Travel: Majestic Eastern Sierra and More

As many times as we’ve visited Yosemite, we never ventured over Tioga Pass within the park to the Eastern Sierras. Big mistake! When we’ve visited the Western Sierras, usually in late fall or winter, this scenic highway east has been closed to traffic. Other times, when it was open, we just blew it off! Never again! The spectacular vistas we experienced traveling east over Tioga Pass Road enhanced our appreciation for Yosemite when we thought we had already reached the limits of our affection. The views from Olmsted Point and along Tenaya Lake and the Tuolumne River were practically inspirational. Other recommended stops are Tuolumne Meadows and Tuolumne Grove. And more importantly the trip introduced us to the spectacular splendors of the Eastern Sierras and their remarkable lakes.

Our first stop after crossing Tioga Pass into Eastern Sierra country was the town of Lee Vining, on the western edge of Mono Lake. Lee Vining is home to the remarkably well known Whoa Nellie Deli located in a very upscale gas station. Yes, you read that right. One of the most popular dining spots in the Eastern Sierras is in a GAS STATION! The day we were there, a wedding rehearsal dinner was scheduled that night. A rehearsal dinner in a gas station was definitely a first for us, but apparently not for Whoa Nellie. Mono Lake (www.monolake.org)is one of the most unusual lakes anywhere mainly due to the geologically unique tufa towers, stalagmite like rock formations resulting from petrified spring water mineral deposits forming for hundreds of years. It’s also one of North America’s premier bird watching spots. A few miles north of Mono is Bodie State Historic Park (www.access.parks.ca.gov), one of the best ‘preserved in decay’ and non-commercial mining ghost towns in the west. The town includes over 160 buildings, some with original furnishings as if frozen in time. Frankly we weren’t too excited about visiting Mono or Bodie but did so at someone’s suggestion. We are now recommending them as ‘should sees’ to friends and family.

Our next stopover was the beautiful June Lake area. We stayed at the top rated Double Eagle Resort and Spa nestled in a stunning wooded setting with awesome mountain views. Their luxury hotel type accommodations are worthy of four star status and are perfect for those seeking a romantic escape. Their cabins, although less luxurious, are much larger, come equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces and are perfect for families or fishermen seeking more practicality. The spa at Double Eagle has received national acclaim and deservedly so. The spa’s ambience, utilizing a plethora of western antiques and accent pieces, is strikingly unique. Dining in their Eagle’s Nest restaurant was exceptional for both breakfast and dinner. One of the best family features is a fully stocked trout pond on property that is free to guests if you bring your own poles. A catch and release policy is in effect. The kids will LOVE it! For full details: www.DoubleEagle.com Other recommendations for your stay at June would include: a scenic drive around the June Lake loop; breakfast at the funky Silver Lake Resort Café-a locals favorite; and a boat ride and/or fishing on June or Gull Lake.

Our last destination, Mammoth Lake's area, was full of wonderful surprises. Mammoth is probably Southern California resident’s favorite ski/snowboarding area but is difficult to reach for our bay area snow lovers during winter. No air service and highway pass closings are the major factors. But late spring, summers and early fall are perfect times for our readers to head to Mammoth. World renowned fishing, incredible hiking, rock climbing and off road mountain biking await your visit as well as championship golf and horseback riding. When we arrived in early June, there were very few tourists and virtually no traffic. We understand from late June to Labor Day the tourism crowds escalate but believe us the scenic wonders are absolutely worth it at any time. We had a very pleasant stay at the moderately priced Village Lodging’s Grand Sierra Lodge, a condominium hotel in the heart of the ‘village’. For complete info on activities, events, lodging, dining, events, etc: www.mammothmountain.com or www.visitmammoth.com Another lodging property to consider is the dazzling new four star Westin Monache Resort, the premier hotel in the Mammoth area. Dining in their restaurant, Whitebark, is a culinary adventure and should garner rave reviews from critics and diners alike. www.westin.com/mammoth

Our personal favorite activities in the Mammoth area were our hikes to the unusual Devils Postpile National Monument, awe inspiring Rainbow Falls, the scalding geothermal Hot Creek Geological Site and the infamous Convict Lake. Our drives around Lake Mary, Twin Lakes and Horseshoe Lake provided more indelible memories. Bottom line: We can’t wait to return to the Eastern Sierras and we recommend that our readers consider planning a trip there soon! Safe journeys everyone!