Forest Headquaters From the summit, the view takes in the Mono Lake basin to the north, the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west, the White Mountains Wilderness to the south, while Nevada’s Basin and Range extends to the eastern horizon. Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Site Location and Description: The Eastern trailhead is located 10.8 miles from the northern end of Saline Valley Road in the Eastern Sierras. The Inyo National Forest partially reopened this past weekend, which means visitors and locals can now access many more areas than last month, when the Forest was completely closed. The district extends from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the Inyo Mountains. It is in a heavily wooded canyon, with towering granite cliffs on either side. The Inyo National Forest is a place of spectacular beauty and magnificent solitude, where every canyon has a different personality, every trail a unique character, and every day a new adventure. Whitney is the # 1 place and in order to limit the damage the trails get, there are quotas and reservations necessary. The range is anchored at the north end by the highest peak in the State of Nevada, Boundary Peak. Trails from Whitney Portal provide access to the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The area includes 3 campgrounds, a picnic area, fishing pond and a stream. The iconic John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails pass through these continuous wilderness areas and encompass some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States and provide forest visitors with "outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation”. Conness. Water levels in the lakes were good, The forests were beautiful, but some of the pine tree issues seemed to be showing up on the drive into June Lakee. Mono County and Inyo National Forest Still Struggling to Open For Summer From Covid-19 Restrictions. The Kern Plateau is popular with stock users due to the ease of travel, abundant water and open meadows. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits Inyo National Forest -Mt. Suite 200 Bishop, California 93514 Visit Website Local Phone: (760) 873-2400 Located in California's beautiful Eastern Sierra, the Inyo National Forest offers clean air, crystal blue skies, mountain lakes and streams, challenging trails, high mountain peaks, and beautiful views. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Located in California's scenic Eastern Sierra, Inyo National Forest is home to Mt. The western portion of the district is adjacent to Yosemite National Park, and includes one of the most spectacular and accessible areas of the Sierra Nevada. Recreation activities include hiking, backpacking, fishing, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and off highway vehicle exploration. Forest Service Links. This is an easy hike if you are acclimatized to the altitude. He is the latest from Mono county and Inyo National Forest for weekend travel and camping trips to the Eastern Sierra. This area was not glaciated so the terrain is much gentler than most of the Eastern Sierra. To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. Mt. At the head of the canyon the trail crosses Mono Pass into Yosemite National Park, and continues toward the Kuna Crest or Parker Pass Creek areas of the park. For maps and guide books, visit the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) webpage. The trail climbs over a ridge to view Walker Lake and goes up Bloody Canyon past Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes. Hunting. Whitney should not be a spur-of-the-moment decision. INYO NATIONAL FOREST WILDERNESS PERMIT RESERVATIONS Phone Numbers Reservation Line** - 760-873-2483 Commercial Reservation Line - 760-873-2492 Wilderness Permit Office FAX - 760-873-2484 Wilderness Information - 760-873-2485 Mailing Address Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office 873 North Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 Backpacking Permits. This trail is still not recommended for stock. Detailed descriptions of campgrounds in the Inyo National Forest. Recreation Information: We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. This alpine basin studded with lakes and ringed by spectacular mountains appeals to hikers seeking exceptional scenery without the stiff elevation gains required of most lakes in northern Yosemite The section of trail between Shamrock Lake and Lake Helen is often covered with snow into late season. Crowley Lake, on the Owens River is located in sagebrush country while Rock Creek Lake is a traditional alpine lake surrounded by Jeffrey Pines. Dispersed camping is also permitted. Camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking draw many visitors to the Big Pine Creek Area every year. With over two million acres, the Inyo National Forest is home to many natural wonders, including a national park, seven congressional wilderness areas covering more than 650,000 acres, and the largest wilderness area in the United States. Hiking the Little Lakes Valley Trail in Inyo National Forest. