In 1970, when it was still legal to hunt them, there were an estimated 2,000 lions in California. Now, biologists estimate that there are over 20,000. Beware, I have seen quite a few in the last decade.
If you’re in Inyo/Mono area, you’re probably familiar with Kennedy Keadows. I’ve see the cats in the mountains above that area for years. Never up too close, but I’ve had them in my sights.