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Inyo National Forest: A Sierra Nevada Jewel

Discover California's Eastern Sierra: Home to ancient forests, towering peaks, and pristine alpine lakes in a vast and varied landscape.

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Encompassing nearly two million acres on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Inyo National Forest is a land of superlatives. From the oldest trees to the tallest mountain in California, it offers a diverse landscape of desert, glaciers, and alpine wonders, inviting exploration and adventure.

A brief summary to Inyo National Forest

Local tips

  • Obtain necessary permits for overnight trips and Mt. Whitney hikes well in advance, as quotas are in place and popular trailheads fill quickly.
  • Check current conditions, including road closures and fire restrictions, before your visit, especially during winter months.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as high-altitude areas can experience sudden changes in temperature and precipitation.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the fragile environment, including proper waste disposal and campfire safety.
  • Store food properly to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife; bear-resistant canisters are often required in wilderness areas.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Inyo National Forest is accessible via major highways like US-395 and CA-14. From Los Angeles or San Francisco, the drive is approximately 300 miles; from Las Vegas, around 400 miles. Be aware that some roads, especially those leading to higher elevations like Tioga Pass, are seasonal and may be closed during winter due to snow. Check road conditions before you go. Limited parking is available at popular trailheads, so arrive early, especially during peak season. Parking is available, but can be limited.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Inyo National Forest is limited, you can combine train and bus services to reach certain areas. For example, from California, take the train to Via Princessa, then a bus to Mammoth Mountain Inn. From Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS) provides bus service to locations within Inyo National Forest. Check YARTS schedules and routes for connections to destinations like Mammoth Lakes and June Lake. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) also provides bus service in the region.

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Discover more about Inyo National Forest

Inyo National Forest, established in 1907 by Theodore Roosevelt, stretches 165 miles along the California-Nevada border, offering a dramatic landscape of contrasts. Here, you'll find everything from the arid Owens Valley to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike among ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living trees on Earth, in the White Mountains. Explore the unique tufa towers of Mono Lake, a saline lake with a distinctive ecosystem. Discover a vast network of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, leading to pristine alpine lakes and stunning vistas. Inyo National Forest is also a land of history. Native American tribes, including the Paiute, Shoshone, and Mono peoples, have called this area home for thousands of years. The forest's establishment was linked to the Los Angeles Aqueduct project, shaping its role in water management and conservation. Today, Inyo National Forest continues to balance recreation, preservation, and resource management, offering a diverse and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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