Best time for Mono Lake?

My wife and I want to make a trip to the Mono Lake/Bodie area this year. For those of you who've been there, what's the best time of year to go? Reasons?

Thanks!!

Jerry

I can't really think of a bad time... when it gets warmer you will have more bugs to deal with. It more has to do with if you want to tie this in with somewhere else.... after a nice sunrise or sunset, I'd think about hitting Death Valley if it is winter time, or Yosemite if it's later in the spring when the pass is opened back up.... Fall color is probably the most popular time since you can chase Aspens changing colors at the same time, but you will have photo workshops to deal with (especially on weekends) if you wait till then.... I'd go tomorrow if I could.

Jerry, If you are just planning to go to Mono Lake and the eastern sierras specifically for taking pictures then fall would be the best I'd say. The Tioga Pass would still be open and you may drive up to Toulumne meadows for some beautiful fall color. If you are generally planning a vist, anytime of the year should be good. In addition to Mono Lake, there's June lake and if you drive up Tioga pass there are numerous other lakes - names of which I can't recollect.

- pradeep

You can drive to June Lake (the town) via the South entrance to the June Lake loop, but the North entrance is closed for the winter. There is not a lot of snow at the moment (might have changed since 2 weeks ago) but the road to Bodie was accessible. It said closed, but you can drive past the gate and there were 10 other people at Bodie when we were there - with some snow on the ground.