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
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Inyo County, California
Texas Spring Campground
This is one of the best campgrounds in Death Valley that gives you the true experience of camping in the middle of a desert. The campground is surrounded with badlands and hills where you can climb to explore and see a panoramic view of mountains all around. Texas Spring campground offers 92 sit...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Meysan Lakes Trail
9.23 mi / 3724 ft gainMeysan 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...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Green & Camp Lakes via Meysan Lakes
5.08.16 mi / 3248 ft gainGreen 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...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley
4.02.54 mi / 115 ft gainIt is said that "only the devil could play golf on such rough links." Just off Badwater Road you will find an immense field of eroded rock salt that bore small jagged spires in the Earth. What was once Lake Manly is now a surreal sight - one that makes you wonder what planet you are on. Devil's G...Read more -
Furnace Creek, California
Artist's Palette
4.00.4 mi / 89 ft gainLet’s just start this off by saying, PREPARE FOR THE HEAT. Death Valley has the highest recorded temperature on earth at over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are planning to visit in the summer…be ready. Luckily, Artist’s Palette is not far from the parking the area and the saving grace of Ai...Read more -
Furnace Creek, California
Zabriskie Point
4.70.29 mi / 7 ft gainZabriskie Point is a unique viewpoint in Death Valley National Park located just east of Furnace Creek on Hwy 190. The viewpoint is just a short stroll from the parking lot, so it’s great for groups and families. When you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be overlooking the epic maze of finely ridged b...Read more -
DEATH VALLEY, California
Badlands Loop in Death Valley
4.62.56 mi / 463 ft gainThe Badlands Loop is a surreal 2.5 mile walk down into the gullies and gulches below Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. The loop takes you past distinct rock formations, through mud tiled washes, past old abandoned borax mines and finally up above the eroded arteries to a fantastic view of an other...Read more -
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 -
Independence, California
Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail
5.02.22 mi / 112 ft gainManzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.Read more -
Inyo County, California
Explore Leadfield Ghost Town
Leadfield is located on Titus Canyon Road and requires a high clearance vehicle to get back and explore. There is a marker designating the site so it is easy to find. There is about three in tacked buildings and several other ruins along with a few mine shafts. Copper and lead claims were filed i...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Natural Bridge Canyon
4.71.39 mi / 518 ft gainNatural Bridge Canyon is one of the few canyons in Death Valley with an official trailhead that can be easily accessed from the parking lot. You’ll find the trailhead off Highway 178, just 4 miles south of the Artist’s Drive scenic loop. The hike is nice and easy and great for families or large ...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Badwater Basin's Salt Flats
4.61.92 mi / 43 ft gainTaking a walk on the salt flats at Badwater Basin is like no other experience in Death Valley National Park. These flats cover nearly 200 square miles across the park, which makes them one of the world’s largest protected salt flats. With an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin i...Read more
