Cemetery Road

Trail Overview

This 5-mile track begins just north of the Mono Lake Visitor Center and immediately delivers sweeping views of Mono Lake and its unique tufas. The road starts paved, but by mile 1.2, it transitions into gravel. Along the way, you'll notice remnants of a recent wildfire that still mark the landscape. The route gains 168 feet and drops 231 feet as it meanders across the open country. About 1.7 miles in, the trail becomes a mild shelf road that climbs slightly, eventually leveling out to reveal views of the Bodie Mountain area. The namesake of the road, a small local cemetery, can also be found along the way. The drive is wide at about 2.5 vehicles across and is seasonally graded, typically in the spring and early fall, making it a relatively smooth and easy path. The trail also offers spur routes, including one that leads to Black Point.

Photos of Cemetery Road

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Difficulty

This is an easy, scenic route suitable for most vehicles.

History

Cemetery Road is named for the nearby Lee Vining Cemetery, not for a cemetery directly at Mono Lake itself. The road provides access to the South Tufa Area and is a well-known point of interest, offering tours and interpretive programs for visitors to learn about the lake's unique ecosystem and history, according to the Mono Lake Committee.

Technical Rating

Cemetery Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV