California’s Great Beyond

Lee Vining

The entrance to both Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, Lee Vining is located at the base of the Sierra just below Tioga Pass.  The town is an ideal base camp for exploring the Mono Basin, or nearby Yosemite.  Lee Vining offers two visitor centers, trading posts, restaurants, a market, service stations, and many hotel options.  

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass, at an elevation of 9,945 ft, is Yosemite's Heavenly gate.  Get a sky-high peak into America's park jewel from California's highest vehicle pass.  Near the summit Ellery, Saddlebag, and Tioga Lake offer accessible camping and fishing in an astonishing alpine setting. Lee Vining Creek, cascading down the canyon is lined with acres of tall aspens that put on a blazing show of fall color.  Watch for that occasional Bighorn Sheep on the Canyon's Rocky slopes.

Saddlebag Lake

A favorite and special place for hikers, anglers, and campers,Saddlebag Lake is located near the top of Tioga Pass on the Eastside. During the summer months, a ferry boat whisks people to the west side of the lake to the Twenty Lakes Basin trailhead and an undulating, scenic 5-mile loop. The road to Saddlebag Lake opens June 9th this year!

Lundy Lake

Lundy Lake, at the base of Conway Summit, and just north of Lee Vining, is a popluar canyon for both it's spring wildflowers and fall color display.  A lodge on the lake shore offers boat rentals and basic services for campers and day visitors.