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Inyo National ForestVisitor GuideInspiring DestinationsWelcome to the Inyo National ForestThe Inyo National Forest is aland of superlatives: the oldesttrees, the tallest mountains inCalifornia, among the oldestinland lake (Mono Lake), desert,glaciers, and the dramatic EasternSierra escarpment. Get ready for amemorable visit.Extending 165 miles alongthe California/Nevada borderbetween Los Angeles andReno, the Inyo National Forest,established May 25, 1907, includesover two million acres of pristinelakes, winding streams, ruggedSierra Nevada peaks and aridGreat Basin mountains.El ev a tions range from 3,900 to14,494 feet, providing diversehabitats that sup port vegetationpatterns ranging from semiariddeserts to high alpine meadows.There are nine congressionallydesignated wilderness areas: theHoover, Ansel Adams, John Muir,Golden Trout, Inyo Mountains,Boundary Peak, South Sierra,White Mountain, and Owens RiverHeadwaters wildernesses.Devils Postpile NationalMonument, administered by theNational Park Service, is locatedwithin the Inyo National Forestin the Reds Meadow area westof Mammoth Lakes. In addition,the Inyo shares the tallest peak inthe lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney(14,494 feet) with Sequoia NationalPark.Spring/SummerThe wildflowers start to bloomin the desert and continuethroughout the summer months,slowly marching up the SierraNevada slopes.The Inyo National Forest providesa variety of year-round recreationalopportunities for more than fourmillion visitors each year. Campingand fishing attract thousands ofvisitors during the summer months.Beginner to expert anglers can trytheir luck fishing at more than 400lakes and 1,100 miles of streamsthat provide habitat for golden,brook, brown and rainbow trout.Mountain bike enthusiasts can ridethe challenging Kamikaze Trailfrom the top Mammoth Mountainor one of many other trails thattransect the front coun try of theforest. Sixty-five trailheads provideaccess to over 1,200 miles of trail inthe 1.2 million acres of wildernessfor hikers seeking to escape intopristine areas.ContentsWildlife2Wilderness3Regional Map - North4Mono Lake, June Lake5Mammoth Lakes,Rock Creek6Mammoth Lakes Map7Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile8Bishop, Big Pine Creek9Many resort facilities and packstations operate under specialuse permits from the forest toserve additional visitor needs.Off-highway connoisseurscan enjoy over 2,200 miles ofmotorized routes.White Mountains,Ancient BristleconePine Forest10Independence11Lone Pine / Mt. Whitney12Recreation13FallThe Eastern Sierra is aglowwith golden aspen in the falland many people seek out theirfavorite drainage for leaf peeping.Climbing and bouldering in theButtermilks picks up as the coolertemperatures return.Camping14Mountain Biking and OHV /Tread Lightly15Visitor Centers16WinterThe fun continues as thetemperature drops and the snowfalls, when you can explore the Inyoon snowshoes, skis, snowboards,and snowmobiles. This includestwo ski areas, 25 miles of groomedNordic ski trails, and 100 miles ofgroomed snowmobile trails.White Mountain, the third tallest mountain in California at 14, 246 ft.1Mt. Whitney. Joel Sladky 1.00SuggestedDonation
WildlifeBlack BearsOne of the exciting things aboutvisiting your national forests is theopportunity to see wildlife. Theseanimals are wild, so there are afew simple things that you need toremember to keep yourself, yourproperty, and the animals safewhile you enjoy watching thesecritters in their natural habitat.Though some animals may appearfriendly and tame, wildlife areunpredictable and even the cutestlittle squirrel can bite you. Someanimals may car ry disease such asthe plague, rabies, or Lyme disease.NEVER feed animals! It’s not goodfor them and can put you in harm’sway.American black bearWILDLIFE VIEWING TIPSIn addition to bears, mountain lions and coyotes, there are lots ofdeer, squirrels and birds to watch and enjoy. The following tips willhelp you get to know na ture from a new perspec tive:Bring along binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses so you canget a close look at wildlife without disturbing them.Take along a good