Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
presentations and lots of devotees in period costumes.
Getting There & Away
Bodie is about 13 miles east of Hwy 395 via Rte 270; the last 3 miles are unpaved. Al-
though the park is open year-round, the road is usually closed in winter and early spring,
so you'd have to don snowshoes or cross-country skis to get there.
Virginia Lakes
South of Bridgeport, Hwy 395 gradually arrives at its highest point,
Conway Summit
(8143ft), where you'll be whipping out your camera to capture the awe-inspiring panorama
of Mono Lake, backed by the Mono Craters, and June and Mammoth Mountains.
Also at the top is the turnout for Virginia Lakes Rd, which parallels Virginia Creek for
about 6 miles to a cluster of lakes flanked by
Dunderberg Peak
(12,374ft) and
Black
Mountain
(11,797ft). A trailhead at the end of the road gives access to the Hoover Wilder-
ness Area and the
Pacific Crest Trail
. The trail continues down Cold Canyon through to
Yosemite National Park. With a car shuttle, the excellent 10.5-mile hike to
Green Creek
visits a bevy of perfect lakes; an extra mile (each way) takes you to windswept - check out
the mammoth tree blowdown - Summit Lake at the Yosemite border. Check with the folks
www.virginialakesresort.com
; cabins from $112; mid-May-mid-Oct; )
, opened in 1923, for
maps and tips about specific trails. The resort itself has snug cabins, a cafe and a general
store. Cabins sleep two to 12 people, and usually have a 3-day minimum stay.
800-444-7275;
www.recreation.gov
;
tent & RV sites $17;
mid-Jun-mid-Oct)
.
The shady sites here are located among lodgepole pines.
760-937-0326;
www.virginialakes.com
)
offers horseback riding trips.
Lundy Lake
After Conway Summit, Hwy 395 twists down steeply into the Mono Basin. Before reach-
ing Mono Lake, Lundy Lake Rd meanders west of the highway for about 5 miles to Lundy
