Lone Pine / Mt. Whitney 23-24 Snowboarders

Home , Alabama Hills, Chickenfoot, Convict Lake, Panum Crater

Inyo National Forest >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Visitor Guide 2011-2012 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> $1.00 Suggested Donation FRED RICHTER Inspiring Destinations © Inyo National Forest Facts xtending 165 miles along the White Mountain and Owens River Mammoth Mountain Ski California/Nevada border Headwaters wildernesses. Devils Area becomes a summer “Inyo” is a Paiute Ebetween Los Angeles and Postpile National Monument, mecca for mountain bike Reno, the Inyo National Forest, administered by the National Park enthusiasts as they ride Indian word meaning established May 25, 1907, includes Service, is also located within the the challenging Kamikaze 1,900,543 acres of pristine lakes, Inyo National Forest in the Reds Trail from the top of the “Dwelling Place of fragile meadows, winding streams, Meadow area west of Mammoth 11,053-foot high rugged Sierra Nevada peaks and Lakes. In addition, the Inyo is home Mammoth Mountain or the Great Spirit.” arid Great Basin mountains. Eleva to the tallest peak in the lower 48 one of the many other trails tions range from 3,900 to 14,497 states, Mt. Whitney (14,497 feet) that transect the front feet, providing diverse habitats and is adjacent to the lowest point country of the forest. that support vegetation patterns in North America at Badwater in Thirty-six trailheads provideJ ranging from semiarid deserts to Death Valley National Park (282 access to over 1,200 miles of trail high alpine fell-fields. feet below sea level). in the 1.2 million acres of wilder Contents There are many specially- Summer ness backcountry for hikers seeking Wildlife 2 to escape into primitive and pristine classified areas within the Inyo The Inyo National Forest provides a Wildflowers 3 National Forest, including the variety of year around recreational areas. There are 32 interpretive Wilderness 4-5 Mono Basin National Forest Scenic opportunities for more than four sites of historical or natural history Area, seven Natural Research Areas, million visitors each year. Camping interest. One hundred and seven Regional Map - North 6 three wild and scenic rivers and the and fishing attract thousands of campgrounds and picnic areas Mono Lake 7 Ancient Bristlecone PineForest. visitors during the summer months. provide more than 2,200 family Lee Vining and Tioga Pass 8 There are nine congressionally- Beginner to expert anglers can try campsites, 78 group campsites designated wilderness areas: the their luck fishing at more than 400 and 30 picnic sites. Many resort June Lake Loop 9 Hoover, Ansel Adams, John Muir, lakes and 1,100 miles of streams facilities and pack stations operate Mammoth Lakes 10-11 under special use permits from Golden Trout, Inyo Mountains, that provide habitat for golden, Devils Postpile 12-13 Boundary Peak, South Sierra, brook, brown and rainbow trout. the Forest to serve additional visitor needs. Off-highway con Eastern Sierra Geology 14-15 noisseurs can enjoy over 2,200 Mammoth Lakes Map 16-17 miles of motorized routes. Rock Creek 18 Winter Bishop Area 19 The fun doesn’t stop when winter Big Pine Creek 20 arrives. Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas provide a White Mountains, 21 total of 34 lifts, two aerial gondolas Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and many miles of groomed trails Independence 22 for beginner to expert skiers and Lone Pine / Mt. Whitney 23-24 snowboarders. Cross country ski areas offer Fishing / Pack Trips 25 over 40 kilometers of groomed ski Campgrounds 26-29 trails and skating tracks. Try the High-Altitude Tips 29 ungroomed blue diamond trails Showers for Campers 30 to really get away from it all. For snowmobilers, the Forest RV Dump Stations 30 Service maintains 100 miles of Mountain Biking and 31 groomed trails leading to thou OHV / Tread Lightly sands of acres of un-groomed Mammoth Lakes Basin Visitor Centers 32 © LAURA PATTERSON snowmobile play areas. 1 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Wildlife >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> campers can be cited if they fail to store their food properly. It may ne of the exciting things take a long time, but the goal is to about visiting your “teach” bears that humans are not National Forests is O an opportunity for a free and easy the opportunity to view wildlife lunch, and that they should stick on a different and sometimes with the natural forage of berries, personal level. These animals are roots and plants. not in the zoo behind bars, so there are a few simple things that Coyotes you need to remember to keep Coyotes are often seen roaming the yourself, your property and the streets and parking lots in the animals safe while you enjoy Eastern Sierra – mostly at night. watching these critters in their Don’t let “Fluffy” or “Spot” take a natural habitat. The key thing walk alone – always keep pets on to remember is that all animals a leash. These evening prowlers Black bear in the wild are just that – WILD. © iSTOCK won’t usually bother you if you Though some animals may appear don’t bother them. friendly and tame, all wildlife can ing your food properly. If you are Feeding bears, while potentially be unpredictable and even the more than an arm’s length away hazardous to people, is also det cutest little squirrel can bite you. from your food, store it in bear rimental to bears. Our food may Some animals may carry disease proof canisters. (See list on page 5.) not provide them with enough of such as the plague, rabies, or lyme Bear proof food lockers in camp the right nutrients to sustain them disease. NEVER feed animals! It’s grounds are normally 48 inches through winter. In their search for not good for them and can put you wide, 29 inches deep and 38 inches food, bears can become aggressive in harm’s way. high (24 cubic feet) – large enough towards people. Eventually, the to store coolers. “problem” bear may have to be Mountain lion Black Bears In many areas, storing food in destroyed. © iSTOCK Of all the forest animals you are cars is illegal, and this method Keeping wildlife wild. likely to see while camping, the should only be used as a last resort Is it the bear that’s the problem or Mountain Lions black bear is probably the most in areas that it is allowed. The the people that have been feeding Mountain lions, or cougars, roam exciting. Black bears can be brown, preferred method of storing food it? Fortunately, there are solutions. throughout the Sierra Nevada blonde, cinnamon or black. Bears is to use the food lockers provided The Inyo National Forest has retro- mountain range. They are a shy are omnivores (they eat every in campgrounds and at trailheads, fitted trash dumpsters to make and secretive animal and your thing), but their diet is 80 to 90 or to plan so that no food is left in them bear-resistant, and all camp chances of encountering a moun percent vegetation. Bears consider your car. grounds now have bear-resistant tain lion are small. It is wise to be odorous products to be food (like Bears won’t usually bother you dumpsters. Bear proof food storage prepared – in California there have toothpaste and sunscreen), and while you are eating or cooking, lockers have been installed in most been instances of cougars attack they can recognize food and food but always clean up your camp campgrounds. Where lockers are ing humans. Humans can be either containers by sight and smell. of food and trash promptly after not available, proper food storage the predator or the prey of cougars. Bears will usually visit the trash meals. Tents are not smell-proof or by campers is critical. The Inyo Keep these tips in mind: dumpsters to forage for food, but bear-proof, therefore you shouldn’t National Forest has adopted reg DON’T RUN! they will visit your campsite if you store food or anything with a ulations similar to the National These animals tend to chase don’t take the precaution of stor fragrance inside them. Park Service’s regulations, and things that run because they associate running with prey. WILDLIFE VIEWING TIPS Don’t crouch down. Try to appear as large as Not all wildlife in the forest is as thrilling to see as bears, cougars and coyotes. There are lots of deer, squirrels possible. Act aggressive, wave and birds to watch and enjoy. The following tips will help you get to know nature from a new perspective: your hands, shout, and throw Bring along binoculars and cameras with zoom lenses so you can get close to wildlife without sticks or stones at it. disturbing them. Hold your ground – Take along a good field guide so you can identify unfamiliar wildlife. or move away slowly while facing the lion. At sunrise and sunset check the edges of habitats for the best views of wildlife. If attacked – fight back! Avoid disturbing nests and wildlife with their young to encourage their return in the future. Protect children. Enjoy the quiet. Tread softly to avoid scaring off wildlife. If small children are with you, pick them up. Observe wildlife behaving naturally. Feeding food to wild animals can harm them and endanger you. Report sightings. Try a new perspective – bring a magnifying glass for a macro-view of micro-insects. Report any mountain lion Try your hand at tracking, or look for other signs of wildlife – like fur rubbed against a tree trunk sightings or encounters in detail or where beavers have been busy. to a ranger station or visitor center as soon as possible. 2 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> Wildflowers >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> hat’s really great about desert scrub, sagebrush scrub, wildflower viewing on pinyon woodlands, forests of Jeffrey Wthe Inyo National pine, lodgepole pine, or fir trees, Forest, besides the beautiful blooms, high elevation woodlands with remarkable diversity, and relatively whitebark pine, limber pine, or untouched wildflower-dotted land bristlecone pine, alpine vegetation scapes? It’s the fact that no matter dominated by low growing cushion what time of the spring or summer plants, and varied types of riparian season you visit, there will always habitats, such as meadows, cotton be something to see. Flowers begin wood forests, and stands of willows to bloom at the lower elevations or the copper colored water birch. and southern part of the Forest as Each of these habitats supports a early as April, and continue on all unique collection of wildflowers. the way into August, when flow Some wildflower species may ers are still lingering in the high occur in a number of habitats, mountain meadows. One merely while others may be more choosy, has to find the elevations that are found only in a few locations where ripe at the time, and nature will the conditions are just right. deliver the show. So, pick up a copy of one or Due in part to the range of more of the helpful local field elevations found on the Inyo guides, slow down to a walking – National Forest, there is a wide or crawling! – pace, and see what Spotted mountain bells © KATHLEEN NELSON variety of habitats to explore: you can find!

