Lee Vining Trampers Trip
September 20th to 24th, 2026
Our fall "Away Trip" to Lee Vining will take place September 20-24, 2026. It is a great opportunity to hike and socialize with many fellow Trampers you don’t get to visit with during the regular hiking season. It will also offer many of the new members a chance to share the fun and adventure of an out of area event.
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The trip dates are September 20-24, 2026 for a hiking adventure in Lee Vining and the surrounding area in the Eastern Sierra. There will be three days of scheduled hikes, multiple social events and suggestions for many fun activities which can be enjoyed by members before, after and during our scheduled "free day" on Wednesday.
Lee Vining is approximately 2.5 hours away on Highway 395 located next to Mono Lake. Some of the hikes will be on the road to Tioga pass, but we are not proposing to enter Yosemite due to the reservation requirements. General information about Lee Vining is available by CLICKING HERE.
DINNERS
Sunday September 20: There will be a potluck dinner on Sunday September 20 at 4pm at the Lee Vining Community Center. Details of the hikes, optional activities for Wednesday free day and the catered dinner will be discussed. Please bring enough food to feed 5 times the number of people in your party ( 2 people = 10 servings). The Potuck is BYOB. Directions to Lee Vining Community Center -Take Hwy 395 south to Lee Vining, turn left on Visitor Center Dr, right on Mattly Ave, turn left into parking lot.
Wednesday September 23: A catered dinner is planned at the June Lake Community Center on Wednesday, September 23 which is a 20 minute drive from Lee Vining. Doors will open at 4 pm for social hour followed by dinner at 5 pm. The dinner is being catered by local chef Laura Mann, who specializes in using local, organic produce and proteins. The venue does not have a bar so BYOB. Sorry, but no refunds for cancellations after August 20th when we give our final count to the caterer. Directions to June Lake Community Center - head south on hwy 395, turn right on CA 158 south/June Lake Loop, turn right on Gull Lake Rd, left on East Granite Ave, left on West Granite Ave, 90 West Granite Avenue, upstairs in building. CLICK HERE to make dinner reservations..
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our preferred hotel, the Lakeview Lodge, has limited availabily and sells out quickly for fall dates. The same is true for hotels, campgrounds and short term rentals in the area since September is considered high season due to the fall color viewing popularity. If you are interested in joining the trip, we suggest you book your rooms as soon as possible. There are three other hotels near Lee Vining and 6 to 8 lodges in June Lake which is 12 miles from Lee Vining. CLICK HERE for a link to the Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce Website with a listing of local hotels.
HIKES
Our hikes will be selected to be fun and truly amazing with many ending up at swimmable lakes just outside the Yosemite and Lee Vining. Hikes are planned for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with Wednesday as a "Free Day" for other activities. We will post the hikes once they are finalized. All Hikes will depart from the Lakeview Lodge according to the hike listings posted on our website.
HIKE NOTES:
1. All hikes will depart from the Lakeview Lodge unless otherwise notified.
2. Departure Time for each hike is listed on the posted hike forms.
3. Hikes are subject to change by leader and trail conditions.
4. Bring poles for steep ascents, descents, and potential water crossings.
5. Hike groups are limited to 12. Will need to split groups larger than 12.
6. Cell phone use is limited or non-existent in the mountains. Hike leaders are encouraged to use two-way radios.
7. Water, water, water! Acclimate to the elevation by going slow and resting more often the first two days.
8. Limited parking at hike trailheads. Recommend carpooling.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES
We will set up a few optional activities for the Wednesday free day. Information will be posted and communicated once organized.
PARTICIPATION FEE
This trip is for members only. No guests. Everyone attending must pay a mandatory $20 per person non-refundable participation fee to help defray the meeting room rentals, fees and other incidental expenses incurred by the planning committee. It will also provide a complete list of all participants. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot on the trip.
Respectfully,
Janet Mann and the Away Trip Committee