Some of our favorite memories were made in this part of California, and we’re so exctied to share it with you! Here are some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
Climbing
Sport climbing
Pine Creek
Owens River Gorge
Bouldering
June Lake loop
Mammoth: Way Lake bouldering, Dike Wall sport climbing, & bigger mountain romps
Bishop: Happies, Sads, Buttermilks
Trad climbing
Tuolumne National Park
Hiking
June Lake Loop (Gull + June + Silver Lake areas)
Distance: 0.5–3 miles
Effort: Very easy
Wander along the lakes with incredible fall colors and reflections. Perfect for all guests.
Lundy Canyon
Distance: 2–5 miles out & back
Effort: Easy
Stunning fall foliage, creekside trail, and waterfalls. A must-do!
Convict Lake Loop
Distance: ~2.5–3 miles loop
Effort: Easy
You’ll have to drive a bit to get to this one, but it’s a flat loop with dramatic mountain views and beautiful lake reflections.
Parker Lake
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Effort: Easy/Moderate
Gentle hike to a scenic alpine lake with fewer crowds.
Mono Lake – South Tufa
Distance: ~1 mile
Effort: Very easy
Unique desert lake with otherworldly tufa formations, especially beautiful at sunrise/sunset.
...and TONS of amazing hikes in Tuolumne National Park!
Kayaking or paddling
June Lake
Most people park and launch kayaks or paddleboards from June Lake beach, but it's BYO floatation device. You'll get a great view of the Sierra Nevada, and it’s spitting distance from town.
Silver Lake
Leaf peepers unite. Silver Lake is lined with aspen trees that will be popping off in October. Kayak rentals are available at Silver Lake Resort. Also very close to town and easy to get to.
Mono Lake
A little farther up the road... but worth the trip. You'll float amongst the tufta towers in water that is 3 times saltier than the ocean! BYO kayak.
Convict Lake
Beautiful.
Hot springs
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs Access:
Large natural pool with big views. Most popular and easiest to access.
Hilltop Hot Spring
Small tub with incredible views. Best for photos, limited space.
Crab Cooker & Shepherd Hot Springs
Smaller, quieter pools. Adjustable temperatures, less crowded.
Rock Tub
Small and intimate. Good for quieter soaking.
Travertine Hot Springs
Multiple pools with panoramic views. It’s about 45 min north near Bridgeport, so this might be a good pit stop on your drive.
Buckeye Hot Springs
Cliffside tub next to the creek. Great hot/cold contrast experience.
Ghost towns
Bodie
The best-preserved ghost town in the West. Step into a real 1800s mining town with hundreds of buildings still standing. You can peer inside homes, bars, and shops frozen in time. If you only visit one ghost town, make it Bodie.
Aurora
Remote, raw, and uncrowded. Less maintained than Bodie, Aurora feels truly abandoned. Explore scattered ruins and a historic cemetery out in the high desert. Best for guests who want something off the beaten path.
Mono Mills
Easy add-on with great views. A former lumber town that supported Bodie. Subtle ruins, but a great quick stop—especially when paired with Mono Lake. Perfect low-effort history stop on the way to other spots.