Inyo National Forest Day Hiking Overview

Inyo National Forest Day Hiking Highlights

Visit the Devils Postpile National Monument to witness an extraordinary rock formation within the Ansel Adams Wilderness. From U.S. Highway 395, drive ten miles west on SR 203 to Minaret Vista and then another eight miles on a paved, steep mountain road.
In the town of Lee Vining, the Mobil gas station has a fun store to browse and is a popular dining destination thanks to a talented chef. Stop by for lunch, and eat at the picnic tables in the grass.
At Mono Lake, located on Highway 395, 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park, near the town of Lee Vining, stop by the renovated visitors center before taking a self-guided day hike around the lake's tufa towers, which are odd-looking geological spires.
At the Bristlecone Pine Forest, you can walk amongst the oldest known living trees on earth, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine. The oldest tree, nicknamed "Methuselah," is more than 4,767 years old and is not marked. For its protection, only scientists know its exact location.

Highlights include Ediza Lake, high in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Kearsarge Pass with its namesake pinnacles, Dusy Basin with the sheer Sierra ridge stretching across the horizon, and the lakes scattered throughout Sabrina Basin.

Accesses to this hiking wonderland spin off Highway 395 from Lee Vining to Lone Pine. Trail descriptions are listed by area north to south.

Mono Lake Area

Mammoth Lakes - with access to John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses
McGee Creek - with access to John Muir Wilderness
Rock Creek Canyon - with access to John Muir Wilderness
Pine Creek Canyon - with access to John Muir Wilderness
Bishop Creek - with access to John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park
Big Pine Canyon - with access to John Muir Wilderness
White Mountains/Bristlecone Pine Forest
Onion Valley - with access to John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park
Mt. Whitney - with access to John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park

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The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.