Lewis’ monkey flower © KATHLEEN NELSON

Wavy-leavedLeopard paintbrush lily Snowplant Mojave prickly pear ©© KATHLEEN LAURA PATTERSON NELSON © KATHLEEN NELSON © KATHLEEN NELSON 3 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Wilderness >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> WILDERNESS CONTACTS ne of our most precious resources is wilderness. Wilderness information and reservation service is F O Wilderness is defined available 7 days a week from May 15 to October 15 as an area that has been set aside and Monday – Friday the remainder of the year, by Congress and is protected from Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. development so that it will always Wilderness Information 760-873-2485 remain in its natural state. It is a place where “ …in contrast with Wilderness Reservations 760-873-2483 those areas where man and his Wilderness Reservations Fax 760-873-2484 own works dominate the land scape, is hereby recognized as an Additional information is available at area where the earth and its com www.fs.usda.gov/inyo munity of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” JIM STROUP (1964 Wilderness Act). More than © a geographic designation, it is also a philosophical concept that speaks each day. In the Golden Trout and are available starting at 11 a.m. Processing of applications on hand to our adventurous spirit. John Hoover Wildernesses there are on the day before your trip entry will begin on February 15 and usu Muir acknowledges this when he quota and non quota trails. Quotas date. Any reserved permits that are ally takes until the end of March. wrote, “Thousands of tired, nerve- apply from May 1 to November 1 not claimed by the confirmation Lottery results are mailed in early shaken, overcivilized people are for the John Muir, Ansel Adams deadline are forfeited, and made April and then any remaining spac beginning to find out that going to and Dinkey Lakes Wildernesses. available for walk-in permits. es will be released for reservations the mountains is going home; that Quotas apply for Golden Trout at the end of April. Reservations wildness is a necessity; and that Wilderness, Mt. Whitney Reservations can be made until two days before Trips going to Mt. Whitney have mountain parks and reservations Cottonwood Pass trail from the the trip if space is available. There specific quotas. The reservation are useful not only as fountains of last Friday in June through is no reservation waiting list. process depends on the quota type. timber and irrigating rivers, but as September 15. Some trails have For day use by any route and over fountains of life.” Little did he know specific commercial quotas. If you Mt. Whitney night/multi-night trips that begin at the time he wrote this that are using the services of a commer Walk-in Permits on the Mt. Whitney trail, all (100%) One day before the trip at 11 a.m., wilderness travel would grow to cial outfitter/guide for any activity of the space can be reserved. Space any remaining space from canceled what it is today. Millions of people including backpacking, mountain is not saved for walk-in permits. In reservations is free to visitors visit the wilderness annually climbing and horse packing, the order to be fair to the many visitors present at the Eastern Sierra Inter across the nation. commercial operator must reserve requesting Mt. Whitney reserva Agency Visitor Center. There are We are fortunate on the Inyo quota space for you. During the tions, a random drawing of appli no phone arrangements for walk- National Forest to have several time of year that quotas do not apply, cations is used to determine the in permits. At 2 p.m. on the day wilderness areas: the John Muir, wilderness permits can be self- order that reservation applications before the trip, all unconfirmed Ansel Adams, Hoover, Golden issued at Visitor Center locations. are processed. In December or Day Use Reservations are forfeited Trout, Inyo Mountains, Boundary January, call the Wilderness and made available to visitors. At Peak, South Sierra, White Reservations Permits that are limited by quota Reservation Office or check online 11 a.m. on the morning of the trip, Mountains and Owens River can be reserved to ensure that for the latest lottery information all unconfirmed overnight reserva Headwaters wildernesses. When space will be available. Up to 60% and the current lottery applica tions are forfeited and made we visit these areas, we see and of the quota space can be reserved tion form. In February, lottery available to visitors as walk-in experience the land much the same starting six months before the trip applications are accepted by mail. permits. way that explorers and pioneers entry date, and the remainder is did before us. saved for walk-in permits, with the Wilderness Permits exception of Mt. Whitney. There Wilderness Permits are required is a fee of $5 per person to make a year-round for all overnight trips reservation. Mt. Whitney reserva into the Ansel Adams, Golden tion fees are $15 per person. It is Trout, John Muir and Hoover due at the time the reservation is Wildernesses. Visitors that are day booked and is not refundable. hiking and will enter the Mount Reservation requests are accepted Whitney Zone are required to have by phone, fax or mail, except the a Day Use Permit. Mt. Whitney Lottery. Quotas Walk-in Permits The Ansel Adams and John Muir You must be in person at one of Wildernesses have an entry quota the Inyo National Forest permit that limits the number of people issuing locations to request a free Shadow Lake allowed to enter the wilderness walk-in permit. Walk-in permits © LAURA PATTERSON 4 Wilderness Leave No Trace PROPER WILDERNESS FOOD STORAGE >>>

