Keystone
Keystone is a small gateway town in California, serving as a primary entrance to Yosemite National Park from the northwest. Located at around 1800-2100m elevation, it offers access to the Big Oak Flat Entrance, nearby mountain routes, and historic lodging.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Western United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Mono County |
| District | Eastern Sierra |
| City | Keystone |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 37.912 |
| Longitude | -118.62 |
| Maps |
6:14 PM LOCAL TIMEKeystone is a mountain town on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, acting as a key gateway to Yosemite National Park through the Big Oak Flat Entrance — a route that begins at ~1800m and rises above 2400m nearby. The town historically served as a transit and trading point and now provides services for travelers and park visitors, including lodging, supply stores, and access points for day hikes and vehicle drives. The area around Keystone features high-elevation Sierra terrain — mixed conifer forest, alpine plateaus, and glacial valleys — with routes to nearby peaks and passes. The town's central position makes it a practical base for crossing the Sierra via Highway 120 and reaching Yosemite’s northwestern sectors. Visitors come to Keystone for park access, scenic drives, and mountain recreation; anglers, trail-runners, and alpine skiers also find routes from the town. Key nearby features include Tuolumne Meadows, Saddlebag Lake, and the headwaters of the Merced River. Staying here offers a blend of mountain-front culture and park-linkage, making it suitable for multi-day park trips or regional Sierra travel.
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