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All the United States California Lee Vining

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Lee Vining

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Lee Vining, California

Updated October 17, 2023
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Unusual Attractions in Lee Vining

Tufa tower on south shore of Mono Lake

Lee Vining, California

Mono Lake

Aqueducts have dramatically changed this old lake, now home to tufa towers and its very own species of tiny brine shrimp.
A fissure.

Lee Vining, California

Black Point Fissures by Mono Lake

Deep vertical fissures like miniature slot canyons cut across the cemented volcanic rock of Black Point above Mono Lake.
The dome as seen from where the trail tops out on the tephra ring.

Lee Vining, California

Panum Crater

A volcanic cone that formed over 600 years ago.

Lee Vining, California

Grave of the Unknown Prospector

A new monument to an old grave that was uncovered during the rebuilding of a California ghost town.
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Collapsed adit of May Lundy Mine.

Lundy, California

May Lundy Mine

A scenic hike in the High Sierra that ends at an old gold mine.
7 miles from Lee Vining
Plug seen looking southeasterly, close-up.

Mono City, California

Basalt Plug

This large chunk of dark rock is a relic from an ancient volcanic eruption.
8 miles from Lee Vining
Interpretive sign courtesy of E Clampus Vitus.

Mono Mills, California

Mono Mills

A relic of the region's once booming timber industry.
9 miles from Lee Vining
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Explore Lee Vining, California

Natural Wonders 3
Nature 2
Volcanoes 2
Martian Landscapes 1
Geological Oddities 1
Wonders Of Salt 1
Natural History 1
Water 1
Ecosystems 1
Geology 1
Animals 1

Lee Vining Leaderboard

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Places Visited

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Recent Lee Vining Activity

  • mojaveghost

    has been to Mono Lake

  • stacey92300

    wants to go to Mono Lake

  • BigBlue

    wants to go to Black Point Fissures by Mono Lake

  • BigBlue

    wants to go to Mono Lake

  • lexilou0815

    wants to go to Grave of the Unknown Prospector

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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