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Inyo, California

Inyo, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Mount Whitney Trail, a 22-mile trail that offers scenic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It's a challenging hike, known for its steep ascents and rocky terrain, but the panoramic views at the summit make it all worthwhile. The trail also passes by Mirror Lake, a crystal-clear body of water that's perfect for a refreshing dip. For a more leisurely activity, the Owens River offers excellent fishing opportunities. The river is teeming with trout and is surrounded by stunning rock formations. Inyo is also home to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where you can marvel at some of the oldest trees in the world. These attractions make Inyo a must-visit for those seeking outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Inyo

  • Darwin, California

    Photograph Panamint Valley from Father Crowley Overlook

    0.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    Father Crowley Overlook is an easily missed overlook on the western edge of Death Valley National Park off State Highway 190 overlooking Panamint Valley. It is easy to miss because the parking area doesn't appear to have a particularly notable vista, but leading off from the parking area to the s...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Hike to Darwin Falls

    5.0
    2 mi / 275 ft gain
    Yes, you saw this right, it's a waterfall in Death Valley. This magical oasis has water flowing year round and is found in the driest place in North America. Death Valley is full of amazing places, but this should be on everyone's to-do list! It's a short hike that quickly rewards you with a plac...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Panamint Dunes

    5.0
    7.23 mi / 935 ft gain
    You can do this as a day trip and just wander the dunes, but I really enjoyed the overnight with great evening views, amazing stargazing, and a sunrise exploration of the sand dunes. For an overnight trip I recommend you start hiking later in the day, when the temperature is a bit cooler. If you...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Camp at Death Valley's Wildrose Campground

    There is a ton to see here, exploring Death Valley is the perfect way to spend a weekend away. We decided to explore it with a group of friends on motorcycles but a car will do just fine too.Death Valley is located in Eastern California's Mojave Desert. From LA, take highway 395 and meet up with ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Racetrack Valley

    5.0
    Death Valley National Park is home to some remarkably surreal landscapes, none stranger than Racetrack Valley and its famous moving rocks. For decades, the mechanism of the rocks’ movement was unknown and the subject of much speculation, some scientific and some not, but the mystery was finally ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Explore Skidoo Road

    Skidoo Road is the first dirt road on the left you encounter when driving Emigrant Canyon Road.  The road is suitable for any car until you reach an old mine on the right atop a hill.  Directly to the left is a prospector's wood cabin.  Both are in very good condition and worthy of a stop to chec...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Explore Aguereberry Camp

    Pete Agueberry came Death Valley in 1905. After a legal battle, Pete gained control of the Eureka Mine in 1909. He worked the mine alone for nearly 40 years before his death. The original cabin that Pete lived in is still on the site. The buildings in the front were built in the 1940's as guest h...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Explore the Eureka Mine and the Cashier Mill

    The Eureka Mine was a gold mine founded by Shorty Harris and Pete Aguereberry. Pete won a legal battle and took control of the mine in 1909. It is said that the mine kept Pete making money for 40 years and earned $175,000 from the mine. That was at $20 per ounce. At current gold prices, the amoun...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Hike the Hummingbird Spring Trail

    2 mi / 850 ft gain
    This hike was amazing to me. This trail in not listed on any park service map. If you have the Death Valley National Geographic Map, there is a trail noted at the base of Pinon Mesa (which is not really a mesa so don't look for it) that leads to Hummingbird Spring. Since there was a noted trail ...
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  • DEATH VALLEY, California

    Hike Mosaic Canyon, Death Valley

    4.0
    2 mi / 814 ft gain
    Mosaic Canyon is located a quarter mile west of Stovepipe Wells Village. From the 190 Highway, take the 2 mile gravel road to the canyon parking lot. The road is very rough and bumpy, but a regular passenger car will be able to make the drive. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle will not have any proble...
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  • Harrisburg, California

    Drive Aguereberry Point Road

    This was one of the more enjoyable drives I did in the park. I explored the area late one afternoon, checking out Aguereberry Camp and the Eureka Mine when I decided to explore further up to the end of Aguereberry Road.  The drive is awesome, especially late in the day.  The road is accessible b...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Summit Telescope Peak

    12.2 mi / 3258 ft gain
    The trail starts at Mahogany Flat campground which can be hiked to from the Charcoal Kilns to the north or more immediately accessible via 4WD on a dirt access road - use caution when driving this road in icy conditions. Once at the Mahogany Flat Campground, the trailhead is towards the south an...
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  • Death Valley, California

    Photographing the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

    4.9
    The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most photographed dunes at Death Valley National Park. To reach the dune’s parking lot from Furnace Creek, drive 22 miles west on Highway 190. Three miles before you reach Stovepipe Wells, the dunes will be clearly visible from the road and you’ll turn right i...
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  • Death Valley, California

    Sandboarding the Mesquite Sand Dunes

    3.0
    Snow level is a little lacking this year? No time or money to fly out to Park City or Whistler? Head over to Death Valley, America's second largest National Park and give sand boarding a try while exploring this amazing park. It's a unique and adrenaline filled activity with one of the most beaut...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Fossil Falls Trail

    4.3
    0.58 mi / 43 ft gain
    Fossil Falls is located east of Highway 395, a few miles south of Coso Junction, 45 min north of Ridgecrest. There is Bureau of Land Management sign pointing the way, but it is small, faded, and easy to miss, so be on the lookout. After about a mile drive on a marked dirt road, you'll reach the ...
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  • Lone Pine, California

    Mountain Bike Alabama Hills Loop

    5.0
    14.7 mi / 1906 ft gain
    This 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Inyo

Furnace Creek
Furnace Creek, California

Furnace Creek

Lone Pine
Whitney Portal Road

Lone Pine

Whitney Portal
Whitney Portal Road

Whitney Portal

Guides, Insights and Stories from Inyo

Recap of 2020: Best Adventures of the Year

Recap of 2020: Best Adventures of the Year

Kristen Fuller

Big Dreams: Upgrading My Backpacking Gear

Big Dreams: Upgrading My Backpacking Gear

Kristen Fuller

Trip Planning, Goal Setting and Picking the Best Backcountry Partner

Trip Planning, Goal Setting and Picking the Best Backcountry Partner

Kristen Fuller

Weekend Road Trip Guide for Lone Pine and Death Valley

Weekend Road Trip Guide for Lone Pine and Death Valley

Michael Fricke

See the Best of Death Valley National Park in One Day

See the Best of Death Valley National Park in One Day

Leigh Maneri

Solo Roadtripping to Death Valley

Solo Roadtripping to Death Valley

Karin Victoria Peck