We are fortunate enough to live in one of the greatest areas in the West! There is always something to see or do close to Bridgeport. We are happy to share some of our favorite spots… here are a few. We will let you in on the special secret spots when you arrive.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
50 minutes – 38 miles to Tioga Gate (RT 120), 60 miles from gate to Yosemite Village – scenic (lakes, waterfalls, big trees, high country meadows) – hiking – mountain/rock climbing – camping – fishing – Tioga Pass closed in winter (November – May)
BODIE HISTORICAL STATE PARK
Ghost town – 35 minutes – turnoff 7 miles south of town, from there 13 miles (10 paved, 3 dirt) – plan to spend several hours – we recommend the self-guided tour – public and private tours offered in summer – bring camera – no gas or food – authentic, non-commercialized – open year-round, need snow transportation in winter – (760) 647-6445
MONO LAKE & TUFA STATE RESERVE
30 minutes – 25 miles south – salt lake (3 times saltier than the ocean) – swimming – nature trails – excellent visitor center – boat tours – bird watching – photography – we recommend taking the boardwalk located at the county park on the north end of the lake
MONO COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1/2 block east – built in, and in operation since, 1880 (2nd oldest courthouse still in operation in California) – open 9AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday – caution, as these are working hours
MONO COUNTY MUSEUM
At Bridgeport Park – building originally constructed for Bridgeport School in 1880 – normally open 10AM to 4PM, June through September – explore Bridgeport and Bodie history – pore through old county records and newspapers – appreciate intricacies of Native American basket weaving
BRIDGEPORT PARK
2 blocks – playground – picnic area – tennis/basketball courts – horseshoes – view Bridgeport’s magnificent sunsets
BRIDGEPORT RESERVOIR
2 miles – boating – fishing – bird watching – water skiing
EAST WALKER RIVER
10 minutes – trophy trout – natural spawning area – the “Big Hole” – excellent fly fishing – bird watching
TWIN LAKES
20 minutes – 13 miles paved – resort facilities – camping – boating – fishing – swimming – water skiing – sail boarding – hiking to lakes and waterfalls – access to Hoover Wilderness and John Muir Trail – wildlife observation – photography
BUCKEYE CANYON
20 minutes – 7 miles paved, 4 miles dirt – fishing – hiking – hot springs – deer migration
VIRGINIA LAKES
30 minutes – 21 miles paved – 9,600’ elevation – fishing lakes & streams – hiking – access to numerous back country lakes (like Frog Lake pictured here) – photography – horseback riding/pack station – resort facilities
GREEN CREEK & GREEN LAKES
25 minutes – 5 miles paved, 13 miles dirt – photography – fishing – hiking to Green Lakes
TRAVERTINE HOT SPRINGS
Turn off US HWY 395 1/2 mile south of Bridgeport (on Jack Sawyer Road), continue 1 mile up the hill on the dirt road – natural hot springs, unique geological formation – panoramic view of Bridgeport Valley
FALL COLORS
Beautiful aspen colors throughout surrounding area – usually late September through mid-October
WINTER SPORTS
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice skating – all within 5-30 minutes, snowboarding and downhill skiing at June Mountain 35 miles, Mammoth Mountain 55 miles