option 3: Fun for the Whole Family
Maybe you’re looking for fun for the whole family? Take the kids sledding at Deadman’s Summit or tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park in Mammoth. For a classic ski experience, June Mountain—California’s Family Mountain offers uncrowded slopes, breathtaking views, and beginner-friendly terrain. It’s a good old-fashioned skiing experience, perfect for the whole family. Best of all, kids 12 and under ski for free at June Mountain!
Rest and Recovery
Cozy Cabin Retreat
Now that the adventure is planned, it’s time to choose where you’ll rest and recover. Looking for a cabin tucked in the woods with stunning lake views? June Lake Cabin Rentals is the perfect four-season escape, offering cozy accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. Similarly, Convict Lake Resort features 28 cabins and three lodges, all pet-friendly and equipped with modern amenities to make you feel right at home.
Historic and Homey
Embrace Mono County’s history with a stay at Murphey’s Motel in Lee Vining, conveniently located near Mono Lake South Tufa and local museums. Another great option is Virginia Creek Settlement, located on the eastern slope of the Sierra. This unique stay offers motel rooms, cabins, tent cabins, and an on-site restaurant for an easy and delicious meal. Bridgeport Inn is another homey option. This family-owned and operated inn, is an ideal base for all your adventures, whether you’re heading out to explore the Eastern Sierra, or poking around town and embracing small-town living.
Budget and Pet-Friendly Stays
For budget-conscious travelers, Bridgeport’s Ruby Inn and Walker River Lodge offer affordable accommodations with great access to downtown shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. The Walker River Lodge, set along the scenic East Walker River, is a pet-friendly facility, making it an ideal choice for those traveling with furry companions.
Hot Springs Retreat
For a truly unique experience, Benton Hot Springs is a must. Located in one of Mono County’s oldest towns, Benton Hot Springs Inn features seven rooms, each with a shared mineral hot spring tub. In addition to the inn, four historic rental houses are available—perfect for large families or a group of friends looking for a cozy retreat steeped in local history.
Where to Fuel Up
All this adventuring will undoubtedly work up an appetite! Here are some of Mono County’s most reliable year-round restaurants:
- Casual Eats: Grab a hearty meal at Rhino’s Bar & Grill (Bridgeport), enjoy classic American diner-style food at Nicely’s Restaurant, or grab a quick coffee and pastry at Walker Coffee Company.
- Upscale Dining: Enjoy a sit-down dinner with scenic views at Mono Inn, or head to The Restaurant at Convict Lake for a casual, elegant dinner at Convict Lake Resort.
- Live Music & Local Vibes: Check out Tiger Bar, Balanced Rock Grill & Cantina, and T-Bar Social Club near June Lake and Mammoth for great food, drinks, and live entertainment.
Don’t miss the Eastern Sierra Spirit & Ale Trail, a curated map of the best breweries and distilleries in Mono County. Visit each of the eight participating breweries and distilleries and have them stamp your map. Once completed, you will earn a unique patch. The best part is you’ll experience a new brewery, relax, and unwind after a day of adventure!
Where to Gear Up
Before heading out, make sure you have everything you need to complete your itinerary:
- Gear Rentals: Ernie’s Tackle & Ski Shop in June Lake and multiple rental shops in Mammoth, including The Ski Renters, offer ski and snowshoe rentals.
- Backcountry Safety: Before venturing off the beaten path into the backcountry, always check avalanche reports, weather conditions, and winter trail maps. The Mono Lake Committee Bookstore is open year-round and is a valuable resource and visitor center.
Preparation is Key
The key to a successful trip to Mono County is preparation. Planning your itinerary, knowing the conditions, and booking lodging and experiences in advance ensure you’ll enjoy your time here fully. Mono County has something for every kind of adventurer, whether you’re chasing powder, soaking in a hot spring after a scenic cross-country ski, or sharing a fireside meal with loved ones.
With so many ways to mix and match activities, you can create the perfect winter escape tailored to your style. One thing is certain—you’ll leave with incredible memories and a reason to return.
Start planning your trip today!