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, as are multiple layers with at least one being wind- and waterproof, and definitely be prepared to purify or filter water along the way. 351 Pacu Ln. Hiking is permitted throughout the forest. Camping. Last-minute getaway? Print … ... National Forest offices do not sell fishing licenses. In Spring and into early Summer, expect snow and ice on the trail which makes for more technical conditions often requiring microspikes and potentially crampons and ice axes (with knowledge of how to use them. Inyo National Forest Visitors may book a wilderness permit by making a reservation on the recreation.gov website. Trails in Inyo National Forest - 111 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Wilderness areas include the Hoover,  Ansel Adams, Owens River Headwaters, John Muir, Golden Trout, South Sierra, Boundary Peak, White Mountains and Inyo Mountains. Camping near Inyo National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. Multi-day This is a long and strenuous out-and-back trek that summits Mt. Inyo National Forest An understanding of the Principles of Leave-No-Trace will help keep human influence to a minimum while still providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy and experience the wilderness. Multi-day This is a long and strenuous out-and-back trek that summits Mt. You might feel short of breath if you just arrived and started hiking, since the trail head is at 10,000ft. Beautiful First Falls is a short walk from the picnick area. Hiking. See below for a list of places where hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and camping are allowed. Rock Creek Lake and Crowley Lake attract visitors from all over the world. The gently rolling landscape contrasts sharply with the rugged Sierra to the north. For more information go to Leave-No-Trace in Boundary Peaks Wilderness. Whitney Ranger District. Inyo National Forest. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Inyo National Forest For an up-to-date list of openings and closures, please visit the Inyo Forest Recreation page Customers needing information may call during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm, closed for lunch 12:00 pm -12:30 pm): Camp, fish, hike and explore Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow Resort and Agnew Meadows. Open: Wildernesses in the Inyo Mountains and the White Mountains, front country dispersed areas throughout the forest, developed sites, resorts, and recreation resident cabins. Trails from Onion Valley provide acces to the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. Whitney, highest point in the contiguous United States. The Whitney Portal is 13 miles west of Lone Pine, CA, at the end of Whitney Portal Road. Spectacular views from Minaret Vista survey this canyon full of recreational opportunities. Water is scarce in this Great Basin Range but the views, hiking and exploring are tops! The northernmost part of Inyo National Forest, Mono Lake and the gateway to Yosemite are near the community of Lee Vining, California. Intersected by the awesome road-trip route, 395, there’s a ton of great hikes for all levels. Recreation activities include hiking, fishing, climbing, horse riding, and more. Forest visitors may use a network of trails that extend from Inyo National Forest into adjacent wilderness areas of Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. ... Inyo National Forest 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100 Bishop, CA 93514 760-873-2400 Links. Do not confuse this with the Mono Pass that goes to Pioneer Basin and the Recesses in the Rock Creek and Little Lakes Valley area. Distance: 8 Miles Type: Out & Back Elevation Gain: +1,100 Feet Best Time to Hike: July – October Features: Alpine lakes, wildlife, cascading mountain views.Fishing and backpacking opportunities. The road to Onion Valley is usually open from May to November. The town of Mammoth Lakes is located 13 miles to the south, and offers full modern amenities. Hiking up Mt. Simply designating an area as "Wilderness" does not assure its preservation. Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) webpage. On its western edge is Mt. Developed recreation campgrounds will re-open. As far as trails go in the lower 48, this is one for the books! If you have any questions about permits or require trip planning assistance, please contact the Inyo National Forest at (760) 873-2483. You get great views of the near by peaks: North Peak and Mt. Also see Onion Valley. Leave-No-Trace in Boundary Peaks Wilderness Backpacking Areas Mammoth Ranger District Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. The Mt. Inyo National Forest hard (1602) Length: 22.5 mi • Est. Trailhead address: Horseshoe Meadows Road, Inyo National Forest, Lone Pine, CA 93545 Trailhead coordinates: 36.4532 , -118.1699 (36° 27′ 11.5″N 118° 10′ 11.6″W) Elevation Profile Certain areas in Mono County and the Inyo National Forest require permits. Take the social trail west, then descend over pink granite to Deer Lakes (mile seven) and excellent camping. Follow the Duck Pass Trail along Mammoth Creek, and switchback up to 10,797-foot Duck Pass (mile 4.5). Hikes in Inyo National Forest It is difficult to even discuss Inyo National Forest without … Starting from Horseshoe Lake of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, this trail goes past McCloud Lake and over the relatively gentle Mammoth Pass. The hike is strenuous, long, and the effects of the altitude can become intense (spend time acclimating before heading to the trail and be sure to eat / drink consistently throughout the day), but the rewards are a panoramic, jaw-dropping view that stretches as far as the eye can see, as well as the joy of having achieved a true hiking milestone. Be prepared to climb down a steep rock near the lower crossing of Mill Creek. INF Press Release – Date: October 2, 2020. This high desert mountain range is home to the oldest living trees in the world:  the Ancient Bristlecone Pines. Beautiful Forest - Inyo National Forest We returned to the Mammoth Lakes and June Lake loop area in the Inyo National Forest This time it was in June. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada. About Inyo National Forest. Roads and trails explore a wide variety of terrain and life zones. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow. We hiked 5-6 miles/each way on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail near Lone Pine, CA, in the Inyo National Forest (within the John Muir Wilderness) with my coworker, George, and his wife, Elena. Whitney out-and-back in one day, but given the rigor and the length of the trail, a very early start from about 2-4am is recommended, as well as significant prior training for the long day. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Overview Stretching 165 miles along the Nevada border in eastern California, Inyo National Forest is home to nine wilderness areas and huge sections of multi-use forest lands. Inyo National Forest hard (1656) Length: 22.5 mi • Est. There are several developed campgrounds that offer trash bins and pit toilets. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. U.S. National Forest Campground Guide Inyo National Forest Campgrounds California It is also popular to hike Mt. This small wilderness area contains a remarkable diversity of plants: sagebrush steppe and pinyon/juniper woodlands in the lower elevations; subalpine and bristlecone pine forests near tree line; and alpine tundra along the high elevation plateaus. Wear sturdy shoes as this is a rocky hike. Most visitors come to hike up Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada at 13,140 feet. In this wilderness you can experience the solitude and remarkable silence of a wilderness in the Great Basin. Inyo National Forest Wilderness Food Storage Requirements, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/inyo/recreation/hiking/?recid=20228&actid=51, John Muir Trail - North of Devils Postpile, John Muir Trail - South of Devils Postpile. The Kern Plateau is home to California's state fish, the California Golden Trout, which have existed for thousands of years in Golden Trout Creek and the South Fork of the Kern River. This route was used to cross the Sierras before wagon roads were built and is named for the injuries to stock that made this rugged crossing. After camping in the Cottonwood Pass Campground the first night, we hiked back to Cottonwood Lake #3 and camped near the lake the second night. Approximately 30 million people live within a few hours’ drive. The trail averages 550' of elevation gain per mile and features two designated campsites along the way, the generally uncrowded Outpost Camp (10,360'), which is situated in a nicely sheltered meadow beside some running streams, and the much more popular Trail Camp (12,039'), an exposed, rocky field at the base of the infamous "97 switchbacks." To hike Mount Whitney from the east side of the Sierra Nevada, visit Inyo National Forest's website or call them at (760) 873-2483. Three of these were among the first wilderness areas designated by Congress in 1964. Independence, CA, is located on Highway 395, 15 miles north of Lone Pine and 45 miles south of Bishop. Inyo National Forest contains approximately one million acres of wilderness, in nine wilderness areas. From May-Oct., the trail is permit-only (apply to the lottery by Feb. 15) and requests far exceed available permits. This is an excellent, moderately difficult trail in the Eastern Sierra’s backcountry of the Inyo National Forest. This is a long and strenuous out-and-back trek that summits Mt. Inyo National Forest Hiking Trails At almost 3,000 square miles, Inyo National Forest offers tons of epic hiking trails, including the highest point in the lower 48, Mt Whitney. Common Destinations: Walker Lake, Lower and Upper Sardine Lakes, Mono Pass Trail, Download area map for trail names. Entering Papoose Flats. Note: Trail can be inaccessible due to snow. Please call the ranger station before attempting. Longer hikes up the north fork trail leads to glacier fed lakes, First through Seventh lakes and great views into the Palisade Glacier Basin. Whitney Trail Information There are lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks for fishing. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Inyo National Forest. At the pass, turn west along the ridge until it opens onto sandy flats south of Point 3,468. To plan a long distance hike for 500 miles or more that goes through the parks, find more information from the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Several trail junctions offer options to access the John Muir trail near Crater Meadow or Reds Meadow. The hike is about 9 miles but if you take the water taxi across the saddlebag lake, you can cut down a couple of miles, allowing small children to enjoy a short segment of the hike. Twenty Lakes Loop is a beautiful hike that starts from the Saddlebag lake (10,000ft) and takes you around some of the most amazing alpine lakes. Devils Postpile National Monument website has additional shuttlebus information. Yosemite wilderness regulations do not allow camping in Parker Canyon. The Saddlebag Lake Resort boat taxi operates July through early September. Overnight stays in the John Muir Wilderness require a wilderness permit. More Information for Mt. To the east is Mono Lake, and the world's largest stand of majestic Jeffrey Pines. The U.S. Congress designated the 10,000 acre Boundary Peak Wilderness in 1989. Camping is permitted in developed campsites. Alternatively, try the daily lottery at the Lone Pine ranger station for last minute openings. At 6 miles from the trailhead and the highest possible place to camp, Trail Camp is considered the best site to acclimate to the altitude for overnight hikers. Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, the Kern Plateau is vast area of forest covered hills and mountains, punctuated by by green meadows. Dispersed camping throughout Inyo National Forest offers no amenities. Whitney Ranger District is the southernmost district in the Inyo National Forest. It is all geared to protect the forest while allowing as much traffic as it can take before they deteriorate. A day hike around beautiful lakes in the eastern Sierra, just outside the east entrance to Yosemite on Tioga pass. After completing the reservation, follow the instructions in the reservation confirmation for how to “Check-in by Email” to request the permit. Dogs are actually allowed on this trail up to Trail Crest (13,777'), but they may not be your best friend after the 97 switchbacks! Mono Lake Ranger District is the northernmost district of Inyo National Forest. #5 - PCT: CA Section H - Crabtree Meadow to Tuolumne Meadow, #7 - PCT: CA Section G - Walker Pass to Crabtree Meadow (Mount Whitney), #8 - Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail, Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop, PCT: CA Section H - Crabtree Meadow to Tuolumne Meadow, PCT: CA Section G - Walker Pass to Crabtree Meadow (Mount Whitney), Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail. Common Destinations: Red Cones, Crater Meadow, John Muir Trail, To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org. ), #3 - Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop. For Reservations: Reservations for Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits can only be made online on Recreation.gov. This isn’t a super popular trail for backpacking due to the steep terrain, so permits aren’t very competitive. Suite 200 Convict Lake is a picturesque lake in Inyo National Forest that features turquoise water, mountains, hiking trails, and secluded beaches. Plan on spending a couple of nights at a nearby campground to acclimatize before your hike. Train for the hike, read books and websites about the hike. Bishop, CA 93514. Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Inyo National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Whitney, Mono Lake, Reds Meadow, Mammoth Lakes, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. In the spring, Onion Valley is popular with backcountry skiers and snowboarders. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. This area is also popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and backpacking. The trail gains over 6,200 feet of elevation 22-mile round-trip hike Expect to hike 12 to 14 hours to the summit and back A wilderness permit for hiking or backpacking … The Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains are accessible from Independence. White Mountain Ranger District extends from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the White Mountains. Inyo National Forest Campgrounds Closed Due To Extreme Fire Danger All campgrounds (and trails) in the Inyo National Forest (California) are closed as of 9/5/2020 at 5 P.M. until at least September 14 under a Forest Closure Order due to extreme fire danger. Elevations accessible by car range from 3,900 ft in Big Pine to 10,100 ft at the end of Rock Creek Road. The Inyo National Forest announces a partial re-opening of the forest on October 3. 351 Pacu Lane But it’s still confusing and difficult to know what sort of recreation is possible, and where. MOUNT WHITNEY hiking maps: Inyo National Forest Park Headquarters Bishop 760-873-2400 Nearby cities & towns: Big Pine CA: Bishop CA: Convict Lake CA: Independence CA: June Lake CA: Lake Crowley CA: Lee Vining CA: Lone Pine CA: Mammoth Lakes CA: Olancha CA: Toms Place CA: Inyo Ranger Stations. Watch Experience Inyo —a video to help orient you to this beautiful forest. The town of Lee Vining is 19 miles to the north, and offers basic amenities. Common destinations are the Fish and Cascade Valley areas, or along the John Muir Trail, either north or south. The western trailhead is located off the Mazourka Peak Trail. Inyo National Forest Camping: Campendium has 174 reviews of 84 Campgrounds in Inyo National Forest. 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