field guide so you can identify anyunfamiliar wildlife.Mountain lionMountain LionsMountain lions, or cougars, roamthroughout the Sierra Nevadamountain range. They are a shy andsecretive animal and your chancesof encountering a mountain lionare small. It is wise to be prepared– in California there have beeninstances of mountain lionsattacking humans.Humans can be either the predatoror the prey of cougars. Keep thesetips in mind:Do not Run!At sunrise and sunset check the edges of habitats for the bestviews of wildlife.Avoid disturbing nests and wildlife with their young to encouragetheir return in the future.Enjoy the quiet. Tread softly to avoid scaring off wildlife. Observewildlife behaving naturally.Try a new perspective – bring a magnifying glass for a macro-viewof micro-insects.Try your hand at tracking or look for other signs of wildlife – likefur rubbed against a tree trunk, scat, or where beavers havebeen busy.DO NOT FEED BEARS OR ANY WILDLIFE!Mountain lions associate running with prey.Do not crouch down.Try to appear as large as possible. Act aggressive, wave your hands,shout, and throw sticks or stones at it. Report sightings.Report any moun tain lion sightings or encounters in detail to a rangerstation or visitor center as soon as possible.2The preferred method of storingfood is to use the food lockersprovided in campgrounds and attrailheads, or to plan so that nofood is left in your car.Bears won’t usually bother youwhile you are eating or cooking, butalways clean up your camp of foodand trash promptly after meals.Tents are not smell-proof or bearproof, there fore you shouldn’t storefood or anything with a fragranceinside them.When backpacking, food storagecontainers such as canisters are thebest method to protect your foodand the bears.The use of bear-resistant food containers is mandatory inmost Sierra Nevada wilderness areas.You can be cited for improperly stored food. The counterbalance method of food storage is notrecommended; it is only a delay tactic. Bear-resistantcontainers are the best method available for protection offood and wildlife. Bear-resistant containers care available to rent at thevisitor centers (except the Ancient Bristlecone Pine ForestVisitor Center) or for purchase or rental from variousbusinesses throughout the Eastern Sierra.or move away slowly while facing the lion.If small children (or pets) are with you, pick them up.Bear and animal resistant foodlockers in campgrounds arenormally 48 inches wide, 29inches deep and 38 inches high(24 cubic feet) – large enough tostore coolers.PROPER WILDERNESS FOOD STORAGEHold your ground –If attacked – fight back! Protect children.Of all the animals you are likelyto see while camping, the blackbear is probably the most exciting.Black bears can be brown, blonde,cinnamon or black. Bears areomnivores (they eat everything),but their diet is 80 to 90 percentvegetation. Bears consider odorousproducts to be food (like toothpasteand sunscreen), and they canrecognize food and food containersby sight and smell. Bears will visityour campsite if you don’t take theprecaution of storing your foodproperly. If you are more than anarm’s length away from your food,store it in bear-resistant canisters.
Wilderness“Wilderness is not only acondition of nature, but astate of mind & mood &heart.” – Ansel AdamsWilderness is a place where “.in contrast with those areas whereman and his works dominatethe landscape, an area where theearth and its community of life areuntrammeled by man, where manhimself is a visitor who does notremain.” (1964 Wilderness Act).Wilderness PermitsWilderness Permits are utilized tominimize the impacts to an areaand maximize the experience ofthose visiting. They are requiredyear-round for all overnight tripsand day hiking and will enter theMount Whitney.QuotasThe Ansel Adams and John MuirWildernesses have an entry quotathat limits the number of peopleallowed to enter the wilderness eachday from May 1 to November 1.In the Golden Trout Wilderness, aquota applies from the last Friday inJune through September 15.ReservationsWilderness permits can be reservedup to six months in advance at:www.Recreation.gov. To have thereserved permit issued, visitors mustrequest the permit by email ( SM.FS.WildPmt Inyo@usda.gov) or phoneat visitor centers or the WildernessPermit Office (760-873-2483). Theirpermit will be issued by email.Be sure to review permit andreservation guidelines carefully.Permit must be printed, signed,and in the group leader’s possessionduring the trip and must bepresented to rangers upon request.When the group leader signsthe permit, they are acceptingresponsibility to ensure everyone intheir group will follow the rules andregulations on the permit.Mt. Whitney ReservationsThe two most popular permitsfor Mt. Whitney are reserved bylottery in order to be fair to themany visitors requesting trips to Mt.Whitney. The demand far exceedsthe quota.The Day Use permit can be reservedfor any route, but only for oneday. The Overnight permit is forWILDERNESS LEAVE NO TRACE TRAVEL TIPSHelp ensure that future generations may also experience a pristinewilderness by using the “Minimum Impact—Leave No Trace” techniques.The following backcountry travel tips are based on principles developedby the national Leave No Trace program. For more details visit www.lnt.org. Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other VisitorsThousand Island Lake and Banner Peakbackpacking multiple nights on Mt.Whitney Trail or to begin trips onthe John Muir Trail.Trips to Mt. Whitney have a specificquota and lottery applicationprocess. Applications to the Mt.Whitney lottery are accepted fromFebruary 1 to March 15. Results areannounced the last week of March.Starting on April 1, reservationsopen for the remainder of theseason on the Recreation.govwebsite. Reservation fees are due atthe time the reservation is bookedand are not refundable. There is noreservation waiting list. For permitsfor Mt. Whitney. Any unused spacefrom last minute cancelations orgroup size reductions is madeavailable to reserve on recreation.govNo Walk-in PermitsIssuedIn the past, 40 % of the quota wasavailable as a walk-in permit. Thisyear, all wilderness permits arereserved online through recreation.gov. However, a portion of permitswill be posted on recreation.gov14 days before the trip to allow forvisitors who did plan in advance tohave some options.The advantages of the onlinesystem are many. It providesequal access for everyone in realtime. You don’t have to planextra travel and time to get apermit at a visitor center, youcan go straight to the trailhead.You can plan your hike and triplogistics (meeting with otherparty members, car shuttlesand parking) and you canprovide family with full permitinformation and itinerary.WILDERNESS CONTACTSWilderness informationand reservation serviceis available 7 days aweek from 8am - 4:30pmWilderness ReservationInformation: 760-873-2483Additional information isavailable at:www.fs.usda.gov/inyoTOP 10 HIKING ESSENTIALSAre you ready for weather, darkness, or an injury? Search and rescueteams are wonderful people, but they are the one group you don’t wantto meet on a hiking, backpacking or climbing adventure. Map and compass Extra food & water First aid kit Flashlight, extra batteries & bulb Sunglasses & sunscreen Pocketknife Extra clothing & rain gear Emergency shelter Matches in a waterproof container Signal (whistle and a mirror)Along Bishop Pass Trail3
Mono Lake/ June LakeBODIE STATEHISTORIC PARKTwinLakesH O O V E RW I L D E R N E S LakeNegitIslandMonoLakePaohaIslandYON A TIONAFRESTMono Basin. Lee ViningMono LakeCommitteeVisitor CenterTIOGAPASSNScenic Area. VisitorCenterSaddlebagLakeGaylorLakesISOUTHTUFA RESERVEPanumCraterElleryLakeTiogaLakeYosemiteEast EntranceLMt. Dana13,053 ft.N OM OY O S E M I T ETUOLUMNEMEADOWSC R A TE RSN A T I O N A LGrantLakeParkerLakeOP A R KG L A S SJuneLakeOBSIDIANDOMEBigSpringsA D A M SekCreadDeThousandIsland LakeMammothPassSCENIC BYWAY KIOSKWILDERNESS TRAILHEADHORSEBACK RIDINGLakeMary7.5 MILESNGSS ICROMammothYosemiteAirportCONVICTLAKEJ O H NM U I RW I L D E R N E S SDuckLakeSCALEH OTTONTown ofMammoth LakesHot CreekHatcheryROADCasa ver GorgeTom’sPlaceROA11,053 ft.ADROATC HLakeDorothyROVISITOR INFORMATION CENTERLAlkaliPondsBENMammothMountainHOT CREEKGEOLOGICALSITEGEE CUNPAVED ROADSALK ROADREERANGER STATION5ADROMcPAVED ROADS2.5VMAMMOTHLAKESBASINL E G E N D0SotcherLakeRedsMeadowLAKEMARY ROADTSRainbowFallsGYAREDEVILS POSTPILENATIONAL EquTHEveLMOMAMJ oaRiGE RYSa nPLOOAgnewMeadowsR IDRiverCrestviewRoadside RestINYOCRATERSnLookoutMountain.manW I L D E R N E S SOWENS RIVERROADCONVICTA N S E LOwensM O UN TA INEK HGullLakeC RESilverLakeLAKEROADJuneLakeCKECRE LAURA PATTERSON DESIGN4HiltonLakesROCKCREEKKD