>>> • The use of bear-resistant food canisters is mandatory >>> >>> Travel Tips >>> in most Sierra Nevada wilderness areas from May 25 >>> >>>

>>> to October 31. >>>

Help ensure>>> that future generations may also experience a pristine wilderness by • The counterbalance method of food storage is not using the “Minimum Impact—Leave No Trace” techniques. The following backcountry recommended – it is only a delay tactic. Bear-resistant travel tips are based on principles developed by the national “Leave No Trace” program. canister use is the best method available for protection For more details contact LNT at 1-800-332-4100 or visit their website at www.lnt.org of your food. Plan Ahead and Prepare • You can be cited for improperly stored food. • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit. • Bear-resistant canisters can be purchased or rented • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. at the following locations: • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. • Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6. Maximum group size Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center allowed on the Inyo National Forest is 15. 760-647-3044 US 395 in Lee Vining • Repackage food to minimize waste. Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center • Use a map and compass and do not use marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. 760-924-5500 2510 Hwy 203, Mammoth Lakes • Treat stream and lake water before drinking. Bring water to a rolling boil or filter Kittredge Sports it to remove harmful organisms. 760-934-7566 Main Street in Mammoth Lakes Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Rick’s Sport Center • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses 760-934-3416 Main Street in Mammoth Lakes or snow. Wilson’s Eastside Sports • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. 760-873-7520 224 N. Main Street in Bishop • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. White Mountain Ranger Station In popular areas: 760-873-2500 798 N. Main Street in Bishop • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. 760-876-6222 at junction of US 395 & SR 136 • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. Whitney Portal Store In pristine areas: Located next to the Mt. Whitney trailhead • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. This list does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture of any product or service. Dispose of Waste Properly • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter left by others. TOP 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, all campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Delays or changes in weather can cause emergencies.F • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. Even on short day hikes, each person should take, and • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes know how to use, these items: and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. Navigation Topographic map and compass Leave What You Find • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and Food Extra food and water— artifacts. boiling water kills giardia; • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. treatment pills may not • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. • Do not build structures, furniture or dig trenches. Clothing Extra clothing—including rain gear, Minimize Campfire Impacts wool socks, sweater, gloves and hat • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking, and use a lantern for light. Light Flashlight with spare bulb • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires. and batteries • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool Fire Waterproof matches and fire ashes. starter such as a candle

Respect Wildlife Sun Sunglasses and sunscreen • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Protection • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. First Aid First aid kit including any special • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. medications you might need • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. Knife A folding pocket knife Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Signal Audible/visual: whistle and metal mirror • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Emergency Plastic tube shelter or waterproof • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Shelter bivouac sack • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. 5 Inyo National Forest Regional Map >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> NORTH >>> >>> >>> BODIE STATE HISTORIC PARK

Twin Lakes

HOOVER WILDERNESS

CONWAY SUMMIT Green Lake

Virginia Lakes

Black Lundy Point Negit Lake Island Mono Lake Paoha Island INYO

Saddlebag Mono Basin Lake Scenic Area . Visitor Center Mono Lake Committee Lee Vining Visitor Center. SOUTH TUFA RESERVE

Ellery Panum Lake Crater Tioga NA TIONAL Gaylor Lake Lakes Yosemite TIOGA East Entrance PASS Mt. Dana 13,053 ft.

M YOSEMITE O

TUOLUMNE O

MEADOWS

NA TIONAL R A

Grant T FOREST

Lake E Parker R

Lake S

P ARK

June Lake G L A S S M O U N T Silver Gull June A I N Lake Lake R Lake I D G E

OBSIDIAN Owens DOME Big R iv Springs OWENS R e IVER ROAD r ANSEL ADAMS

k Lookout ree WILDERNESS C Mountain L n O a N m G Thousand ead D Crestview Island Lake . V Roadside Rest A Benton INYO Crossing AD L RO S CRATERS P a LOO n L IC J N o Agnew E C a S q Meadows u TH E i O

n M

R A HOT CREEK iv M e Alkali THE MINARETS r GEOLOGICAL Ponds Y SITE D OA MINARET R Y R VISTA CH E HAT D K A E O Casa Diablo E R D R A .. C G O OT IN R H Hot Creek S S Y O R Hatchery R 203 C A Whitmore North M Mammoth N Landing Mammoth E TO Pool K N A Yosemite E Sotcher Mountain L Town of B DEVILS POSTPILE Lake 11,053 ft. Airport Reds Mammoth Lakes NATIONAL MONUMENT AD Meadow RO E K A L Rainbow T Crowley C Mammoth Lake I Falls V Pass N Lake Mary O C MAMMOTH LAKES LEGEND South CONVICT D BASIN A Landing

O Owens

LAKE River Gorge

K CR

PAVED ROADS RANGER STATION E E

R OWL C E Y L E A UNPAVED ROADS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER E KE G D c RIV J O H N M U I R M E Tom’s SCENIC BYWAY KIOSK WILDERNESS TRAILHEAD Crowley WILDERNESS McGEE Place HORSEBACK RIDING Duck CREEK Lake AD Lake O R Lake K EE SCALE CR Dorothy K OC 0 2.5 5 7.5 MILES R

