Bodie State Historic Park preserves a gold-mining ghost town in a state of “arrested decay”: controlled deterioration. The term describes a form of preservation that focuses on maintaining the place as it has been handed down. The Miner's Union Building houses a museum with artifacts and books. This brings the preserved ghost town and a specific collection together under one theme: Bodie can be explored both as a place and through the museum's contents.
Tuff Towers and Views of the Landscape
Tuff towers form at Mono Lake when freshwater springs rise through the alkaline lake water. This process makes their unusual shapes a geological feature that visitors can also explore on a self-guided walk at South Tufa, where the route passes through the tuff towers. Mono Lake also has educational and interpretive trails. For visitors who prefer to explore the landscape with additional guidance, the Mono Basin Scenic Area Ranger Station & Visitor Center offers views of the lake, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours of the region. Check seasonal operating information before visiting.
Hiking Trails, Waterfall, and Birdwatching
Devils Postpile National Monument has about eight miles of hiking trails, with options for different fitness levels. A five-mile, hilly trail also leads from Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls. The falls are the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, plunging 101 feet. This distinguishes the range of general trail options from a specific, longer hike to a notable natural destination. During shuttle season, the shuttle to the trailhead is mandatory; schedules can change, so it is worth checking the current timetable before making plans. Seasonal conditions can also affect hikes.
Devils Postpile is home to 115 bird species; sightings and conditions vary by season. The Annual Bird Chautauqua takes place at a set time each year: every June, it includes birdwatching excursions. Check the specific dates if you would like to plan your trip around it. For winter and snow sports, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area offers a different scale: the summit is 11,053 feet high, and the area has more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. The terrain and facilities in operation may change.
Lakes, Rivers, and a Variety of Activities
The San Joaquin River is designated a Wild Trout River and offers fishing opportunities for people with varying levels of experience and ability. Fishing at Hot Creek is regulated year-round as catch-and-release; only artificial barbless hooks are allowed. Fishing regulations can change, so check the current rules before fishing. The two rivers therefore offer different fishing conditions: on the San Joaquin River, the designated river classification matters, while Hot Creek has expressly stated rules for catch and equipment.
Glaciers shaped the landscape at Convict Lake. A three-mile trail loops around the lake, and trout fishing is also available. June Lake has a sandy beach with a swimming area, and the lake is an option for kayaking. These activities offer different highlights: a loop hike and fishing at Convict Lake, and a swimming area and kayaking option at June Lake. Conditions and seasonal access may vary.
Passes and the Regional Setting
At Tioga Pass, turnoffs lead to hiking trails, campgrounds, and clear lakes. Some facilities may close seasonally, so check their conditions before making plans. On a regional scale, Mono County serves as an eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park. Park access is seasonal and conditions may change; check before visiting. Together, these destinations offer different reasons to tailor a trip to your interests: geology and history, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, or water activities.
Discover more destinations: Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, Coleville, Lee Vining, Placer, Modoc, Sonoma, Fresno.
Back to the main travel overview: California.
