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Inyo National Forest is about 40 miles from Yosemite and is bounded by US 6 and US 395.  The forest covers 165 miles and 2 million acres along the California and Nevada borders and includes Mount Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states at 14,494 feet, Devils Postpile National Monument, beautiful meadows and pristine lakes and streams. 

You can drive only as far as Minarets Vista which provides panoramic views of the Ritter Range, otherwise, you have to use use the forest's shuttle bus. The other roads through the forest will offer great scenery; the Sierra's high peaks can be seen along US 395.  The number for the shuttle bus is 800-626-6684 or 760-934-2571. Tickets and information are at the Mammoth Mountain Inn.

Devils Postpile is a 60 foot wall of basalt columns formed by volcanic eruption then glacial smoothing.   You have to park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area then take the shuttle bus to the postpile and walk .4 miles. 

Inyo National Forest
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200
Bishop, CA 93514

760.873.2400
TTY: 760.873.2538

Inyo National Forest Hiking Trails

here are too many trails in Inyo to list here.  Trail books are available at the forest and from the USFS.  Some of the popular hikes in the forest are:

• Rainbow Falls: The hike to this 101 foot falls is 1.5 miles one way if you start at the parking area just before the Reds Meadow Pack Station or 2.5 miles from Devil's Postpile.

• Ediza Lake: The trailhead is in Agnew Meadows.  This 13 mile round trip hike will pass Shadow Lake where there are great views of the Ritter Range and then take you to Ediza Lake.  The lake is surrounded by Mount Ritter, Banner Peak and the Minaret Mountain.  This is considered one of the most beautiful places in the forest.

• Mount Whitney:  If you want to take this 22.5 mile (round trip) hike from May 1 to Nov. 1, you first have to get a permit.  The trailhead is at Whitney Portal, 12.6 miles on Whitney Portal Road off US 395.  The hike gains elevation steadily starting at about 8,365 feet and reaching the peak at 14,494, the highest point in the lower 48 states.  This hike is normally made over two or three days as most need to get acclimated to the thin air and the trail is rough but some have done this in a day.  There are great views along the way and at the summit you can see west over the Great Western Divide and east over Death Valley. Consider hiring one of the many guide services that can teach you some of the skills needed and take you up there. They are pretty reasonably priced.

• Crystal Lake:  This 3.5 mile round trip hike starts at the Lake George parking area.  You can go to Mammoth Crest if you add another 2.5 miles which provides great views above Lake George.

Among the many trails in Inyo is a portion of the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trail.  Chair lift rides ($16) to the top of Mammoth Mountain provide access to hiking trails and great views.