The gateway to both Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, Lee Vining is located at the base of the Sierra just below Tioga Pass. The town is an ideal base camp for exploring the Mono Basin, or nearby Yosemite National Park. Lee Vining offers two visitor centers, trading posts, restaurants, a market, service stations, and many lodging options.

Tioga Pass, at an elevation of 9,945 ft, is Yosemite's Heavenly gate. Get a sky-high peak into America's park jewel from California's highest vehicle pass. Near the summit, Ellery, Saddlebag, and Tioga Lake offer accessible camping and fishing in an astonishing alpine setting. Lee Vining Creek, cascading down the canyon is lined with acres of tall aspens that put on a blazing show of fall color. Watch for that occasional Bighorn Sheep on the Canyon's Rocky slopes.