Where exactly is the trailhead parking at Mono Village and is there any mechanism for paying if you get there outside of the hours the entrance gate is staffed?

Last I was there, it was right at the end of the road at the head of the upper lake. You walk through the campground, waving to, or ignoring folks in lawn chairs with beers next to giant RVs, depending on your mood, to the trailheads.

The trailhead parking is easy to find... very large lot. When I last visited there was no mechanism for paying outside normal hours and I doubt that has changed. I called them at the time and they suggested I leave a note saying I would pay on exit. I didn't end up having to do that and the staff has likely changed but perhaps you could call and ask about it.

BC parking is the lot south of this marker:
http://goo.gl/maps/kNbWY

I've been told you have to arrive/pay during operating hours.
http://www.monovillage.com/
760.932.7071

One thing to note - apparently bears are now active there. There are no food storage lockers. Previously they would keep your food in their icehouse, but no longer as bears have been breaking in.
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/hide-y ... /109100061