Welcome to California! Before heading to Yosemite, we suggest a stop at Mammoth Lake, in Mono County. After all, what better way to cool down after the sweltering heat of Death Valley than at a ski resort?
Watch the second part of our trip on video!
The Gold Rush
The Mono region prospered greatly at the end of the 19th century, between mining and gold rushes.
Today, it is a region that is both steeped in this history and resolutely modern! It is home to the town of Mammoth Lakes, the second largest town in the county and one of the most famous ski resorts in the country!
How to get there?
If you stopped at Lone Pine on your way out of Death Valley, you are already at the gateway to Mono County. It will only take you 2.5 hours to reach Bodie State Park, the northernmost point of our visit to this region.
What we liked
What a pleasure after the heat of Death Valley to find cooler temperatures in the heart of the mountains!
The colour contrast in this region is fantastic! As you emerge from the arid lands, you will be amazed by the lush vegetation of the pine forests and the deep blue lakes!
Despite the tourist appeal of the area, it is not difficult to find little havens of peace where you can sit and admire the landscape...
Not to be missed
Mono Lake: this lake is three times saltier than the ocean! But it is best known for its Tufas, white clay columns that have formed on the banks and stand majestically with their feet in the water. Numerous pontoons will allow you to get as close as possible to these formations to make the most of them!
Bodie State Park: this ghost town is lost in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at an altitude of 2,550 metres! Built during the Gold Rush at the end of the 19th century, it was gradually emptied of its inhabitants following two spectacular fires. Take a walk through the streets of the town and see the period buildings (nothing has been touched since the last inhabitants left): a dive into the heart of the Wild West!
Where to eat, where to sleep?
Mammoth Lake is the perfect place to explore the region. Many hotels will allow you to stop there. We chose the Best Western Plus High Sierra: little charm, but an affordable price and an ideal location!
As for the restaurant, be careful not to come too late, as any ski resort, Mammoth Lakes is rather quiet in summer... And the good open addresses are obviously appreciated ! In a typical wooden chalet, we had the good surprise to discover the Mogul Restaurant . You can taste there typical dishes of the high mountains! Not very light, but a treat!
Some useful information in a wheelchair...
In this region, there are many walks... and no difficulties! In Mammoth Lakes, you can easily walk around the surrounding lakes, or at least get to the water at various points: most of the banks are accessible.
In Bodie Park, the streets are mostly flat and passable (packed earth paths). The mine is located on a hill and the paths leading to it are strewn with stones and roots... A little help may be needed to get there.
Although the banks of Mono Lake are not really passable, there are many pontoons that allow you to access Mono Lake without difficulty.
Find all the accessibility information on our good addresses and visited sites on jaccede.com!