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Independence, California

Independence, California is a top location for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic trails, top attractions and vast array of outdoor activities, it’s a great place for anyone looking for an adventure. The Independence Trail offers a stunning hike, and Red Rock Canyon is ideal for more leisurely exploration. At Sequoia National Park, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, from biking to fishing. With so much to see and do, Independence, California is truly a place where outdoor adventurers can find something to enjoy.

Top Spots in and near Independence

  • Independence, California

    Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail

    5.0
    2.22 mi / 112 ft gain
    Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.
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  • Seven Pines, California

    Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass

    5.0
    26.66 mi / 10653 ft gain
    This trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...
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  • Independence, California

    Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney

    47.35 mi / 11745 ft gain
    Trip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley.  Our fi...
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  • Independence, California

    Flower Lake from Onion Valley

    5.04 mi / 1352 ft gain
    Make sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...
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  • Independence, California

    Charlotte Lake via Kearsarge Pass

    4.0
    16.38 mi / 4078 ft gain
    This adventure begins at Onion Valley Campground outside of Independence, CA. The parking is abundant and the road is snow dependent. Snow will be plowed as long as it is not currently being hit with a massive storm. Dogs are allowed on trail up to Kearsarge Pass (4.5 miles from the trailhead). H...
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  • Independence, California

    Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes

    5.0
    26.02 mi / 7106 ft gain
    The hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...
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  • Independence, California

    Summit Mt. Gould

    9 mi / 3812 ft gain
    Starting at 9,200 feet at Onion Valley Campground, take Kearsarge Pass Trail. The hike begins immediately with a substantial increase in elevation, switchbacking up the mountain. On the way up rest and enjoy the beautiful alpine lakes, which include Gilbert, Flower, Heart and Big Pothole Lake. Fl...
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  • Big Pine, California

    Backpack Atop Sawmill Pass

    20 mi / 6700 ft gain
    At 11,347 ft., Sawmill Pass lies on the Sierra Crest and enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Woods Creek area. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed through this pass. The Sawmill Pass trail is a steep and arduous climb, gaining over 6700 feet of e...
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  • Fresno County, California

    John Muir Trail: Middle Rae Lake

    You'll have to deal with some crowds at Rae Lakes but that is because this is an amazing setting to spend the night. If sharing this place with others is the worst of your worries then you're doing pretty well. Hikers flock here for the incredible swimming, views of iconic peaks like Fin Dome and...
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  • Lone Pine, California

    Photograph Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch

    3.5
    0.4 mi
    The Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch is a quick hike or drive from the popular Mobius Arch just off Movie Flat Road. The rocks around the arch offer outstanding views of the surrounding Alabama Hills and Sierra Mountains. To get to the arch follow the directions for Mobius Arch which is a great firs...
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  • The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, California

    Mobius Arch Loop

    4.4
    0.63 mi / 46 ft gain
    The Alabama Hills area of Lone Pine, CA is located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. As you drive along Movie Flat Road you will be surrounded by a sea of golden brown boulders of varying shapes and sizes extending in every direction. The main attraction in Alabama Hills is definitely th...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Camp in the Alabama Hills

    4.8
    The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a area owned by BLM and open to the public. Camping is free and you can say for a max of 14 days.The are has 100+ open desert sites that are shadowed by some of the tallest peaks in the Sierra Nevada range. And if that wasn't enough, the area was the backdrop ...
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  • Lone Pine, California

    Explore The Heart Arch

    A small heart shaped arch naturally formed in the bounders at The Alabama Hills, at the foothills of the Sierras. The Alabama Hills are formation of rounded rocks near the eastern Slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley. It is a popular filming location for movie and television show produ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Camp at Lone Pine Campground

    4.0
    The Lone Pine Campground is located 6 miles west of Lone Pine California, and 7 miles east of Mt Whitney Portal. The campsite is nestled next to Lone Pine Creek, which is the perfect place to fish for Sierra Nevada trout. The campground sits at 6,000 feet and in clear view of Mt. Whitney, the hig...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Green & Camp Lakes via Meysan Lakes

    5.0
    8.16 mi / 3248 ft gain
    Green Lake via Meysan Lakes Trail is hiked from mid-June to end of September most seasons. Once the snow starts to fall, the road to the trailhead will be closed. A permit is require for overnight. You can obtain the permits online or at the ranger station in Lone Pine. Book online if you plan on...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Meysan Lakes Trail

    9.23 mi / 3724 ft gain
    Meysan Lakes Trail is located on the ever popular Whitney Portal Road. Park on the side of the road next to the Whitney Portal Campground. Start the hike by cutting through the campground, and passing some seasonal cabin style residences. Follow the Meysan Lakes Trail signs. The trail cuts throu...
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Camping and Lodging in Independence

Grays Meadows
Independence, California

Grays Meadows

Whitney Portal
Whitney Portal Road

Whitney Portal

Lone Pine
Whitney Portal Road

Lone Pine

Big Pine Canyon
Big Pine, California

Big Pine Canyon

Big Pine Creek Campground
Big Pine, California

Big Pine Creek Campground

Upper Sage Flat
Big Pine, California

Upper Sage Flat

Guides, Insights and Stories from Independence

Outbound Reviewed: Backpacking Mt. Whitney with the Gregory Baltoro 65

Outbound Reviewed: Backpacking Mt. Whitney with the Gregory Baltoro 65

Will Cebron

So You Want To Hike Mt. Whitney?

So You Want To Hike Mt. Whitney?

Cameron Catanzano

Timelapsing Kings Canyon

Timelapsing Kings Canyon

The Outbound Collective

Your Perfect Weekend in Sequoia National Park

Your Perfect Weekend in Sequoia National Park

Will Cebron

A Weekend Exploring Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks

A Weekend Exploring Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks

Benjamin Canevari

Bees, Bears and Bratwursts - Family Travel Part 2: Sequoia NP

Bees, Bears and Bratwursts - Family Travel Part 2: Sequoia NP

Ryan Longnecker