More Than Mount Whitney: Inyo County Offers Moderate Majesty

 

What dramatic extremes fill Inyo County. The region boasts the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, the lowest and hottest point in North America, and the oldest trees in the world. Yet one need not climb high mountains, trek through desert or even venture far off Highway 395 to discover rewarding adventures.

Discover the spectacular Rock Creek area in John Muir Wilderness. A half-day sojourn leads to pristine lakes surrounded by picturesque summits.

Hike through Little Lakes Valley. One can make an out-and-back outing of any length among the pretty lakes like Mack, Marsh, Heart and Chickenfoot. Be prepared for a high-elevation hike: our trailhead stands at 10,130 feet.

If the looming mountains tempt you, the most easily attained is 12,835-foot Mount Starr, an eight-mile trek gaining 2,700 feet from our trailhead.

From Toms Place on Highway 395, drive southwest on Rock Creek Road for 11 miles until the road ends at Mosquito Flat trailhead in Little Lakes Valley.

 

Happy Boulders

These stones live up to their name. House-sized boulders consisting of volcanic tuff rock have tumbled into narrow canyons, creating happy hiking and climbing. The trail extends about a mile.

From Bishop, drive north on Highway 395 and turn onto northbound Highway 6 for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Five Bridges Road for 2.4 miles and then turn left onto unpaved Chalk Bluff Road for 2.3 miles to the parking area. The trail to the boulders leads to the north.

 

Buttermilk Boulders

Buttermilk Boulders consists of massive glacial stones in proximity to Mount Tom. Some 500 bouldering problems attract climbers, but you don’t have to be a climber to appreciate the unique and inspiring scenery.

From Bishop, take Highway 168 west to Buttermilk Road, turn right and drive 3.4 miles on a dirt road to a parking area.

 

 

 

Horseshoe Meadow

If you’ve come this close to the High Sierra, you really should try some high-elevation outings. A four-mile loop leads around Horseshoe Meadow, by streaming creeks and past foxtail pines. Swimming in the creeks are beautiful fish which inspired the name of this Golden Trout Wilderness. Those rare foxtails grow only in the Southern Sierra and can live more than 2,000 years. The trail, while fairly flat, stands around 10,000 feet above sea level.

To make a loop, connect the Cottonwood Pass, Trail Pass, and Mulkey Pass trails.

From Lone Pine, turn west onto Whitney Portal Road. After 3 miles, turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Road. Drive about 20 steep, curvy and adventurous miles to the road’s end at Horseshoe Meadow trailhead.

 

Treasure Lakes

A half-day outing leads to dreamy alpine lakes beside a striking mountain which may inspire climbers. From South Lake, take the Bishop Pass Trail to the south and turn right toward Treasure Lakes at the junction. A round trip involves about six miles between 9,800 feet and 10,700 feet.

From Bishop, drive southwest on Highway 168 for about 15 miles. Then turn left onto South Lake Road and drive another six miles to South Lake. Park in the day use area.

 

Onion Valley, Kearsarge Pass Area

In the Kearsarge Pass area, a five-mile round trip trek takes hikers to Little Pothole, Gilbert and Flower lakes, which offer swimming and fishing. Ambitious hikers can continue to Kearsarge Pass which delivers grand views of Kings Canyon National Park.

From Independence, drive west on Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to a large parking area. Kearsarge Pass trailhead stands at 9,200 feet, the lakes at about 10,500 feet and Kearsarge Pass at 11,700 feet, so take your time and take it easy.

The name Inyo comes from a Paiute word meaning “Dwelling place of the Great Spirit.” These warm-ups may inspire you to return for more ambitious outings, like the Ancient Bristlecone Pines Forest, Death Valley and Mount Whitney. Inyo County deserves your time.