Mono Vista is a scenic residential community tucked into the evergreen forests of the Sierra Nevada. Windy roads scale its hilly terrain and connect to California state Route 108, the community’s main route to Sonora. A wide range of mountain homes are within reach of prominent outdoor recreation sites in the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park.
To the north, the community has easy access to the Stanislaus National Forest, one of the oldest in the National Forest System, which includes almost 70 lakes, over 800 miles of streams and rivers and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, a skiing and snowboarding destination, is nearby, with 1,600 vertical feet and more than 800 acres of skiing terrain. To the south, paddleboats, jet skis and stand-up paddleboards glide across the glassy surface of New Melones Lake, which is also popular among fishers.
Residents of Mono Vista make the trek to Sonora for most errands. There, they’ll find:
Mona Vista consists of a diverse collection of houses, ranging from bungalows and ranch-style homes to builds with dramatic A-frame roofs, most of which feature outdoor living spaces. A large portion of these homes was built between the 1970s and the 1980s on lots that go up to 3 acres. Residents who belong to the Crystal Falls Homeowners Association pay monthly fees of around $40 to access its amenities, which include two private lakes, a clubhouse and a horse boarding facility. Properties fetch anywhere from the upper $100,000s to the low $800,000s and, in general, cost less than those in surrounding communities; the average home value in Mono Vista was about $100,000 lower than that of the Sonora metro area at the beginning of 2026.
Homes in Mono Vista are built into the hillside and separated from the rest of the community’s winding roads by long driveways. “You’re certainly out of the big city,” says Kevin Baxter, a real estate agent with Re/Max Gold, who has about five years of experience. “There’s less traffic and fewer people to contend with.” The area’s separation from urban life and its towering evergreen trees contribute to a quiet, slower pace of life, which attracts those looking for a break from the daily grind. “A lot of people buy second homes up there,” he says.
Mona Vista is situated on the north side of California state Route 108, which continues northeast through the Stanislaus National Forest. The freeway also travels southwest toward Sonora, about 10 miles and under 20 minutes away, and Modesto, about 55 miles away. Stockton and its airport are roughly 70 miles away.
Students on the west side of the community are zoned for Curtis Creek Elementary School, in the Curtis Creek School District, while those living on the east side are zoned for Soulsbyville Elementary School, in the Soulsbyville School District. Both serve grades K-8. Students from both may then move on to Sonora Union High School, which maintains more than 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and broke its AP test score record in 2024, surpassing the state average at the same time. “Sonora is a great area for young families,” Baxter says. “The schools are really good around the area.” All three schools fall under the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools.
Though Mono Vista is one of the Sierra Nevada mountain communities, its elevation isn’t quite high enough for snow. “It’s just at the snow line, or somewhat below, so a lot of people like that,” Baxter says. “You’re getting snow if you get much higher.” Residents enjoy a somewhat temperate climate, with summer highs that mostly stay below 90 degrees and winter lows above freezing. The community, like the surrounding mountain range, is at increased risk of wildfire. The potential closing of the Mono Vista Fire Station has raised concerns about loss of insurance coverage and increased premiums.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Michelle Adair
Friends Real Estate Services
(209) 396-7672
154 Total Sales
10 in Mono Vista
$216K - $630K Price Range
Kevin Baxter
RE/MAX Gold
(209) 850-8265
63 Total Sales
2 in Mono Vista
$340K - $447K Price Range
Julianna Healy
Healy Homes, Inc.
(209) 396-4765
126 Total Sales
9 in Mono Vista
$78K - $515K Price Range
Shantel McDonald
Smith Properties
(616) 801-4797
358 Total Sales
1 in Mono Vista
$394,000 Price
John Friend
Friends Real Estate Services
(209) 454-3737
140 Total Sales
9 in Mono Vista
$4K - $549K Price Range
Ben Bazar
RE/MAX Executive
(209) 497-5769
82 Total Sales
4 in Mono Vista
$265K - $345K Price Range
$385,000
Newly Upgraded Mountain Retreat! Tucked on a peaceful cul-de-sac in the Sierra foothills, this updated 3-bed, 3-bath chalet offers charm, function, and flexibility. Nearly half an acre with space for an RV, boat, or horse trailer. Inside, the main level boasts soaring chalet windows, rustic wood ceilings, fresh paint, new flooring, and butcher block counters for a warm farmhouse feel. Enjoy
$339,000
Welcome to this updated home in the Crystal Falls Subdivision east of downtown Sonora, below Crystal Falls, which typically means some snow now and then through the Winter months, but less than above the Falls, Cedar Ridge & Twain Harte. You will love this Community with Beaches on 2 Lakes, a Clubhouse, a Gym, Tennis & Basketball Courts, and a Children's Playground, all within a few blocks from
Bike Score®
Walk Score®
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
