DAY ONE
From Sacramento take the US-120/Tioga Road toward Lee Vining. If Tioga Pass is closed, take the US-50 or CA-88 instead.
Stop at the Bodie mining ghost town. Bring $8 in cash for entry.
Enjoy the grilled cheese and tomato soup at Tioga Gas Mart, the "best gas station restaurant in America."
Visit Mono Lake for sunset.
Check into Double Eagle Resort and Spa.
DAY TWO
Wake up before sunrise and begin your drive of the June Lake Loop.
Enjoy the sunrise behind Carson Peak from the Silver Lake Resort Campground pier.
Rent a bike or kayak from June Lake Village.
Drive up CA-203 to the Minaret Vista overlooking the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Check into the Convict Lake Resort.
DAY THREE
Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy while watching sunrise on the shores of Convict Lake.
Make another visit to Mono Lake; it's worth seeing in different light!
Return to Sacramento via the US-120/Tioga Road. If the pass is closed, take the alternate route through Lake Tahoe.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME, ADD:
- Hot Creek
- Bishop Creek Canyon
- Alabama Hills
- Ancient Bristlecone Forest
- Mt. Whitney