Mono Lake/ June LakeMono Lake Tufa TowersSee map, page 4Mono Lake is a majestic body ofwater covering 60 square miles; 13miles east-west by 8 miles northsouth. It is an ancient lake, over700,000 years old–one of the oldestlakes in North America.Mono Lake is two-and-a-half timesas salty as sea water. It may seem aninhospitable environment, but thewater is teeming with life –brineshrimp and alkali fly larvae. Thisattracts millions of birds as theypass through on their migratoryflights.To protect the outstandinggeologic, ecologic, and scenicresources of Mono Basin, it wasdesignated as a National ForestScenic Area by Congress in 1984.South TufaAccess the waters of Mono Lakeand walk among towering tufatowers five miles east of Hwy 395on Hwy 120 East. A self-guidednature trail is open seven days aweek, 24 hours a day.Free ranger-led tours occur dailyMay – October. South Tufa isa federal fee area, so be sure topurchase a National InteragencyPass or pay the 3.00/person fee atthe site.Panum CraterThe youngest mountain range inNorth America, the Mono Craters,can be experienced by visiting Panum Crater. This “rhyolite plug”volcano erupted only 650 yearsago. Collecting obsidian or rocks isprohibited.Help Protect the Mono Basin National ForestScenic AreaMono MillsPlease follow these rules to protect these unique and fragileresources:The ghost town of Bodie is justnorth of the Mono Basin and wasonce supported by the logging andmill efforts that took place at theMono Mills historic site. Locatedapproximately six miles to the eastof South Tufa, visitors can learnabout the efforts that took place tocut, mill, and haul wood to Bodievia a narrow-gauge railroad.Tioga PassDrive up Hwy. 120 West towardsYosemite National Park, over abreathtaking historic route knownas Tioga Pass. Mountain lakes, lushmeadows, and snow covered peaksprovide an unforgettable alpinegreeting. Hwy. 120 W. (Tioga Pass)closes annually during the wintermonths.PROTECT1. Do not climb on, move, or remove tufa formations.2. Do not collect any rocks, minerals, or vegetation within theScenic Area.3. If boating, do not approach congregations of birds. Stayat least 200 yards from any osprey nest, occupied or not. Donot approach within one mile of the islands or isletsbetween April 1 and August 1.4. Camp only in permitted areas. Camping along the lake in“recessional lands” is only allowed in designated areas andrequires a permit.June LakeFor beautiful alpine scenery, youcan’t miss the June Lake Loop.Hwy. 158 gives access to a chainof gorgeous lakes nestled in asteep horseshoe-shaped canyon.Campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing,and lake recreation are popular. Apack station is located near SilverLake. Boat rentals are available atthe Grant Lake, Gull Lake, SilverLake, and June Lake marinas.Along Lee Vining Creek5
Mammoth Lakes/ Rock CreekMammoth Lakes BasinSee Map, page 7 for theMammoth Lakes Area.Twin Lakes, and Mary, George,Mamie, and Horseshoe Lakes arelocated along Lake Mary Road.These lake beds were scoopedout of solid rock by glaciers andare popular for fishing, boatingand photography. Picnic areasand campgrounds are available atseveral locations.Ride the free, open-air trolley fromThe Village in Mammoth. Thetrolley makes stops throughout theLakes Basin and can accommodatetwelve bicycles.Mammoth MuseumSee Mammoth Lakes as it was over70 years ago, before paved roads andelectricity. The museum is housedin the original log cabin built byEmmett Hayden, map maker of theEastern Sierra. Located on SherwinCreek Road along Mammoth Creekand next to Sierra Meadows Ranch,the cabin sits in a lovely park-likesetting.Minaret VistaImpressive views of the Ritter Rangeto the west and the Inyo/WhiteRange to the east. Restrooms andpicnic area available.Along Hwy. 395Convict LakeNamed after the famous shoot-outbetween the escaped convicts andthe sheriff’s posse, this is a popularcamping and fishing area. Takea two-mile