Lee Vining is in California's Eastern Sierra wedged between Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Understand

Climate

Lee Vining
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       2.3     40 20       2.8     43 22       1.9     51 27       0.6     58 32       0.6     67 40       0.3     76 47       0.4     84 53       0.5     83 52       0.3     75 45       1     65 36       2.1     53 28       2.7     42 21 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches    Data from NOAA (1981-2010)
Metric conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       58     4 −7       71     6 −6       48     11 −3       15     14 0       15     19 4       7.6     24 8       10     29 12       13     28 11       7.6     24 7       25     18 2       53     12 −2       69     6 −6 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm

Get in

• Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS). Shuttle operates weekends-only in June and September, daily in July and August. The YARTS shuttle travels on Highway 395 and 120 from Mammoth Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley, with stops in Lee Vining at the Mono Basin Visitor Center, the Lake View Lodge, and the Tioga Mobile Gas Mart. Ticket prices include park entry, and can be purchased in advance at the Cedar Lodge in town or from the shuttle driver. (updated May 2015)

See

Mono Lake, with its strange and wonderful tufa formations, as well as millions (no exaggeration) of migratory gulls.

• 1 Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center (0.5 mi north of Lee Vining on the east side of U.S. 395), ☏ +1 760 647 3044. Summer: 8AM-5PM; spring and fall: 8:30AM-4:30PM; closed in winter. Provides regional information to travelers. Features wildlife and geology exhibits, and docent-guided tours. Visitors can also obtain permits for recreational activities. Free. (updated Apr 2021)

Eat

• 1 Mono Cone, 51508 US-395, ☏ +1 760 647-6606. With the appearance of a traditional American hamburger stand serving burgers, fries, and soft-serve ice cream, they do serve all that. Plus they serve more adventurous versions with vegetarian options, crab cakes, a gazillion types of ice cream, and more. Closed during winter. (updated May 2015)
• 2 Whoa Nellie Deli, 22 Vista Rd (just off SR120 about a quarter mile west (uphill) of US395, part of the Mobil Gas station), ☏ +1 760 647-1088. Open from the end of April through November 1. The finest cuisine at a gas station in America (that's right, "cuisine"). Chef (right again, "Chef") Matt Toomey prepares such unexpected entrees as Lobster Taquitos, Ragin' Cajun Chicken Jambalaya, Buffalo Meatloat, Salmon Salad and other tantalizing treats. Do not fail to eat here at least once; it's good enough to have attracted reviews in Sunset and Gourmet magazines. On a weeknight expect to see as many as 30 other diners enjoying the views overlooking the lake. Due to the somewhat limited off-season options this stop may be the best bet in the area. (updated May 2015)
• 3 Nicely's (Highway 395 at Fourth Street), ☏ +1 760 647-6477. Th-Mo. A modest, friendly diner, with large breakfasts and a cocktail lounge. The only restaurant open in town during the winter. (updated May 2015)

Sleep

Campgrounds can be found outside of town in the Mono Lake area.

• 1 Lake View Lodge, 51285 Highway 395, ☏ +1 760 647-6543, fax: +1 760 647-6325. (updated May 2015)
• 2 Murphey's Motel, 51493 US-395, ☏ +1 760 647-6316, toll-free: +1-800-334-6316, info@murpheysyosemite.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Open year-round. $58-$133 depending on season. 

Go next

• Yosemite - the famous granite domes of the iconic national park are located to the west on Highway 120.
• Bodie - historic ghost town with over one hundred buildings, now preserved in "arrested decay" by the California park system.
• Mammoth Lakes

Routes through Lee Vining

Reno ← Bridgeport ←	N  S	→ Mammoth Lakes → Bishop
Manteca ← Yosemite N.P. ←	W  E	→ Benton → Ends at N S