Many a traveler rushes by June Lake as they journey from the Yosemite Valley en route to the the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and its 4,000-year-old trees or Death Valley National Park, but they are missing out. June Lake’s surrounding area is steeped in geological and human history.
Devils Postpile National Monument
This formation is so mind bending, you are compelled to think that only the Devil could have been responsible for such geological handicraft. Scientists claim that around 100,000 years ago basalt lava filled the valley near the Postpile hundreds of feet, forming the columns that were later exposed by glacial events. But that isn’t nearly as fun as an explanation.Mono Lake
Don’t believe anyone that tells you this is the home of mononucleosis. It isn’t true. Visit the Mono Committee to learn more about this national treasure. And don’t forget to mindfully visit the tufa towers on the south side of the lake, where in the summer time rangers offer star gazing tours — the experience of a lifetime. Only 17 Minutes from the Yosemite Gateway Chalet.
Bodie State Historical Park
A gold-mining town from the 19th century, this ghost town offers a rich insight into California’s opportunistic beginnings. It’s only a one hour drive from the Chalet.
Yosemite National Park
This is why you came, right? Just 5.75 miles as the crow flies and 27 highway miles away, Yosemite is as famous as New York City and Paris, France. Drive to Tuolumne meadows in only 45 minutes. Keep on going and you will make it all the way to the Yosemite Valley, home of Half Dome and El Capitan.