Hilton ROCK Lakes CREEK CANYON

Rock Creek Lake

Little Lakes Valley >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> Mono Lake >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> he northern part of Inyo National Forest is dominated T by the Mono Basin and Mono Lake, located near the town of Lee Vining. Mono Lake is a majestic body of water covering 60 square miles; 13 miles east-west by 8 miles north-south. It is an ancient lake, over 700,000 years old–one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono Lake is two-and-a-half times as salty as seawater. You would think that nothing could live in such an inhospitable envi ronment, but the water is teeming with life –brine shrimp and alkali fly larvae! This attracts millions of birds as they pass through on their migratory flights. But it’s not just wildlife that makes Mono Lake so unique… tufa (pronounced too-fa) towers have formed in the lake, making the landscape truly fasci nating. To protect the outstand ing geologic, ecologic and scenic resources of Mono Basin, it was designated as a National Forest Scenic Area by Congress in 1984. PROTECT + Help Protect the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Please follow these rules to protect these unique and fragile resources: 1. Do not climb on, move, or remove tufa formations. Mono Lake tufa towers © iSTOCK 2. Do not collect any rocks, minerals, or vegetation Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area within the Scenic Area. On September 28, 1984, the prompted protective actions and through active restoration efforts 3. If boating, do not approach United States Congress passed the creation of the National Forest and renewed fresh water inputs. congregations of birds. legislation that designated Mono Scenic Area set forth expections The Mono Basin Scenic Area Stay at least 200 yards Lake and surrounding lands as of a compromise that would ensure Visitor Center, built in May 1992, from any osprey nest, the nation’s first “National Forest Mono Lake’s protection. Balance is a “must see,” offering exhibits, occupied or not. Scenic Area.” The legislation has between the City’s need for water movies, interpretive programs, Do not approach within enabled the US Forest Service to and the Lake’s survival was reached hiking trails and a bookstore. one mile of the islands or manage the landscape to preserve in 1994, when the California Water Located just north of Lee Vining islets between April 1 and the unique geologic, scenic, and Board mandated that the Lake on a bluff overlooking Mono Lake, August 1. cultural resources of the area. level be returned to an elevation of the Visitor Center is open daily 4. Camp only in open areas. Water diversions by the City of 6392 feet, twenty feet higher than from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Los Angeles once threatened the the historic low of 6372 feet. summer, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Camping along the lake in “recessional lands” is survival of Mono Lake and Today, the Lake stands about 10 Thursday-Monday in the fall and only allowed in designated attention was drawn to the feet shy of the mandated lake level spring. The Visitor Center is closed areas and requires a possible disappearance of this due to droughts experienced over December through March. permit. national treasure. the last ten years, but the ecology Call 760-647-3044 for additional Grass roots advocacy efforts of the Lake and Basin is recovering information. 7 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Lee Vining and Tioga>>> Pass >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> HIKING TRAILS Places to Go and Sights to See Nunatak Nature TrailF Mono Basin National Forest Panum Crater. From US 395, turn Mono Mills .46 mile / Easy (ADA accessible) Scenic Area Visitor Center east on Hwy 120 and drive three The ghost town of Bodie sits just Learn about the Mono Basin miles. Turn north on a short gravel north of the Mono Basin and was One mile east of the Yosemite geology, ecology and cultural road to the crater. This “rhyolite once supported by the logging and entrance station – offers visitors history through exhibits and films plug” volcano erupted only 650 years mill efforts that took place at the an interpretive tour of the found at the Mono Basin Visitor ago and presents visitors with Mono Mills historic site. Located glacial history of the area. Center, located ¼ mile north of amazing displays of obsidian rock approximately six miles to the Bennettville Trail Lee Vining, just east of US 395. formations, as well as beautiful east of South Tufa, an interpretive 1.4 miles one-way / Easy Knowledgeable rangers and staff panoramic views of Mono Lake. kiosk will help visitors learn about Beginning at Junction Camp- can assist visitors in planning their COLLECTING OBSIDIAN OR the tremendous efforts that took ground by the road to Saddle- outings and finding accommoda ROCKS IS PROHIBITED. place to cut, mill, and haul wood to bag Lake, this easy trail leads tions or camping locations. Bodie via a narrow gauge railroad to an historic cabin – a remnant Maps, guidebooks, and educa South Tufa that once traveled along the east of a silver mining operation Access the waters of Mono Lake and tional products can be obtained shore of Mono Lake. Information that drove pioneers to construct walk among towering tufa towers at the visitor center bookstore. about the Jeffrey pine forest, a the old Tioga road. at “South Tufa,” just five miles east Yosemite passes and information recent fire, and the Paiute Indian of Hwy 395 on Hwy 120 East. A are also available. Interpretive cultural practices is also shared at self-guided nature trail is open an unforgettable alpine greeting. programs and activities are offered this location. (ADA accessible) seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Other attractions in the Tioga during the summer season – Free ranger-led tours occur daily Tioga Pass area can include a detour to the inquire at the Visitor Center for May – October, with three tours Driving up Hwy 120 West towards Saddlebag Lake area, where fishing detailed information. daily during the busier months. Yosemite National Park, visitors boats, snacks, and refreshments Panum Crater South Tufa is a federal fee area, so will travel over a breathtaking can be found at the Saddlebag Lake The youngest mountain range in be sure to purchase a National Pass historic route known as Tioga Pass. Resort. The Tioga Pass Resort offers North America, the Mono Craters, or pay the $3.00/person fee at the Mountain lakes, lush meadows, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as can be experienced by visiting site (cash only). (ADA accessible) and snow covered peaks provide well as overnight accommodations.

Mono Lake

8 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> June Lake Loop >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

f you are>>> an angler or simply >>> love beautiful alpine scenery, I you can’t miss the June Lake HIKING TRAILS Loop. Hwy 158 gives access to a chain of gorgeous lakes nestled in Parker Lake F a steep horseshoe-shaped canyon. 2 miles one-way / Easy Campgrounds, hiking trails, A nice, easy hike to a pleasant beaches, stores, and restaurants lake set in a lodge-pole pine abound. Horseback riding and a forest. Fantastic views towards pack station is located near Silver the Sierra Crest, along with a Lake. Boat rentals are available at diversity of trees, mark this Great Basin-to-alpine trail. the Grant Lake, Gull Lake, Silver 580 feet elevation gain, watch Lake, and June Lake marinas. And for turnoff near Grant Lake. if you feel like being pampered, there’s even a world-class spa. Rush Creek 5 miles one-way / Moderate What to See Beginning at Silver Lake in the June Lake Horsetail Falls along June Lake Loop (on June Lake Loop), this path © LAURA PATTERSON takes hikers to Agnew and Area Gem Lakes in the Ansel Adams Lookout Mountain Inyo Craters Wilderness, climbing past A steep, narrow dirt road leads A ¼ mile hike leads to two volcanic Obsidian Dome colorful juniper trees, a dramatic The dome is a hill of solid volcanic to this panoramic viewpoint. Six explosion pits which contain small waterfall (stream crossing glass. Take Glass Flow Road (west) miles north of Mammoth Lakes lakes. Picnic tables available. Take required), and an historic cable off US 395, eleven miles north of along US 395, turn right on Look the Scenic Loop Road from Mammoth railway. An 1800-foot elevation Mammoth Lakes. COLLECTING out Mountain Road (across from Lakes and look for the sign on the gain makes this hike a bit more OBSIDIAN OR ROCKS IS Scenic Loop Road). See map on right side of the road. Turn left. strenuous. STRICTLY PROHIBITED. page 11. See map on page 11.

