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Lee Vining, California is an unincorporated town in Mono County, California, USA. It is located on the southwest shore of Mono Lake, at 37°57′27″N, 119°07′19″W. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 488 and its elevation is 6781 feet (2067m). The economy of Lee Vining relies largely on tourism, since it is the closest town to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park, and is near other tourist destinations such as Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, popular trout fishing destinations, and June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain ski areas and the June Lake recreational area.

Tourism is mostly confined to the summer months, because California State Route 120 through Yosemite is closed otherwise because of heavy snows, although year-round tourism has been increasing in recent years. Lee Vining has a year-round Information Center for visitors. The town was named after Leroy Vining, who founded the town in 1852 as a mining camp. His life came to an untimely end when he accidentally shot himself at the nearby town of Aurora, Nevada. Originally the town was named "Lakeview", but when a post office was sought, it was learned that another town, Lakeview, California already had the name. The truly unique name of Lee Vining was then chosen. Lee Vining is situated near the foot of Lee Vining Canyon. California State Route 120 runs from town, through the canyon, up to Tioga Pass. Lee Vining Canyon is one of only two ice climbing venues in California. U.S. Route 395 also runs through the town, connecting to Los Angeles 390 miles to the South, and Reno, Nevada 135 miles to the North.


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Featured Businesses and Services in Lee Vining

  • The Mono Inn

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    The Mono Inn

    You’ll know that your’re in the wild West when you arrive at The Mono Inn at Mono Lake, Lee Vining This roadside Inn is the jewel of California’s Eastern Sierra – overlooking the ancient sea of Mono Lake, Lee Vining United States its islands, and ...

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  • Saddlebag Lake Resort

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Saddlebag Lake Resort

    Saddlebag Lake Resort is located in the magnificent Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lee Vining. Activities include fishing, hiking, and boating, in an atmosphere of relaxing tranquility. At over 10,000 ft., Saddlebag Lake Resort is known for its remote l...

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Other Businesses and Services in Lee Vining

  • Saddlebag Lake Resort

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Saddlebag Lake Resort

    Saddlebag Lake Resort is located in Lee Vining in the magnificent Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Activities include fishing, hiking, and boating, in an atmosphere of relaxing tranquility. At over 10...

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  • Tioga Pass Resort

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Tioga Pass Resort

    Tioga Pass Resort (TPR) Lee Vining, United States is a four season rustic mountain resort located in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada - the most spectacular region of one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the world. Located at 9641 feet elevation...

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  • Murphey's Motel

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Murphey's Motel

    We are located in the Eastern High Sierra, just 14 miles (23 km) from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, and minutes from Mono Lake (pictured at left before restoration), in Lee Vining, California, United States. Murphey's Motel is AAA appro...

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  • Bodie

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Bodie

    Bodie State Historic Park is a genuine California gold-mining ghost town not far from Lee Vining.   Visitors can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of 10,000 people. The town was founded by Waterman S. Body (William B...

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  • Yosemite Gateway Motel

    Located in Lee Vining, Mono County, California, United States

    Yosemite Gateway Motel

    The Yosemite Gateway Motel is located 14 miles from the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, in Lee Vining, California United States, overlooking Mono Lake. We are one of the most popular stops for Yosemite Lodging in the Eastern Sierra. Yosemite ...

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