June Lake and Lee Vining sit less than twenty miles apart, connected by Highway 395, Mono Lake, and the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Some visitors base themselves in June Lake beside the water. Others prefer Lee Vining’s proximity to Mono Lake and Tioga Pass. Either way, you’re never far from hiking trails, fishing spots, campgrounds, mountain views, and some of California’s most dramatic scenery.
Whether you’re planning a fishing trip, a Yosemite adventure, a fall color getaway, or a long weekend in the Eastern Sierra, here are a few places worth considering.
June Lake
Lake Front Cabins
We have stayed here a bunch. Located near June Lake itself, Lake Front Cabins are just steps away from June Lake.
June Lake Pines
June Lake Pines sits on June Lake loop and offers cabins, motel rooms, and easy access to everything that makes the June Lake Loop popular.
Double Eagle Resort & Spa
Tucked beneath the Carson Peak massif just outside June Lake, Double Eagle Resort combines mountain scenery with a full-service resort experience.
Guests have access to a spa, indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and spacious rooms and cabins. In winter, snow piles up around the property. In summer, wildflowers and mountain views take over.
The location places you close to June Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and some of the region’s best hiking trails.
June Lake Motel
Located in the heart of June Lake Village, June Lake Motel puts visitors within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the lakeshore.
The property has become a longtime favorite for anglers, hikers, skiers, and travelers looking for a comfortable basecamp without unnecessary frills.
Walk out the front door and you’re already in the middle of town.
Heidelberg Inn
Built in the 1920s, Heidelberg Inn remains one of the most recognizable properties in June Lake.
The historic Bavarian-inspired lodge sits beneath towering Jeffrey pines and offers spacious suites, mountain views, and easy access to the June Lake Loop. The architecture feels like a reminder of an earlier era of Sierra travel.
Gull Lake Lodge
Few places put you closer to the water.
Located directly across from Gull Lake, the lodge offers cabins and rooms with easy access to fishing, paddling, hiking, and some of the best sunrise views in the region.
Coffee on the porch tends to last longer here.
Whispering Pines
Whispering Pines has welcomed generations of June Lake visitors looking for a classic mountain cabin experience.
The cabins are simple, comfortable, and surrounded by mature pines, making them a popular choice for families, anglers, and travelers who plan to spend most of their time outdoors.
Lee Vining
El Mono Motel
A longtime Lee Vining lodging option, El Mono Motel puts visitors within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the heart of town.
The location makes it easy to explore Mono Lake, Tioga Pass, Bodie, and Yosemite while keeping a classic Highway 395 road trip feel. For many travelers, it’s exactly what they’re looking for: a comfortable room and a good starting point for the next day’s adventure.
Yosemite Gateway Motel
Located in Lee Vining, Yosemite Gateway Motel provides convenient access to Mono Lake, Tioga Pass, Bodie State Historic Park, and Yosemite National Park.
Many travelers use Lee Vining as a launch point for exploring Yosemite’s eastern side, and this motel places everything within easy reach.
Lake View Lodge
Overlooking Mono Lake, Lake View Lodge offers one of the most distinctive settings in the region.
Sunrise over Mono Lake, the Mono Craters, and the surrounding desert basin creates a landscape that feels entirely different from the alpine scenery found just a few miles away in June Lake.
Tioga Lodge
Located in Lee Vining, Tioga Lodge has been welcoming travelers for decades.
The property offers a simple, comfortable place to stay while exploring Yosemite, Mono Lake, and the surrounding Eastern Sierra. Sometimes all you need is a clean room and a good location.
Choosing Between June Lake and Lee Vining
June Lake revolves around alpine lakes, mountain cabins, fishing, and forested landscapes.
Lee Vining sits between Mono Lake and Yosemite, surrounded by volcanic terrain, wide-open views, and some of the most fascinating geology in California.
Fortunately, the two communities are close enough that you can enjoy both during the same trip.
Many visitors do.