9 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Mammoth Lakes>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> hile visiting the Mammoth Lakes area, W you won’t want to miss seeing these fascinating sights. Beautiful alpine scenery, geologic wonders, historic sites and exciting adventures await you. Many archaeological and histor ic sites exist throughout the Inyo National Forest and on adjacent federal and state lands. These sites are special places that contain irre placeable information of our past and are protected by law. Please take only photographs, leave only footprints, and report vandalism. Mammoth Lakes Area Sightseeing Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes Basin Mammoth City © LAURA PATTERSON Historic Site Explore the site of Mammoth City, Mammoth Museum Mill City Flywheel Mammoth Mountain where 1,500 miners, merchants, See Mammoth Lakes as it was over A short walk leads to this remnant This dormant volcanic peak is the and townspeople lived over 100 70 years ago, before paved roads of Mammoth’s mining days – site of a popular downhill ski area years ago. Follow Old Mammoth and electricity. A self guided tour a 14- ton flywheel which powered in winter and mountain bike park Road past the residential section, leads the visitor through several a stamp mill that crushed ore. in summer. Gondola rides to about one mile from Snowcreek eras of Mammoth history. The trailhead is located on Old Mammoth Mountain’s 11,053-foot Golf Course. The museum is housed in the Mammoth Road about a mile past summit provide a spectacular original log cabin built by Emmett Snowcreek Golf Course and past panoramic view. Explore the Top Mammoth Hayden, map maker of the Eastern the residential section, opposite of the Sierra Interpretive Center Consolidated Mine Sierra. This was one of the first the Townsend gravesite. and learn about Mammoth’s A self-guided interpretive trail recreation residences in the Panorama Dome geology, volcanic history, weather explores the remains of a 1920s Mammoth Ranger Station Tract patterns, and cultural heritage. gold mining camp. The trailhead A walk through the forest leads under special use permit from the to an open hilltop with a great Minaret Vista is located at the top of Coldwater Forest Service. Campground at Lake Mary. view of the town and the Lakes Impressive views of the Ritter Enjoy a picnic by the aspen Basin. It is often windy on the top, Range to the west and the Inyo- Mammoth Lakes Basin trees or come to one of the Western so bring warm clothes. Look for White Range to the east. Rest- Twin Lakes, and Lakes Mary, dance and barbecues held in the wildflowers in midsummer. rooms and picnic area available. George, Mamie and Horseshoe are summer months. For more infor Located off Lake Mary Road located along Lake Mary Road. mation call 760-934-6918. between the road to Twin Lakes Sightseeing These lake beds were scooped out Located on Sherwin Creek Road campground and Twin Lakes Art Along US 395 of solid rock by glaciers and are along Mammoth Creek and next to Gallery cabin. Be sure to park out Convict Lake popular for fishing, boating and Sierra Meadows Ranch, the cabin of the way of traffic. photography. Picnic areas and sits in a lovely park-like setting. A popular camping and fishing campgrounds are available at Hike and picnic on the grounds. Twin Falls Overlook area. Take a two-mile hike around Water drops 300’ over a shelf of several locations. Donations accepted. the lake for views of the lake volcanic rock into Twin Lakes. Park against the dramatic backdrop of near Lake Mamie, off Lake Mary Mt. Morrison. Ten miles south of Road. Picnic tables and restrooms Mammoth Lakes - two miles off are available. US 395. Along Hot Creek Geological Site Hot springs flow into a cold moun Minaret Road tain stream with beautiful blue Earthquake Fault steaming pools. Open for viewing A short walking trail surrounds from sunrise to sunset. Swimming this natural phenomenon. Majestic is prohibited due to geyser hazards, red fir and Jeffrey pine trees make mud pots and changing steam this a nice spot for a picnic. vents. Located 3.5 miles off US 395 Restrooms available. For more on Airport/Hatchery Road, eight Mammoth Museum / Hayden Cabin © MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM information see page 14. miles south of Mammoth. 10 HIKING TRAILS Barrett Lake and T.J. Lake Mammoth Pass Trail to McLeod Lake F 0.25 mile / Easy / 0.5 miles one-way / Easy 0.6 miles one-way / Easy The trailhead is to the left of the parking lot at Lake George. A great little hike that takes you to colorful McLeod Lake, this trail Wildflowers can be found in the meadow area at the upper end of begins at the “Mammoth Pass” sign at Horseshoe Lake. After one-half T.J. Lake during a short growing season. There is a connecting trail mile, the trail forks; the left fork takes you to McLeod Lake, while the to Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows at Barrett Lake. right fork continues 3.5 miles to Reds Meadow. Ride the shuttle back out of the Valley to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area for $7.00. Crystal Lake and Mammoth Crest 1.75 miles / Easy / 3 miles one-way / Moderate Mammoth Rock Trail The trailhead is immediately to the right of the parking lot entrance at 2.5 miles one-way / Easy Lake George. The trail climbs above Lake George, offering dramatic Follow Old Mammoth Road past all the residential areas. The trail- views. About one mile along is the trail to Mammoth Crest, where a head will be on your left as you go up the steep part of the road, steady uphill climb brings you to the Crest and expansive views of the tucked off to the side of a hairpin turn. Park your car along Old Minarets, Mammoth Mountain and the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Stay on Mammoth Road 100 feet below the trailhead (please park out of the main trail to reach Crystal Lake, just beneath Crystal Crag. the way of traffic). The trail passes under Mammoth Rock, a massive monolith of limestone and marble. The other end of the trail is on Duck Lake Sherwin Creek Road, just past Sierra Meadows Ranch. 4.1 miles one-way / Moderate The Duck Pass trailhead is located at the end of the road above Panorama Dome Coldwater Campground. Duck Lake has an intense deep-blue color, 0.5 mile one-way / Easy and is reached by going over the steep switchbacks of Duck Pass. Leading through the trees, this trail reaches the top of a plateau, offer- Along the way are Arrow head Lake (1.25 miles), Skelton Lake ing a beautiful view of the town, the Long Valley Caldera, Crowley Lake (1.8 miles), and Barney Lake (2.5 miles). and the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The trailhead is just past the turnoff to Twin Lakes on Lake Mary Road. Please park out of the way of traffic. Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows 1 mile one-way / Easy / 2 miles one-way / Easy Sherwin Lakes and Valentine Lake This beautiful hike starts on the right side of the parking lot above 2.5 miles / Easy / 5 miles one-way / Moderate Coldwater Campground. Wildflowers border the creek all the way to The trailhead turnoff is on Sherwin Creek road – watch for a sign on Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows, where you’ll reach the base of the north side. This 2.5 mile hike up a moderately steep path takes spectacular Blue Crag. you to Sherwin Lakes. Valentine Lake is 2.5 miles further.

