Lee Vining, CA Map
Lee Vining is a US city in Mono County in the state of California. Located at the longitude and latitude of -119.121820, 37.957430 and situated at an elevation of 6,781 meters. In the 2020 United States Census, Lee Vining, CA had a population of 217 people. Lee Vining is in the Pacific Standard Time timezone at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -8. Find directions to Lee Vining, CA, browse local businesses, landmarks, get current traffic estimates, road conditions, and more.
Lee Vining, nestled on the eastern side of California's Sierra Nevada, serves as a gateway to the stunning Mono Lake and the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. This small town is primarily known for its proximity to Mono Lake, a unique saline soda lake that is home to fascinating limestone formations called tufa towers. Nature enthusiasts often visit the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center to learn about the ecological significance of the area and to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lee Vining is also a popular stop for travelers heading to the High Sierra regions, offering a quaint, rustic charm that reflects its history as a mining and railroad town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Within Lee Vining, visitors can explore the Mono Basin Historical Society Museum, which provides insights into the area's cultural and natural history, including the impact of Los Angeles' water diversion from Mono Lake. The town also offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and photography, especially along the Mono Lake shoreline and nearby trails. The Tioga Pass, which is one of the most scenic routes into Yosemite, is accessible from Lee Vining, making it an ideal base for adventurers seeking to explore the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. Despite its small size, Lee Vining's rich history and stunning natural surroundings make it a noteworthy destination for travelers in California.
Nearby cities include: Mono City, CA, June Lake, CA, Bridgeport, CA, Mammoth Lakes, CA, Yosemite Valley, CA, Crowley Lake, CA, Aspen Springs, CA, Sunny Slopes, CA, Benton, CA, Swall Meadows, CA.