Standing above the sagebrush of Mono Basin and the salty water of Mono Lake, the Sierra Nevada Mountains rise to snow-capped peaks 13,000 feet in elevation. At the base of the mountains, Lee Vining sits at the mouth of Lee Vining Canyon on a hill above Mono Lake. Tourist-related businesses line the main street (U.S. Highway 395) and just a few narrow streets extend the town back from the highway. At the south end of the town, California Highway 120 begins the climb up Lee Vining Canyon to Tioga Pass and Yosemite National Park.
Lee Vining was named after Leroy Vining who settled in Lee Vining Canyon in about 1852 and was one of the first settlers in the Mono Basin. He operated a sawmill, supplying the needs of miners in the area.
Street Index
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a road First Street Fourth Street Mattly Avenue |
Second Street Third Street Tioga Road U.S. Highway 395 |
Utility Road Vista Point Road |