Eastern Sierra Day Trip: Bodie, Mono Lake & June Lake Loop

April 07, 2026

Start your day with a scenic drive through some of the Eastern Sierra’s most iconic destinations, including Bodie Ghost Town, Mono Lake, and the June Lake Loop.

This full-day itinerary from Mammoth Lakes combines history, unique landscapes, and classic alpine scenery into one unforgettable trip.

Full-Day Eastern Sierra Itinerary Overview

  • Stop 1: Bodie Ghost Town
  • Stop 2: Mono Lake & South Tufa Area
  • Stop 3: June Lake Loop

Bodie Ghost Town

Your first stop is Bodie State Historic Park, the largest unrestored ghost town in the West. Bodie produced gold and silver from 1877 to 1888, and the town grew to 10,000 residents.

Once notorious as the wildest town in the West—with its saloons, bordellos, gambling houses, and opium dens—the town is now preserved as a California State Historic Park with weathered buildings, a museum, mine tours and a visitor center.

Located 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes on U.S. Highway 395, turn right on State Highway 270, a partially paved, well-maintained road 13 miles from the Bodie entrance. An admission fee is required. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen and water.

Mono Lake

Next, head south to Mono Lake, a majestic body of salt water covering 60 square miles. It is an ancient lake, over 700,000 years old, and is two and a half times saltier than seawater.

Mono Lake sustains a unique biosphere where tiny brine shrimp and alkali flies provide food for millions of migrating birds. The lake is also home to the unique tufa towers that have formed over time, creating a truly fascinating and otherworldly landscape.

The perfect way to learn about this fragile habitat is through the interactive displays at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, located just 20 miles south of Bodie on U.S. Highway 395 in the town of Lee Vining.

June Lake Loop

Wrap up your day with a scenic drive along the June Lake Loop, approximately 15 miles of dramatic Sierra peaks and alpine scenery with a chain of gorgeous lakes.

Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and June Lake all nestle in a steep, horseshoe-shaped canyon. The area offers fishing, hiking, boating, horseback riding, camping, stores, restaurants and the world-class Double Eagle Resort and Spa.

The scenic loop begins 10 miles south of Mono Lake off U.S. Highway 395 on State Route 158. The road then rejoins U.S. Highway 395 as you head south toward Mammoth Lakes.

Tips for Planning Your Day

With multiple stops and a mix of remote and developed areas, a little planning goes a long way in making the most of this Eastern Sierra itinerary.

  • Start early to make the most of all three stops
  • Bring food, water, and sun protection, especially for Bodie and Mono Lake
  • Plan for limited services in remote areas
  • Allow extra time for photos and short walks at each destination

Taking the time to plan ahead ensures you can enjoy each stop without feeling rushed and make the most of everything this scenic route has to offer.

Make the Most of Your Eastern Sierra Day Trip

From the preserved streets of Bodie to the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Lake and the alpine beauty of the June Lake Loop, this itinerary showcases some of the most diverse and memorable experiences in the Eastern Sierra.

Whether you’re drawn to history, geology, or simply the drive itself, this full-day trip from Mammoth Lakes offers a well-rounded way to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.

Get Off the Beaten Path in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is so much more than the classic (but sometimes busy) places you’ve seen on Instagram.
Find Businesses Near Me

More Posts Like This

Related Content