Just to the east of Yosemite National Park lies the one-of-a-kind Mono Lake, a body of water three times saltier than the ocean, marked by its alien-looking tufa towers and an array of unique wildlife. Starting at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center in Lee Vining to learn about its unique history, geology and ecology, families can explore the wild tufa towers at South Tufa, take a canoe ride on its saline waters, or join one of the many hikes, bird watching trips or other activities put on by the Mono Lake Committee. For more information, go to www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/mono-lake/.  

Walk through the silent remains of the once booming Bodie gold rush town. Visitors can peek in the windows of remaining structures such as an old school house, church, firehouse, jail and general store or take a walk through the cemetery on the hill. And because Bodie State Historic Park charges only $8 per adult and $5 per child under 16, it’s an affordable destination too. Bodie is easy to reach, located south of Bridgeport on U.S. Highway 395 and 13 miles to the east on SR 270 (SR 270 is usually open from early May through early November – closed during winter months).  Discover more at www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/bodie/.

Saddle up! A tradition in the region dating back to the early 1800s, a horse or mule ride is a unique and memorable way to experience the trails of the Eastern Sierra. Let out the inner cowboy or cowgirl and hop on a half-day or full-day ride at one of ten pack stations throughout Mono County – from Antelope Valley, Sonora Pass, Virginia Lakes, Bridgeport in the north, to Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow, Convict Lake, McGee Creek and Rock Creek in the south.  Extra adventurous families may be interested in overnight camping trips, too – leveraging a pack outfit is an ideal way to access more remote and pristine high alpine terrain without shouldering the weight of heavy backpacks. Start planning at www.monocounty.org/things-to-do/by-land/horseback-riding/.

Do you want to stand inside an ancient volcano? Hot Creek Geologic Site is a place to marvel at geology in action. What remains of the ancient Long Valley Caldera (ash from the blast was found as far as Nebraska!) is a region of fascinating geologic wonder: bubbling hot springs, geysers and fumaroles (gas vents) creating colorful sulfur deposits and formations. The brilliant blue pools are scalding hot and water temperatures can change rapidly, so the unstable land around the pools is closed and swimming in the pools is strictly prohibited. Keep an eye to the sky as you wander around - odds are good for seeing bald eagles, golden eagles, great blue herons and other beautiful birds in this area. Hot Creek Geological Site is located about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes. From U.S .Highway 395, take Airport Road (east) past the airport turnoff, and continue on a partially paved road about 3 miles to the parking area for Hot Creek. It's a half-mile easy hike down to Hot Creek and restrooms are available. Don't forget a hat, water, and sunscreen. Learn more at http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20414.

Adventure Center

Mountain biking

Scenic gondola ride

Woolly's Tube Park

Woolly's Dance Party

Village Gondola

Kids 12 and under ski free

Easy terrain, less crowded

Easter Egg Hunt

Bucky's Bonfire