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
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Inyo County, California
Summit of Mt. Whitney
5.020.85 mi / 6100 ft gainMt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. It stands over 14,500ft high at its peak (elevation gain of 6100') and it sure feels like it when you are up there. Getting There Located just West of Lone Pine, CA you take Whitney Portal Road West for 13 miles all the way to its...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail
5.05.88 mi / 1883 ft gainFrom the parking lot at the end of Whitney Portal Road, look for the trailhead, which is marked with a wooden "gate" that shows the map and description of the trail. Starting out at 8,350 ft in elevation, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that lead you into the Sierra Nevada. Take more br...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Summit Mount Whitney via the Mountaineers Route
5.05 mi / 6600 ft gainWith over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Scramble up Mt. Muir
5.018.5 mi / 6200 ft gainFrom the Whitney Trail - beyond trail crest - you will see a big cairn (right side). If you make it to the first "window of Mt. Whitney" you have gone too far. The cairn marks the start of an class 2 use trail up to the Mt. Muir headwall.The headwall is a fun climb with good handholds and has lit...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Winter Summit Mt. Whitney
22 mi / 6500 ft gainDay 1: We arrived at the Lone Pine Visitors Center at the intersection of HWY 395 and HWY 136 just south of Lone Pine, CA. We issued ourselves our overnight permits to climb Mt. Whitney and picked up our Wag Bags. You can self issue yourself the free permit Nov. 2 through Apr 30. Climbing during ...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Mountain Bike Alabama Hills Loop
5.014.7 mi / 1906 ft gainThis 14.7 mile loop has some fun single track descents through the gorgeous Alabama Hills. It kicks off with a climb up the road, which can easily be shuttled if you have more than one car or someone to brave a hitched ride up the road. From the trailhead start, you'll encounter quite a bit of l...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Rock Climb the Candy Store
The Candy Store is a group of boulders and small spires with around 30 climbing routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.11. The majority are trad routes with a significant portion toprope and a couple of sport. The major features/boulders are: First BoulderThe GumdropLollipop BoulderRock Candy TowerSecond B...Read more -
Tulare County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Bighorn Plateau
Another rare but welcomed flat open space along the JMT. The night sky here will blow you away so if you're a photographer this is a great opportunity to capture the incredibel Sierra night sky. Do be careful about camping in the open space in regards to weather. A thunderstorm in this area could...Read more -
Fresno County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Pinchot Pass
After the mild, but not negligible, 1000 ft ascent into Pinchot Pass, you'll be ready to rinse off the grime and take a rest. There are a few options for lakeside camping along the trail like Twin Lakes and an unnamed lake on the west side of the trail just beyond.This is a cool area because the ...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Camp at Tuttle Creek Campground
4.5Tuttle Creek Campground is a beautiful place to camp during any time of year. The campground offers uninterrupted breath taking views of the entire Eastern Sierra Nevada and Owens Valleys. Whether you are looking for a place to crash for the night while traveling down the 395, rock climbing in th...Read more -
Tulare County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping Above Guitar Lake
Plan your last night to be spent near Guitar Lake at one of the unnamed lakes just a half mile above it along the trail. You'll find sun late into the afternoon and it serves as a great basecamp to hit Mt. Whitney for sunrise early on your final morning on the JMT.Find out everything you need to ...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Hike to The Tuttle Creek Ashram
4.33 mi / 1500 ft gainThe Tuttle Creek Ashram is an abandoned stone building, "church" or place of enlightenment tucked away in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Sitting at an elevation around 8000 feet, construction on the beautiful building was first started in 1928. The building took 20 years of hard manual labor to fi...Read more -
Sierra, California
Rae Lakes Loop
5.039.08 mi / 7316 ft gainDay one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. ...Read more -
Sierra, California
Hike to Mist Falls
4.59 mi / 600 ft gainThe trailhead starts at Roads' End (the end of Hwy 180). Take the Bubbs Creek/Kanawyer Loop Trail and hike east. For the first three miles the trail is relatively flat through an open pine forest. Make sure to look up as there are some great views of the valley. The granite walls on both sides of...Read more -
Fresno County, California
Explore Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls
4.54.1 mi / 475 ft gainThe Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Trail is a 4.1 mile hike in Kings Canyon National Park. You feel remote, even with a road nearby. The minimal elevation change makes this a scenic hike for all skill levels. Bring bug spray and wear long sleeve hiking clothing in August, as the bugs are ...Read more -
Inyo, California
Relax at the Saline Warm Springs
5.0Starting from Panamint Springs, you can top off your gas levels (Stovepipe Wells is cheaper), and continue west on the 190 until you hit the Saline Valley Alt Route. It begins as a well maintained dirt road, but worsens as you continue into the valley. Take your time down the 45 mile road and bew...Read more