11 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Reds Meadow and>>> Devils Postpile >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Agnew he Reds Meadow Valley is Meadows Reds Meadow / Devils Postpile Group b.Aagne.ww. truly a special place. Home Meadows 1 ^. T to Devils Postpile National Shuttle Map Monument, Rainbow Falls, and Agnew Wildflower Meadows Walk great hiking, camping and fishing, LEGEND visitors have been coming back to San Deadman the area for generations. Pass Paved Roads Hiking Trailhead Joaquin w. Mandatory Shuttle Bus Gravel Roads Footbridge One reason the Valley has remained River Hiking Trail Horseback Riding/ ^. Pack Station a special place is because of the 32- Ranger Station 2 .y year old mandatory shuttle system, San Joaquin Public Phone Starkweather Ridge Trail Picnic Area o. one of the oldest and most success Lake c. Resort ful shuttle systems in the country. Campground P a. Shuttle Bus Stop The use of the shuttle has Group 1 Nature . allowed the Valley to recover from Trail w. b Campground Upper Minaret the intense use it received in the Soda Vista Springs c. Climbing 1970s and it has protected the 9,175' 3 Rock area from additional degradation a. ?. that would result from the high Starkweather Main Lake Trailhead w. Lodge numbers of visitors and limited Pumice Board o. Flat . parking. In addition, the steep and a 4 FEE REQUIRED Shuttle Bus at Pumice Mammoth Mountain narrow access road into the Valley o. Group b. BEYOND Gondola Building/ would become a major traffic THIS POINT Adventure Center safety hazard during peak times Minaret .. . Falls Mammoth2-% Mountain of visitation without the shuttle. 5 Ski Area and Bike Park To support the shuttle, all Minareta. Falls visitors accessing the recreational INY O opportunities in the Reds Meadow Valley are charged a transportation Mammoth Devils 6 fee when the shuttle is in operation Postpilea. Nature NA TI ON AL Mountain June 25 to September 7 (2011). 7 Trail 11,053' The shuttle is mandatory for all .y o. Sotcher visitors, unless they meet one of c.Devils Lake c. SCALE: 1.75 INCHES = 1 MILE the following exceptions: Postpile FO RE ST 8 0 .5 1 MILE • Have a handicapped parking Reds placard a.Meadow • Arrive in vehicles transporting 9 Mammoth 10 Pass livestock or boats Trailhead Mammoth Pass Trail • Staying overnight at Reds Rainboww. o. Mammoth Falls P Pass w. Meadow Resort or a developed Trail ^. DEVILS POSTPILE TIONAL MONUMENT campground Pacific Crest National

• Administrative vehicles NA Horseshoe Scenic Trail McLeod Lake Visitors who meet one of these Lake exceptions must pay a standard amenity fee. Whether riding the shuttle or driving into the Valley Transit Authority (ESTA). As a 7 p.m., Devils Postpile at 7:45 p.m., Please note: in an exception vehicle, everyone result of this partnership, visitors and Agnew Meadows at 8 p.m., Vehicles parked in the valley are enjoys a more pristine and safer to Reds Meadow have the oppor arriving back at the Gondola sometimes damaged by bears. experience as a result of the tunity to board a shuttle in the Building at 8:30 p.m. Please plan It is advisable to leave private shuttle operation. Town of Mammoth Lakes. There your trip to coincide with the vehicles in the Mammoth Shuttle passes are available are a few buses every morning that shuttle bus schedule. For the most Mountain Main Lodge parking lot at the Shuttle Bus Terminal at start their route at The Village in up-to-date shuttle schedule, visit whenever possible. Large food Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge Mammoth Lakes, and continue the Inyo NF website or one of our storage lockers are available at Gondola building and at all other to the Mammoth Mountain Main Visitor Centers. some campgrounds in the valley, Mammoth Mountain ticket booths. Lodge Gondola building, where all Visitors with wilderness permits and additional portable food Visitors not required to ride the other buses begin their routes. The are required to take the shuttle, storage containers are available bus can purchase their passes at mandatory shuttle bus runs every which are equipped with storage for rent at the Mammoth Lakes Minaret Vista Station. 20-45 minutes, depending on the areas to accommodate packs. Welcome Center (first come, first 2009 was the first year of a new time of day. The last bus of the day Dogs on leashes and wearing served – not reservable). partnership with Eastern Sierra will leave the Gondola building at muzzles are allowed on buses. 12 MANDATORY SHUTTLE BUS FEES b PASSES COST

Day Pass $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free

Wilderness $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), Hikers children 2 and under are free. This one-time fee is good for the duration of stay in the Valley, based on permit or reservation.

3-Day Pass $14 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free

Season Pass $35 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free

Exception $10 per vehicle, Interagency Passes accepted Vehicles, Campers and Resort Guests

Rainbow Falls © JIM STROUP

Sotcher Lake © JIMMY KELLETT

HIKING TRAILS Devils Postpile National Monument F A short hike leads to this unique geologic feature, formed by an eruption of basalt lava. The lava cooled uniformly, leaving surface cracks and resulting in vertical columns. The National Park Service provides interpretive tours, restrooms, a ranger station, picnic area and a campground. Trailheads give access to the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas, including Fish Creek and the San Joaquin River. See mandatory shuttle information on page 12. Rainbow Falls 1.25 miles one-way, with a 300’ descent / Easy The San Joaquin River plunges 101’ over a lava ledge into a deep gorge. The rainbow colors in the mist are best seen at midday. See mandatory shuttle information on page 12. Sotcher Lake Enjoy a 1.25 mile self-guided trail around Sotcher Lake. See Devils Postpile National Monument mandatory shuttle information on page 12. © iSTOCK 13 GEOLOGY OF THE EASTERN SIERRA