hike around the lakefor views of the lake against thedramatic backdrop of Mt. Morrison.Ten miles south of MammothLakes - two miles west of Hwy. 395.Lake Mamie, Lakes BasinHot CreekGeological SiteRock CreekHot springs flow into a coldmountain stream with beautifulblue steaming pools. Open forviewing from sunrise to sunset.Swimming is prohibited due togeyser hazards, mud pots andchanging steam vents. Located 3.5miles off Hwy. 395 on Airport/Hatchery Road, eight miles south ofMammoth.Rock Creek is famous for glaciallycarved Little Lakes Valley, wheremore than 50 lakes are linked byhiking trails surrounded by 13,000foot peaks. The trailhead at the endof the road is the highest in theSierra, at 10,300 ft. elevation. Don’tmiss the fall season when quakingaspen turn brilliant colors.RockCreekThe hike to Gem Lake, trailhead in June Lake6Hot Creek Geologic Site
REailTS CENIRA1ESTquCRJoainNATI ONAL. UpperSodaStarkweatherLake2Minaret. VistacwSan Joaquin RidgeTrail/4WD RoadDeadmanPassI N Y OndarySotcherLakeCrEN in11,053'%wCILc LakePMamie o P.aTwin FallsCrystal Crag10,377'CrystalLakewPw NORRPineMonteCristo e TrailcwwMammothRock TrailR OA DMammothCreek ParkSnowcreekGolf CourseHD MineHeartLakeCreeColdkwateBlue Crag10,669'and Duck PassSkeltonLake To Barney LakeArrowheadLakeHeart Lake Trail4S08NORRwMammothMuseumSierra MeadowsRanchhcPineGlenGroupand Ranger StationShadyRestParkSmokey mmeSherwin LakesTrailSherwinLakesw3S09CrAYMCACampNORRROwEE KkeeERWIN CRMammoth LakesCalifornia Welcome CenterbNewShadyRestRV ParkF O R E S TmothEmeraldLakeDuck PassTrailhead.wCreekSierra StarGolf Course8aa oqycOldShadyRestMERIDIAN BLVD.HIrƒOPostOfficeTHE TOWN OFMAMMOTH LAKESMO LD M AMICNICEM A I N S T.MammothRockTheVillageMCommunityCenter ParkLake Marya Cityw c Lake.Po. Lake MaryLake aGeorge. ColdwateroGeorge. InterpretivewaTrailMammothPBarrett oConsolidatedCrystalLake TrailHorseshoeLakeCO2 GASHAZARDAREAMammoth PassTrailheadTwinLakesaa oUpper Twin c.Perimeter ofhazardous areaposted with red signsTwinLakesMill CityStamp MillPanoramaDome TrailNORRBikeTrailYCampHigh SierraValentineReserveN A T I O N A akes.o.c.y.qP1Public Phone .w.h.b.A.Picnic AreaRanger StationInformation/Visitor CenterWilderness Areas–closed tobicycles, motorized vehicles andall wheeled mechanical devicesHiking TrailUnpaved Roadsa.Shuttle Bus StopResortHorseback Riding/Pack StationFootbridgeHiking TrailheadRV ParkGroup CampgroundPrivate CampgroundCampgroundL E G E N DPaved Roads14S08LaurelMountain11,812'To Genevieveand Dorothy LakesNo wheeledmechanical devicesWILDERNESSJOHN MUIR01 MILESCALE: 1.5 INCHES 1 MILEKHHATCConvictLakecLDoROAConvictLakeCTaVIERYw ooPConvict LakeTrailheadNO RRHOT C R E EJHot CreekFish Hatchery2 MILESNOTE: All picnic areas and trailheads have restrooms except where noted (NO RR)GeothermalPlantdNo wheeled /mechanical devicesUpperCraterMeadow2-%Mammoth MountainSki Area and Bike Park3S3w-wcInyoCratersTrailMamJOHN MUIRRedConesMammoth Pass TrailNo wheeled /mechanical devicesANSEL ADAMSWILDERNESSRedsLakeMaino Lodge?ClimbingRockInyoCraterLakesP ROA PACIFIC CREST N A T I eMinaretFallsBOARDSpringsANSELSHUTTLE BUS9,175'AT ADVENTURE3a.ADAMSCENTERNOStarkweather w RRWILDERNESSLake TrailheadPumiceFlat a.No wheeledFEE REQUIRED4mechanical devicesPumice.ob Group BEYONDTHIS POINTSa nPACIFIILHighTrailCTa wNAAgnew WildflowerMeadows WalkRiver TrbSTAgnewMeadowsAgnewMeadowsGroupI FIAMACD E V I L S POSTPI LEN ATI O N A L M O N U M ENTL AKE MAR4S19ADROI LL CUTOF FSAWMDeerMountain8,786'SherwinMOTHSOTMeekConvict CreekMammothYosemiteAirportCrHot CreekGeological wSiteMammoth Lakes Area MapRo4Work San Joaquin RiverM idd le FekCreALaurelerR ivCONCEILtALSCT RANICHogeDOLDCCoaidONAGDROAPIO NnJnRR AMRO AAKESaiquOPANETADhugrCreek7
