Eastern California is home to some of the most secluded towns in the state, each uniquely nestled between mountains, desert valleys, and lakes. Below are 12 standout towns, their locations, and what makes them remarkably peaceful.
1. June Lake – Hidden Alpine Lakes
June Lake is a small community surrounded by four glacial lakes in Mono County, forming a peaceful horseshoe-shaped canyon off US 395. The village sits twenty minutes north of Mammoth Lakes and is accessed via California 158, known as the June Lake Loop. Granite cliffs and limited through-traffic keep the area hushed year-round, while family-owned ski resorts and fishing ponds occupy much of the outdoor scene.
2. Bridgeport – Alpine Meadows and Heritage
Bridgeport, located in northern Mono County on US 395, is the county seat surrounded by wild meadows and ranchland. The town is about 80 miles north of Bishop. Winters can shut down the mountain passes, isolating Bridgeport with its iconic 1880s courthouse, historic storefronts, and sweeping ranch vistas.
3. Lee Vining – Gateway to Mono Lake
Lee Vining sits at the northeast edge of Mono Lake, where US 395 meets California 120. With a population of about 500, it’s notably quieter outside the summer season, sealed off from the rest of the world when Tioga Pass closes each winter. Sheer cliffs and otherworldly lake views define this eastern Sierra hideaway.
4. Olancha – Desert Quiet Under the Sierra
Olancha is best known for its small ranch houses and sweeping views where Owens Lake meets the Sierra Nevada. Located twenty miles south of Lone Pine on US 395, Olancha’s steady silence is punctuated by outdoor adventures—from Owens Peak hiking to buffalo jerky from a roadside stand.
5. Independence – Historic Courthouse Beneath Peaks
Independence lies halfway between Lone Pine and Bishop on US 395. This Inyo County seat stretches quietly beneath cottonwoods and overlooks Kearsarge Pass. A single grocery store, spotty cell coverage, and limited dining options enhance its pace, making every evening a tranquil experience beneath Mount Williamson.
6. Swall Meadows – Sage and Infinite Skies
The rural community of Swall Meadows clings to Sherwin Grade, midway between Tom’s Place and Crowley Lake. Accessible by a winding lane from US 395, its one-acre lots afford privacy, epic starry nights, and scenery dotted with deer and the towering Sierra.
7. Aspendell – Canyon Seclusion at High Elevation
Aspendell sits at the end of State Route 168 west of Bishop, perched at 8,400 feet. The village’s aspen-lined lanes are lined with cabins, most used seasonally as snow can cut off access in winter. For those who brave the climb, rewards include proximity to Sabrina Basin’s lakes and tranquil canyon sunsets.
8. Bodie – Historic Ghost Town in the Sierra
Bodie is a famed ghost town, preserved in arrested decay within Bodie State Historic Park, thirteen miles off US 395 north of Lee Vining. With no year-round residents, more than 170 buildings remain against wind-swept sage and barren hills. Winter storms close the road, ensuring months of utter silence.
9. Little Lake – Lava Cliffs and Forgotten Resort
Little Lake, found in southern Inyo County between Coso Junction and Olancha on US 395, offers a spring-fed lake surrounded by volcanic bluffs and the remnants of a once-popular resort. Today, fewer than 20 residents remain, mostly tucked into trailers behind crumbling walls. The site is popular for its stark natural beauty and peace.
10. Highlands – Above Bishop’s Valley
Highlands, located on the western slopes near Bishop off SR 168, was once a worker’s enclave and now serves as a retreat for artists and locals who treasure mountain views and deep winter snows. With cottonwoods and piñon pines framing the hills, this little-known pocket stays out of sight and out of mind for most travelers.
11. Pine Glade – Rim Between Rock Creek and Sky
Above Rock Creek Lake, near Mosquito Flat in Mono County, Pine Glade features high-elevation cabins accessible only in summer. Thick pines and firs create a seasonal enclave that’s quiet, scenic, and mostly skipped by passersby heading to hike alpine trails.
12. Paradise – Bluff Above Owens River
Paradise, perched on a pine-dotted plateau five miles off US-395 north of Bishop, overlooks the Owens River Gorge and has its access protected by steep roads and rocky cliffs. With only 150 residents, it’s a hamlet marked by stone cottages, wild horses, and uninterrupted quiet.
Eastern California’s secluded towns are strung along US 395 and winding state highways, mostly in Mono and Inyo counties, nestled in pockets where snow, desert, and stone combine to keep the crowds away. Each town is embraced by wilderness—with access often limited in winter—which means their peace only grows as the seasons change.
Sources
(https://www.homestratosphere.com/secluded-towns-in-eastern-california/)
(https://www.homestratosphere.com/secluded-mountain-towns-in-eastern-california/)
(https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/11-secluded-towns-in-california.html)
(https://travel.usnews.com/gallery/beautiful-small-towns-in-california)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA-5piXrlF8)
