This Labor Day weekend, take a break from work to celebrate with one of the many things to do in Mono County. Below are some ideas of fun things to do in the area and here are all of the events happening throughout the county.
Read more to find all of the fun events happening in the county. From ghost tours in Bodie to a Cornhole and Chili Cook Off event.
Eastern Sierra Ale Trail
Get a map, grab a beer, earn a patch.
Fact: cold beer still tastes good in cold weather. The Eastern Sierra Ale Trail stretches from Bishop to Bridgeport along US 395 with stops at the best watering holes in the Eastern Sierra: Mountain Rambler Brewery in Bishop; Distant Brewing, Shelter, and Mammoth Brewing Company in Mammoth Lakes; June Lake Brewing in June Lake; Big Meadow Brewing in Bridgeport. Pick up a map and get a stamp at each brewery to earn yourself an Ale Trail Patch. Start anywhere, end anywhere. Once you’ve visited all six locations, submit your completed map at any brewery for an Eastern Sierra Ale Trail patch.
Of course, drink responsibly. Don’t even think about drinking and driving. Make a safe plan to trek the trail with a sober driver behind the wheel or separate your visits into different days, months, or years!
Treat yourself!
Duck inside to the Double Eagle Resort this weekend with a day pass to the Fitness Center or Creekside Spa.
The spa offers over 40 spa treatments and packages to ensure complete relaxation and revitalization.
The fully-equipped fitness center provides a stimulating workout in a tranquil environment. The 60 foot indoor pool and adjacent co-ed whirlpool provide a unique opportunity to share special time with family and friends: a perfect getaway!
Top notch views!
Take an aerial ride up Mammoth Mountain on the Panorama Gondola to explore all the fun at 11,053 ft. At the top, snap a selfie at the summit sign, enjoy lunch with panoramic views at the Eleven53 Café, and discover the history and wonder of the Sierra at the interpretive center.
Up to 2 kids (ages 12 and under) ride free with each paying adult. Free tickets can be obtained at any ticket window.
Mono Lake
The Saltiest Swim
The largest natural lake in California, Mono Lake is an amazing 2.5 times saltier than the ocean and is one of the western hemisphere’s oldest lakes. Mono Lake is one of the most studied – and photographed – bird sanctuaries in North America and is also a beautiful ever-changing oasis of light and color. Photographers love its jagged snow-capped mountain reflections and the eerie spires with the best displays located at the South Tufa Reserve.
Open: Year-round
Traveler Tip: Drop by one of the two visitor information centers in Lee Vining and find out how Mono Lake’s mystical-looking limestone tufa towers are formed and how the lake was saved.
Phone: 760-647-6331
Website: Parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514
Bodie State Historic Park
The Loneliest Town
Turn off a long, quiet stretch of historic Highway 395, get out of your car and get ready to step right into the past. In 1880, the town of Bodie was home to some 10,000 miners, store owners, gunfighters, robbers and people from every part of the world. Now it’s a ghost town of weathered buildings, rust and faded dreams. The California State Park System that manages this property has chosen to leave the buildings in their natural state of deterioration rather than restore them. Yet, Bodie remains impressively well-preserved. You can book ghost walks and tours, or just spend hours wandering its streets, peering in windows and listening for the past.
Open: Year-round however vehicle access on Hwy 270 into the park is open April-November depending on weather and road conditions.
Traveler Tip: The Bodie Foundation along with the park offers daily tours and special events like Friends of Bodie Day and Ghost Walks. Visit the Museum for current information and to register.
Phone: 760-616-5040
Website: Parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509
Devils Postpile National Monument
The Strangest Structures
Tens of thousands of years ago, a thick flow of lava slowed and cooled, contracting into 6-sided columns. Devils Postpile is one of the best examples of these natural basalt columns in the world, some reaching as high as 60 feet. Besides these eerie natural stone towers, the Devils Postpile National Monument offers varied opportunities for recreation, from hiking to horseback riding and sightseeing to wildlife viewing, over its 800-acre site.
Open: May-October depending on snow and weather conditions.
Traveler Tip: A mandatory shuttle bus into Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile leaves the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge continuously throughout the day. Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information.
Phone: 760-934-2289
Website: nps.gov/depo