Reds Meadow/ Devils PostpileMandatory ShuttleReds Meadow &Devils Postpile ShuttleOne reason the valley has remaineda special place is because of themandatory shuttle system that wasinitiated in 1981, which limits crowdingand resource damage. It also providesa relaxing alternative to long lines oftraffic and trying to find a parking space.The shuttle is mandatory for all visitors,unless they meet one of the followingexceptions: Have a parking placard (forwalking disability) Arrive in vehicles transportinglivestock or boats Visitors with an inflated floattube or non-motorized vessel foruse on valley lakes Hunters transporting weapons orgame Staying overnight at Red’sMeadow Resort or a developedcampground Administrative vehiclesVisitors who meet one of theseexceptions must pay a standard amenityfee (also valid at Mono Lake South TufaReserve and the Ancient BristleconePine Forest when visiting the sameday).Visitors with wilderness permits arerequired to take the shuttle, which havestorage areas to accommodate equipment.Shuttle passes and parking are availableat the Mammoth Mountain AdventureCenter (Main Lodge Gondola building).Visitors not required to ride the buscan purchase their passes at MinaretVista Station.The mandatory shuttle bus runs every20-45 minutes, depending on the timeof day.The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority(ESTA) offers visitors to Reds Meadowfrom Mammoth Lakes free publictransportation starting at the MainLodge Adventure Center.The last bus of the day will leave: The Gondola building at 7 P.M., Red’s Meadow Resort at 7:45 P.M., Devils Postpile at 7:55 P.M., Agnew Meadows at 8:10 P.M., The last shuttle arrives back at theGondola Building at 8:30 P.M.MANDATORY SHUTTLE BUS FEESIntravalley ShuttleThe mandatory shuttle is discontinuedtwo days after Labor Day. However,ESTA offers a free intravalley shuttlethat runs on the weekends from theweekend after Labor Day throughColumbus Day, weather permitting.PASSESCOSTRound Trip 10 per adult, 5 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.Wilderness Hikers 10 per adult, 5 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Thisone-time fee is good for the duration of stay in the Valley, based on permitor reservation.This service will reduce vehiclecongestion on the road, which hasmade it difficult to travel throughoutthe valley in previous fall seasons.3-Day Pass 20 per adult, 10 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.Season Pass 50 per adult, 25 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.Exception Vehicles, Campersand Resort Guests 10 per vehicle, Interagency Passes accepted.The intravalley shuttle will run from theparking area at Reds Meadow Resort toDevils Postpile on Saturdays and Sundayswith service every 30 minutes from10:00am until 3:45pm. Please contactESTA (www.estransit.com) for details.8 All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible and have storage for bikes.Recreational users of Reds Meadow Valley are encouraged to use the free shuttle service betweenAgnew Meadows and Reds Meadow.Muzzles are required on all dogs while on the shuttle bus.Rates subject to change: visit reds-meadow-shuttle/
Bishop Creek/ Big Pine CanyonBishop Creek CanyonBig Pine CanyonBishop is named for rancherSamuel Bishop, a First Sergeantwith the Mariposa Battalion,who settled here in the 1860s,when the Owens Valley was beingsettled by cattlemen and miners.Big Pine Creek offers a real treat forthe more experienced hiker. MiddlePalisade Glacier, the southernmostglacier in North America can bespotted from the parking area nearGlacier Lodge. The glacier can bereached by a strenuous nine-milehike from the road end in Big PineCanyon. Palisade Crest, rising above14,000 feet, contains some of thefinest and most challenging alpineclimbing in California.Three main drainages of BishopCreek – the North (North Lake),Middle (Lake Sabrina), and South(South Lake) forks compriseBishop Creek Canyon. Popularwith anglers, campers, andhikers/backpackers.Climbing and bouldering arepopular in locations such as theButtermilks or the Druid Stonesin the shoulder seasons when itis cooler.Look for Clyde Peak andClyde Glacier, named for earlymountaineer Norman Clyde, whopioneered many of the first routesand ascents and climbing routes inthe Eastern Sierra (and elsewhere)."I sometimes think I climbed enough peaks this summerto render me a candidate for a padded cell."--Norman ClydePalisades Glacier Erin NoesserBishop CreekBig Pine Canyon9
