DECHAMBEAU RANCH

Historical Site

The Dechambeau Ranch is the best preserved of a number of ranches that served the numerous Mining communities around Mono Lake from the late 19th century into the early decades of the 20th century. When most of the ore had been recovered and the miners had moved on, the ranches slowly withered.

The ranch has been the focus of an intense stabilization and partial restoration effort by the Inyo National Forest in consultation with the State Architect's Office and the California Office of Historic Preservation. Dechambeau Ranch is located within the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, and represents Mono Basin's ranching lifestyle at the height of Mining activities at the nearby towns of Aurora, Bodie, and Lundy. Buildings at Dechambeau include a ranch house, large barn, blacksmith shop, and garage as well as livestock facilities and a water system.

Dechambeau Ranch is located near Mono Lake's north shore. It is accessed by U.S. 395 and the Mono County Park road, and a short stretch of dirt road that leads to another of Mono Lake's points of interest: Black Point. No facilities are presently available at the ranch, although historical information about the Dechambeau and wheelchair restrooms are available at the Mono Lake Visitors' Center, 10 miles south near Lee Vining. Restrooms are also available at Mono Lake's county park, about 4 miles south of the ranch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Lee Vining Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 29, Lee Vining, CA 93541
760-647-6629

Mono Lake Ranger Station
PO Box 429, Lee Vining, CA 93541
760-647-3044