Mono County, California, is a rural county situated between the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the California/Nevada border. Accessed by state-designated Scenic Byway US Highway 395, which weaves its way north-south, Mono County is 108 miles in length, and has an average width of only 38 miles. With dramatic mountain boundaries that rise in elevation to over 13,000 feet, the county’s diverse landscape includes forests of Jeffrey and lodge pole pine, junipers and aspen groves, hundreds of lakes, alpine meadows, streams and rivers, and sage-covered high desert.
The county has a land area of 3,030 square miles, or just over 2 million acres, 94% of which is publicly owned. Much of the land is contained in the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests, or public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Other jurisdictions include Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison (SCE), California State Parks, Mono County, and a handful of other private landowners. We work closely with our federal, state, and private landowners and are happy to help navigate the permitting process for all free of charge.
Communities of Mono County
Mono County has several small towns and charming villages, each with its own scenic beauty, year-round recreational opportunities, natural and historical attractions, and unique characteristics.
Walker & Coleville are the northern most communities of Mono County. With a total population of 1,216 people between the two communities and a wide variety of amenities to choose from, it is a wonderful location for your next production. With just over 32 square miles of land that sits at between 5,100 – 5,400 feet in elevation, Walker and Coleville have that perfect mountain-town charm.
Bridgeport is the County seat and one of the oldest established communities in Mono County. With a population of 575 people sitting at an elevation of 6,463, Bridgeport is home to a handful of wonderful restaurants, hotels and historical sites, including the second-oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state. It is also the closest town to Bodie State Historical Park and the surrounding areas.
Lee Vining is home to the East Entrance to Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake. With charm and uniqueness like none other, you will have plenty to do while staying at one of the adorable motels or hotels and enjoying the shops and natural wonders that surround this lovely community. With a population of 222 and an elevation of 6,781, this community is ready for you and your crew to visit!
June Lake is one of the most breathtaking mountain-towns you may ever see. With four gorgeous lakes situated along the Hwy 158 June Lake Loop- Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake and June Lake- at sitting at an elevation of 7,654 feet, the June Lake area is truly one-of-a-kind. June Lake’s current population is 629 friendly folks who look forward to supporting your production.
Mammoth Lakes is the only incorporated town of Mono County and is the biggest, with a population of 8,234. Sitting at 7,880 feet in elevation, Mammoth Lakes has the perfect summer and winter seasons, perfect for your next film project in Mono County. With many dining and lodging establishments to choose from, Mammoth Lakes will make your stay a fun and enjoyable.
Crowley Lake & the Tri-Valley Area has a combined population of 2,402 and makes up the Southern most part of Mono County. With world famous fishing in Crowley Lake, breathtaking scenery in McGee Creek and Convict Lake and several natural hot springs in the Benton area, the variety of landscapes to choose from for your next project is impressive.
All of these communities makes up our wonderful County of Mono that spans along the scenic Hwy 395 and runs along the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. With a total population of 14,202 people who eagerly anticipate and look forward to your production in the Eastern Sierra.