It's Official! Adventure is Here!

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most exciting times to visit Mono County. Waterfalls are roaring, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, high mountain passes are reopening, and communities across the Eastern Sierra are packed with events and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to fish, hike, ski, explore local history, or enjoy live entertainment, there’s something happening around every corner this holiday weekend.

This Memorial Day weekend, try one of the many fun events listed below or check out our full events page for all things happening in the area.

All Mountain Passes are OPEN in Mono County

Our final High Sierra route, Tioga Pass, opens Friday, May 15, making access to the area even easier for the long weekend. Sonora Pass and Monitor Pass are also open giving you a variety of options to extend your California road trip in any direction.

This year, no reservations required to enter the Park but in order to get through the gate quicker, you will want to pre-pay your entrance fee at Recreation.gov. Additionally, this means the best days to visit the park will be weekdays and non-holidays. Make sure you are familiar with all the locations just beyond the park boundaries where you can catch Park "vibes" but not the crowds.

Visit A National Park for FREE

All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone! That includes our neighbors Yosemite, Death Valley and Manzanar. Beginning in 2026, free entrance is available on the following days for US citizens and residents only: 

 Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

See The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

Experience five days of bold independent films, unforgettable shorts, and stunning mountain scenery at the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival. This year’s festival features What Lies Unseen – Convict Lake, directed by Colin West. The documentary highlights the underwater discoveries found beneath the surface of Convict Lake. Visitors can also catch additional regional stories during the Mojave to Mammoth shorts, including Chris Benchetler’s film, Mountains of the Moon. Tickets are still available but do go quickly the closer to the event you purchase.

Experience Amazing Waterfalls and Wildflowers

Snow and rain set the stage for Mother Nature's spring rebirth. In Mono County, when the ski resorts start to melt out, waterfalls typically surge and wildflowers begin to bloom. While the waterfalls wane in the warm days of summer, flowers can linger through July at the higher elevations. Catch all the blooms while you can.

Ski! Or...

The thing that is special about the Eastern Sierra in the spring is that it defies the true definition of a season. The groomed corduroy of Mammoth Mountain slopes, gives way to fresh dirt and spinning mountain bike tires, which merges with a sunset tee time. The weather and the terrain are ready for whatever adventure is calling you. With a Ski/Bike/Golf Pass you can hit the mountain, ride the trails, and drive the fairways in one incredible day, all for just $149. 

If Summer skiing is on your list but your resort is never open, bring your pass to Mammoth Mountain and they will honor it. Show your valid 25/26 season pass at the ticket window to unlock exclusive spring lift ticket pricing.

Learn our History

Mono County has a rich history that is proudly celebrated and honored in every community. See and learn about different aspects of the history in our region by visiting Bodie - California's official ghost town, the Mono County Museum, Historic Benton Hot springs, June Lake Loop Museum, Hayden Cabin and Mono Basin Museum - all open starting Memorial Day weekend. 

Fish in a Derby

Come try and catch the biggest Perch of your life on Crowley Lake at the Perch Derby! This is a fun and easy event…Don’t be intimidated to try, this contest is often won by kids! 

Visit Convict Lake for a Hangman's Bonus Derby with $2,200 in cash for tagged fish.

Experience Mono Lake

Mono Lake is hauntingly beautiful, ancient saline lake that covers 79 square miles and supports a unique and productive ecosystem. The Lake has limestone formations (tufa towers), trillions of brine shrimp and alkali flies, millions of birds and freshwater tributary streams. Stop in at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Ranger Station & Visitor Center to learn more about the eco system that this magical lake provides to the world around it and beyond. You might even find your own brine shrimp to take home.

Try the Spirit and Ale Trail

Get a Map, Grab a Drink, Earn a Patch! The Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail stretches from Bishop to Bridgeport along US 395, showing off the best breweries and distilleries the West has to offer (ok maybe we're biased). How it works: Visit each location and get a stamp for your map - available at all locations. Start anywhere, end anywhere. Once you’ve visited at least seven of the eight locations, submit your completed map at any spot for an Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail patch.

Take a Hike

Walk with Nature. Mono County is your gateway to High Sierra hiking and backpacking routes that offer some of the finest mountain scenery. Hundreds of miles of trails wind through the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, including the John Muir, Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness.

Check Out Mule Days

Bishop Mule Days is a beloved annual festival that transforms the town of Bishop, California, into a celebration of the hardworking mule. Held over six days leading up to Memorial Day. An action packed weekend of mule events, concerts, catered dinner and BBQ, dancing, the world’s longest non-motorized parade