Lee Vining, California
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Lee Vining, California is an unincorporated town in Mono County, California, USA. It is located on the southwest shore of Mono Lake, at . As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 488 and its elevation is 6781 feet (2067m).
The economy of Lee Vining relies largely on tourism, since it is the closest town to the east entrance of Yosemite National Park, and is near other tourist destinations such as Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, popular trout fishing destinations, and June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain ski areas and the June Lake recreational area. Tourism is mostly confined to the summer months, because State Route 120 through Yosemite is closed otherwise because of heavy snows, although year-round tourism has been increasing in recent years. Lee Vining has a year-round Information Center for visitors.
The town was named after Leroy Vining, who founded the town in 1852 as a mining camp. His life came to an untimely end when he accidentally shot himself at the nearby town of Aurora, Nevada. Originally the town was named "Lakeview", but when a post office was sought, it was learned that another town, Lakeview, California already had the name. The truly unique name of Lee Vining was then chosen.
Lee Vining is situated near the foot of Lee Vining Canyon. State Route 120 runs from town, through the canyon, up to Tioga Pass. Lee Vining Canyon is one of only two ice climbing venues in California. U.S. Route 395 also runs through the town, connecting to Los Angeles 390 miles to the South, and Reno, Nevada 135 miles to the North.
Lee Vining students are served by the Eastern Sierra Unified School District
- Lee Vining, California is at coordinates Coordinates:
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Mono County, California |
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| County seat: Bridgeport | ||
| Incorporated towns |
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| Unincorporated communities |
Bodie | Bridgeport | Chalfant | Coleville | Lee Vining | Swall Meadows |
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