Mono Lake: This inland sea is known for its bird population, scenic value and delicate tufa formations. The lake is located off U.S. 395, 30 miles north of Mammoth Lakes. The Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve offers interpretive tours of the shoreline, nature walks, slide shows and other activities.
Bodie State Historical Park: A gold-mining town of the late 1800's. Bodie's silent streets and vacant structures offer guests a glimpse into the past of one of the wildest mining camps of the Eastern Sierra. Bodie is located 35 miles north of Mammoth Lakes and 13 miles east on Hwy. 270. A nominal fee is charged to enter the park. Bring water and a picnic lunch to bodie, as no food services are provided. Winter hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or as posted. Hours may vary due to weather or season and are posted at all entrances. Bodie is open all year. However, because of the high elevation (8375 feet), it is accessible only by over-snow equipment during the winter months. For more information call 760-647-6445.
Convict Lake:The site of the 1871 gun battle between escaped convicts and a sheriff's posse. Here rugged mountain scenery with sheer cliffs of highly colored and folded rock meet a natural lake formed behind debris left by receding glaciers. The oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada range were discovered here. It is a great area for picnicking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, boating and camping. Convict Lake is located 10 miles south of the Mammoth Junction on US 395, then two miles west. For more information on Convict Lake Resort, call 760-934-3800.
Hot Creek Geologic Site: Three miles south of Mammoth Junction on US 395 and three miles east of the airport (the last 1.5 miles is unpaved). Hot Creek is a phenomenon of live hot springs and fumaroles (gas vents) which heat a cold mountain stream. Parking lot and restrooms. Open sunrise to sunset; no charge. Hot Creek is Closed to Swimming due to varying temperatures of the water. For more information, call the US Forest Service at 760-924-5500.
Hot Creek Fish Hatchery: Three miles south of Mammoth Junction and one mile east of US 395 is a California State fish hatchery. The warm springs of Hot Creek provide ideal temperatures for incubation of trout eggs and continual development of trout to planting size. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No charge. For more information, call 760-934-2664.
