Cities and Towns in Mono County, California
Founded in 1861, Mono County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Mono County was formed from Calaveras, Fresno and Mariposa. The city of Bridgeport is the county seat. With FIPS code of 51, Mono County has a population of 13,247 and area of 3,044 square miles (7,884 km²).
List of all cities in Mono County, CA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Benton, CA | 93512 | 760 |
Bishop, CA | 93512 | 760 |
Bridgeport, CA | 93517 | 760 |
Coleville, CA | 96107 | 760 |
Crowley Lake, CA | 93546 | 760 |
June Lake, CA | 93529 | 760 |
June Lake Junction, CA | 93529 | 760 |
Lake Mary, CA | 93546 | 760 |
Lee Vining, CA | 93541 | 760 |
Mammoth Lakes, CA | 93546 | 760 |
Mono City, CA | 93541 | 760 |
Mono Lake, CA | 93541 | 760 |
Toms Place, CA | 93546 | 760 |
Topaz, CA | 96133 | 760 |
Walker, CA | 96107 | 760 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mono County, California
Mammoth Lakes
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 25.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,191 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 93546
- Latitude: 37.6485° N
- Longitude: 118.9721° W
Location and History
Mammoth Lakes is the largest town in Mono County, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, near the Mammoth Mountain ski area. The town was incorporated in 1984, but its history dates back to the late 19th century when it was a mining camp during the California Gold Rush. The area quickly gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its stunning natural scenery, including the nearby Mono Lake and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Over the years, Mammoth Lakes has developed into a year-round resort town, attracting visitors for its world-class skiing in the winter and hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in the summer. The town’s economy is largely based on tourism, with Mammoth Mountain Ski Area being one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in California.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mammoth Lakes is served by the Mammoth Unified School District, with Mammoth High School and Mammoth Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Mammoth Lakes include the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of winter sports, and the Devil’s Postpile National Monument, known for its unusual geological formations and scenic trails. The town also hosts the annual Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, which celebrates independent cinema. The nearby Hot Creek Geological Site provides a unique opportunity to see geothermal activity up close, with bubbling hot springs and fumaroles set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Mammoth Lakes’ combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and educational institutions makes it the central hub of Mono County.
Bridgeport
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 21.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 575 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 93517
- Latitude: 38.2552° N
- Longitude: 119.2318° W
Location and History
Bridgeport is a small, historic town located in the heart of Mono County, serving as the county seat. The town was established in the mid-19th century as a supply center for nearby mining camps during the California Gold Rush. Bridgeport’s location in the wide, grassy Bridgeport Valley made it an ideal site for ranching, and it quickly developed into a center for cattle and sheep ranching. The town’s historic courthouse, built in 1880, is one of the oldest continuously operating courthouses in California and remains a focal point of the community. Today, Bridgeport is known for its Old West charm, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and hot springs.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bridgeport is served by the Eastern Sierra Unified School District, with Bridgeport Elementary School being the primary educational institution in the town. Major landmarks in Bridgeport include the historic Mono County Courthouse, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture, and the Bridgeport Reservoir, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The nearby Travertine Hot Springs offer natural geothermal pools with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, making it a popular spot for relaxation. The Bodie State Historic Park, located a short drive from Bridgeport, is a preserved ghost town that provides a glimpse into the area’s gold mining past. Bridgeport’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and access to outdoor activities makes it an important community in Mono County.
Lee Vining
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 5.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 220 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 93541
- Latitude: 37.9574° N
- Longitude: 119.1215° W
Location and History
Lee Vining is a small town located on the western shore of Mono Lake, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The town was originally founded in the late 19th century as a mining camp, but it soon became a key stopping point for travelers heading to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass. Lee Vining is named after Leroy Vining, an early settler who established a mining camp in the area. The town’s proximity to Mono Lake, a unique and ecologically significant saline lake, has made it a focal point for environmental conservation efforts. Today, Lee Vining serves as the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park and is known for its stunning natural surroundings and small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lee Vining is served by the Eastern Sierra Unified School District, with Lee Vining High School and Lee Vining Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Lee Vining include the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, which protects the otherworldly tufa towers that rise from the lake’s surface, and the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the region. The nearby Yosemite National Park provides access to some of the most iconic landscapes in the Sierra Nevada, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Tuolumne Meadows. The town’s annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua is a popular event that celebrates the diverse birdlife of the Mono Basin. Lee Vining’s combination of natural beauty, educational institutions, and proximity to Yosemite makes it a key community in Mono County.
June Lake
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 13.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 629 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 93529
- Latitude: 37.7799° N
- Longitude: 119.0749° W
Location and History
June Lake is a small, scenic community located along the June Lake Loop, a road that circles four mountain lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada. The town was established in the early 20th century as a resort area, catering to tourists drawn by the stunning alpine scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. June Lake quickly became known as the “Switzerland of California” due to its dramatic mountain backdrop and crystal-clear lakes. The area has a rich history of fishing, camping, and skiing, with June Mountain Ski Area opening in the 1960s to offer winter sports enthusiasts a more relaxed alternative to the larger resorts in the region. Today, June Lake remains a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
June Lake is served by the Eastern Sierra Unified School District, with the nearest schools located in Mammoth Lakes. Major landmarks in June Lake include the June Mountain Ski Area, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and scenic chairlift rides in the summer, and the June Lake Marina, where visitors can rent boats and fish for trout in the pristine waters of June Lake. The town is also known for its annual June Lake Loop Mountain Music Festival, which features live music performances set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. The nearby Ansel Adams Wilderness provides opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and exploring the rugged wilderness of the high Sierra. June Lake’s combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and small-town charm makes it an important community in Mono County.