ne doesn’t have to look far is part of the process we now call in the John Muir Wilderness west The bottom of Mono Lake was or hard to see evidence plate tectonics. Magma is lighter of Big Pine, is the southernmost pushed up above the lake surface Oof “recent” volcanic action than the surrounding hot, but glacier in the U.S. by an injection of magma to form or glaciations in the Eastern Sierra. mostly solid rock, and “floats” back Paoha (the white) Island approxi The geologic story is long and com toward the surface. As magma Long Valley Caldera mately 300 years ago. plex, and grows with each earth intruded into the overlying sedi During a gigantic eruption about quake we experience. As we study mentary rocks, its heating caused 760,000 years ago, an area bor Earthquake Fault ongoing events, we hope to learn them to change - a process called dered by what is now Mammoth A more appropriate name for this more about the past, and what the metamorphosis. The resulting Mountain, the Glass Mountains nearly straight fracture would be future may bring. metamorphic rocks were similar to and Crowley Lake (approximately “Earthquake Fissure.” Because the Scientists believe a shallow sea the original sedimentary rock but 12 miles wide by 18 miles long), rocks on both sides have not once covered most of this area. contained new minerals and were collapsed to form the Long Valley moved much vertically or laterallyb Sediment, eroded from land to harder and denser. Erosion has Caldera. The eruption produced relative to one another, it is not the east, was deposited on the since removed much of the meta the Bishop Tuff, a pinkish-red really a “fault.” The fissure is up sea floor. Over a period of several morphic rock cover. rock that can be seen along US to 10 feet wide and 60 feet deep. hundred million years the sedi 395 on the Sherwin Grade. Three Earthquake Fault cuts through ment accumulated and turned to Glaciers hundred and fifty square miles volcanic rock, part of a glassy rock as the land was folded and Snow and ice covered half of the were buried beneath 500 feet of rhyolite lava flow from Mammoth tilted, sometimes rising above continent during the Ice Age. Bishop Tuff. Ash from the erup Mountain, and formed by tectonic the sea, sometimes sinking below. Glaciers formed in the canyons tion has been found as far east as stresses in the earth’s crust. The Sandstone, mudstone and lime and, as they advanced and retreat Nebraska. Later, other volcanoes fault lines up with the Inyo-Mono stone were the early building ed, the canyons were deepened erupted along the rim of this Craters and is believed to be part blocks of the Sierra Nevada. and carved into U-shapes. The gigantic Caldera, one of which was of the east-west stretching that glaciers left arch-shaped piles Mammoth Mountain, which grew is gradually widening the entire Plate Tectonics of till, called lateral moraines, on the rim of the Caldera over Basin and Range region. Much of the granite core of the where they extended beyond 50,000 years ago. The age of the fissure is Sierra Nevada was possibly formed the mouths of the canyons. The Volcanic eruptions have con unknown, but some of the trees when magma intruded into the most easily accessed moraines to tinued within the Caldera and growing in the fissure are 150 layers of folded sedimentary rock, visit are located at Convict Creek, north along the Inyo-Mono volca years old, indicating that the crack cooled and hardened. The magma McGee Creek near Crowley Lake nic chain. Eruptions at Obsidian is at least that old. The sides are formed when a slab of the earth’s and Bloody Canyon south of Lee Dome, South Deadman Dome jagged, un-eroded, and lack pumice crust melted as it was forced down Vining. Glaciers still survive in and Panum Crater all occurred as fill, suggesting it is still very young into the hot upper mantle. This the Sierra Nevada. Palisade Glacier, recently as 500 to 800 years ago. in geologic time. The fissure runs north and south, and lines up with the dike that fed the Inyo Domes. Someday the magma might rise to the surface, but it is also possible that the fissure could just slowly fill up with debris. These are the un- knowns of geology, and what makes studying this area so exciting. A short walking trail surrounds this natural phenomenon. Majestic red fir and Jeffrey pine trees make this a nice spot for a picnic. Restrooms are available. Devils Postpile A short hike (see page 13 for description) leads to this unique geologic feature, formed by an eruption of basalt lava. The lava cooled uniformly, leaving surface cracks and resulting in impressive vertical columns. The National Park Service provides interpretive tours, rest rooms, a ranger station, picnic area and a campground. Trailheads provide access to the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas, including Fish Creek and the San Joaquin River. This geologic wonder is located Devils Postpile National Monument © JOHN MASSENGILL in the Reds Meadow Valley and 14 Hot Creek Geological Site © LAURA PATTERSON must be accessed by a mandatory Mountain in 1994. Since then, When Can We Expect and lasers, ground temperature shuttle bus. See page 12 for shuttle they have been monitoring the the Next Eruption? changes and land deformation information. gas, measuring the concentration Are earthquakes indicating that changes are measured. With the Hot Creek and rate of gas discharge from the it will be soon? We do experience information gathered in the field Geological Site ground. The higher than normal periods of geologic unrest in the combined with the knowledge concentrations of CO are respon learned from other volcanic erup Hot Creek is a place to marvel at 2 form of earthquakes. Sometimes sible for killing approximately 120 tions, geologists have been able geology in action. Imagine stand they occur in swarms where hun acres of trees next to Horseshoe to predict if a volcanic eruption ing inside an ancient volcano! dreds of earthquakes occur in a Lake and elsewhere on Mammoth is likely within a given period of What remains of the ancient Long short period of time, but usually Mountain. time. A protocol has been estab Valley Caldera blast is a region of average 1 to 4 small quakes per day. Scientists believe that the CO is lished that would allow ample fascinating geologic wonders: hot 2 Sometimes these quakes are caused being released from a gas reservoir time for safe evacuation of local springs, fumaroles and craters. by magma moving beneath the that has existed for a long period communities. As for a new volcano Explore the ever-changing wonders surface and other times they are of time deep under Mammoth of the earth at Hot Creek. caused by the forces of plate tec erupting in our lifetime in this Mountain. It is believed that Boiling water bubbling up from tonics and stress that builds up area, it is unlikely, but not entirely earthquake and magmatic activity the creek bed, fumaroles and and then releases along fault lines. impossible. The geologic time-line beneath the area in 1989 opened periodic geyser eruptions at Hot Geologists closely monitor this perspective is much slower than channels for the gas to reach the Creek attest to the chamber of area and take into account the man’s perspective. It is reassuring surface. hot magma which lies about three location, wave amplitude, inten to know that if anything does CO is heavier than air and can miles below the surface of the 2 sity and depth of the earthquakes. happen, we should have plenty of collect at high concentrations in earth in this area. There are approximately 85 instru warning. In the meantime, it is depressions and enclosures, pos The steam you see along the ments used to monitor geologic exciting to observe the geology of ing a potential danger to people, Hot Creek drainage is created changes in the Mammoth Lakes the Eastern Sierra and appreciate especially small children and pets. when water percolates deep into area. Using satellite technology the unique landscape it has created. In summer months, the Forest the ground and enters a complex Service recommends that the underground plumbing system. public avoid spending time sitting, The water is heated and pressur picnicking, sunbathing, walking ized before it rises to the earth’s pets or allowing small children surface. It is believed this journey in the tree kill area and on the takes around 1,000 years. northwest shoreline of Horseshoe Earthquakes can cause sudden Lake. Walking and biking through geyser eruptions and overnight the area should not pose any sig appearances of new hot springs nificant risk for adults. In winter at Hot Creek. Water temperatures months, the Forest Service recom can change rapidly, so entering mends staying out of the tree-kill the water is prohibited. area altogether, as high levels of

C02 Gas Emmissions CO2 build up within the thick Kill Trees snow pack.

