Lee Vining Nature and Wildlife Mono Lake is distinctively unique with the many tufa towers, gulls, grebes, brine shrimp, alkali flies, freshwater streams, and alkaline waters. It provides a habitat for millions of migratory and nesting birds. There are several wilderness areas in the nearby High Sierra.

Wilderness Areas
The Hoover Wilderness was first established as a primitive area in 1931, then a Wilderness area in 1957. At a little over 48,000 acres, it is considered a fairly small wilderness area, accessible from Yosemite National Park, Humboldt-Toiyabe and the Inyo National Forests. It consists of an extremely rugged terrain with magnificent scenery and a well maintained trail system.

The Ansel Adams Wilderness was designated with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Extending from Highway 120 in the north to Lake Thomas Edison in the south it contains 231,066 acres of wilderness, including much of the John Muir Trail. In addition, Devils Postpile National Monument, though not wilderness, is centered in the Ansel Adams. Its name was changed from Minarets Wilderness in 1984 to honor the famous photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams.

The John Muir Wilderness encompasses a 100-mile stretch of typical Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys, including the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney (14,496 feet). It is one of the most heavily visited wildernesses in the nation. The John Muir was also established with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and enlarged by the California Wilderness Act of 1984, now totaling 581,143 acres.