Bristlecone pine Leeann MurphyThe White Mountain istlecone PinesTo the east of the Owens Valleystand the Inyo and Whitemountain ranges. White MountainPeak is the third-highest peak inCalifornia at 14,246 feet, shorterthan Mount Whitney by a mere248 feet.These Great Basin ranges differgreatly from the Sierra rangeboth in structure and in climate.The White Mountains are in ariddesert and seem an unlikely placeto find the oldest living trees, thebristlecone pines.The bristlecones have survivedfor more than 40 centuries, andindividual trees live to around5,000 years old.The trees survive in a nicheecosystem. These tenacioussurvivors live where other treesand animals do not. They haveadapted to severe weather (heatand cold), grow in dolomitic(alkaline) soil, and endure longdroughts. This also means thattheir competitors and pests arefew.Their great age has attractedworld-wide interest. Tree ringchronologies, dating back to10HIKING TRAILSDiscover Trail1 mile loop / EasyThis is a great hike forbeginners and anyone notwanting to do the longerMethuselah Trail. Hikeamongst trees that, besidestheir scientific value, arebeautiful, with their twistedand gnarled trunks which havewithstood the test of time.Methuselah Trail4.50 mile loop / ModerateGet an up-close look at theancients. This 4.5-mile hikeis a magical trek through aland of ancient trees and highdesert mountain environments.6700 B.C., are used in a variety ofresearch programs, including thereconstruction of climatic history,measurement of past isotopeconcentrations in the atmosphere,and calibration of the radiocarbon time scale.Visit the Ancient Bristlecone PineForest Visitor Center to learnmore about these special trees.Open in the late spring to fall, asweather permits.
IndependenceOnion ValleyOne of many popular steep canyonroads that lead into the SierraNevada. Trailhead to KearsargePass and many multiple-day hikesinto Kings Canyon National Park.Manzanar NationalHistoric SiteManzanar was the first of 10relocation camps, confining JapaneseAmericans during World War II. Thehistoric high school auditorium nowserves as the site’s interpretive center,featuring extensive exhibits andaudio-visual programs. You can tourthe grounds, reconstructed barracks,and see many of the foundations andremnants of the elaborate gardens.Eastern CaliforniaMuseumThis museum in Independencefeatures exhibits that reflect thediverse natural and culturalheritage of Inyo County andthe Owens Valley. Includes animpressive collection of NativeAmerican baskets and equipmentfrom the construction of the LosAngeles Aqueduct.Mt. WhitneyHistoric Fish HatcheryThe hatchery building, completedin 1916, is a beautiful and uniquestructure with hand-laid stonewalls and hand-hewn timberswhich houses an interpretivecenter focusing on wildlife of theEastern Sierra.Big Pothole Lake, Kearsage Pass Trail11
Lone Pine/ Mount WhitneyIn the early 1860s, the first settlersof Lone Pine gave the town its namebecause of a single, large pine treeat the confluence of Lone Pine andTuttle Creeks. (The tree blew downduring a storm in 1876.)Mt. WhitneyThe 14,494-foot summit of Mt.Whitney is the highest point in thecontiguous United States. It is anon-technical hike in the summermonths, making it an extremelypopular destination for hikers(special permits required) and adestination for winter mountaineersat other times.For an unobstructed view of thepeak, drive a few miles west onWhitney Portal Road through theAlabama Hills.12Alabama HillsThe Alabama Hills NationalScenic Area is managed by theBureau of Land ManagementBishop Field Office. The amazingscenery – oddly rounded rocksbacked by the jagged high peaksof the Sierra – creates a wonderfulsetting for recreation. Theweathering of granite hills hascreated the unusual shapes, arches,and canyons particular to the area.Hike, fish, motor tour, horsebackride, or bike any route not signedas closed, try rock climbingon one of the 200 sport routes,or explore some of the movielocations (pick up the Movie RoadSelf-Guided Tour at the Museumof Film History).Mt. Whitney Joel Sladky
Eastern Sierra RecreationPASSESINTERAGENCYPASSESAnnual Pass 80 annually Purchased from BLM,FWS, NPS, Reclamationand
Regional Map - North Monument, administered by the 4 Mono Lake, June Lake 5 Mammoth Lakes, Rock Creek 6 Mammoth Lakes Map 7 Reds Meadow/ Devils Postpile 8 Bishop, Big Pine Creek 9 White Mountains, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest 10 Independence 11 .
