You’ll know that your’re in the wild West when you arrive at the Mono Inn at Mono Lake. This roadside Inn is the jewel of California’s Eastern Sierra – overlooking the ancient sea of Mono Lake, its islands, and range of volcanic craters. The innovative dinner menu is superb, the staff personable and professional. The timeless appeal of the view is enhanced by original Ansel Adams photographs displayed throughout the historic Inn. The Mono Inn is owned and operated by the family of photographer Ansel Adams and is a favorite destination for many generations of Californians.

The Mono Inn was established in 1922 by Wallis and Venita McPhearson. They shared a dream to build a grand health resort at Mono Lake. For many years, the McPhearsons ferried visitors by boat to visit Negit and Paoha islands; the boat hull still lies down near the old lake shore below the Mono Inn. Through the generations, the Mono Inn has continued to be a destination for fine dining and cultural gatherings.

The Mono Inn re-opened in the summer of 1997 after an extensive renovation to rejuvinate its original 1920s character. The Adams’ selected Stickley craftsman-styled furniture for the dining room and the Lake Room. The ambiance is rustic, elegant, and comfortable. The views have been enhanced by the large picture windows.

The Mono Basin and Eastern Sierra offer year-round recreational opportunities. In Winter, there are nearby places for Nordic and alpine skiing—June Mountain and Mammoth Mountain. Mountaineering guides can be recommended for ice climbing and backcountry skiing. In Spring, the fishermen flock to the region for some of the finest stem fly fishing in the West. In Summer, the high desert and alpine environments provide the warmth for climbing, hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, etc. In Autumn, the canyons come alive with aspen trees.

Sarah Adams, a granddaughter of photographer Ansel Adams, is the proprietor of the historic Mono Inn at Mono Lake.