U.S. Geological Survey scien Symptoms of CO2 poisoning are tists detected naturally occur similar to high-altitude sickness

ring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas in and include dizziness, shortness of the vicinity of Horseshoe Lake breath, rapid pulse and potentially Dead trees at Horseshoe Lake and other areas on Mammoth rapid unconsciousness and death. © LAURA PATTERSON 15 Mammoth Lakes TUNNEL ROAD OOP Deer L IC Mountain N E 8,786' C S 08 P 3S A Area Map H CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T M NA Craters LEGEND T A IO Sa Crater N Trail M A n Joaquin L S Lakes . CEN Paved Roads Campground IC T wc a. RA I L Agnew Ridg Meadows Unpaved Roads Private Campground

Group High .A

Trail e

Agnew D A

Meadows O Hiking Trail Group Campground

b. F

a w . F ^ O River Tr 1 w- Wilderness Areas–closed to RV Park ail T h.

3S30 U bicycles, motorized vehicles and C

Agnew Wildflower IN YO Smokey Bear Meadows Walk L L Flat all wheeled mechanical devices Hiking Trailhead I w. M P AC W IF IC A Footbridge Deadman Sa CR S ES n T Pass NA Information/Visitor Center TI Joaqui ON q. AL Horseback Riding/ S C E . n N ^ I Ranger Station Pack Station C

Ri T . R y ve A IL r Picnic Area Resort 2 c. P Starkweather San Joaquin Ridge Trail/4WD Road Public Phone 1 Shuttle Bus Stop Lake o. NOTE: All picnic areas and trailheads have restrooms except where noted (NO RR) Hot Creek Nature Geological SCALE: 1.5 INCHES = 1 MILE wMinaret Trail Shady w Upper Rest Site Soda Vista BOARD Earthquake Park ANSEL Springs c. Climbing c 9,175' SHUTTLE BUS Rock Fault 1 0 1 MILE 2 MILES 3 AT ADVENTURE Pine c Glen ADAMS a. CENTER Community Old Creek Group t NO ? Center Park Post Shady New b Starkweather RR Rest Ho Main The Office Shady WILDERNESS Lake Trailheadw Rest Pumice Lodge Village MAIN ST. a Flat o No wheeled a. 4 FEE REQUIRED O a o Mammoth Lakes mechanical devices Pumice qyc California Welcome Center BEYOND PA THE TOWN OF o. Group Geothermal NOR and Ranger Station b THIS POINT A D MAMMOTH LAKES Plant 2-% RO AM M h Mammoth Mountain Y I RV Park Minaret R N A G Ski Area and Bike Park A D A RE HIrƒ Falls T Hot Creek ONDOL M D 5 Reds Fish Hatchery A R RO Lake E O MERIDIAN BLVD. RY Minareta K A HE Falls A A D TC L J A Mammoth H Sierra Star EK Creek Park RE CampA Golf Course HOT C 3S09 High Sierra AD NA TI ON AL RO Devils Creek Postpile Creek TH Mammoth Mammot O Museum h 6 h M Sierra Meadows a Nature Mammot D M A M Ranch Sherwin 7 Trail OL ^ 4S08 Creek Creek Mammoth Snowcreek W Yosemite y. % Valentine Golf Course a ER IN n C o. Mammoth Reserve SH R Airport Sotcher wNO wi EE c. Mill City K o NT Devils Mountain c Lake RR NO RO Postpile c. Stamp Mill RR A 11,053' Sher ANSEL ADAMS Panorama D

LE Mammoth Reds Dome Trail 4S08 8 Meadow NO 19 Rock Trail WILDERNESS w wNO RR Bike 4S YMACA Twin Trail Camp RR a Sherwin Lakes No wheeled / Lakes D Perimeter of w NO Trail A mechanical devices hazardous area O posted with red signs w RR Creek R 9 Twin P 10 E POSTPI Mammoth Pass Lakes a Mammoth Mammoth K Mammoth Pass Trail Trailhead a A Convict Creek Mammoth Upper Twin o City Rock L w o 4S86 T Rainbow P Pass c. IC w CO2 GAS Twin Falls V Falls ^ HAZARD Laurel N P AREA O Trail A C

C Monte I ONAL MONUME

F c I Cristo Mine

C Sherwin

C ^

R Lake DEVILS TI

E Horseshoe Lakes S

T MamiPe

N Lake o A McLeod T P I NA O Lake Pine N . A Crystal Laake Mary City L Bounda S FO RE ST Roug C Lake Trail E a ry NI Lake Rainbow C w Convict Lake Creek TR c A h 4W Trailhead Falls IL . PLakeo..La ke Mary NO RR aGeorge Coldwater w George D Road o. Interpretive Trail JOHN MUIR w a. Mammoth ^ BarrettPo Consolidated Lake Mine ooP Crystal WILDERNESS Convict Lower Heart Lake Trail Lake Lake r Falls a e TJ v c w i Crater Lake Mammot No wheeled R Meadow n mechanical devices i Red Crystal Crag Emwerald Heart u 10,377' Lake Trail q Cones w. Lake Convict a Duck Pass h c o Trailhead Creek J Lake

a S

JOHN MUIR ldwate

k Arrowhead r Upper

o Lake F

Crater

e r

l WILDERNESS Meadow Emerald d

d Lake Laurel i Laurel M No wheeled / Creek Lakes Mountain mechanical devices 11,812' Blue Crag Skelton Valentine 10,669' Lake To Barney Lake Lake To Genevieve and Duck Pass and Dorothy Lakes 16 ROAD TUNNEL OOP Deer L IC Mountain N E 8,786' C S 08 P A H 3S CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T M NA Craters LEGEND T A IO Sa Crater N Trail M A n Joaquin L S Lakes . CEN Paved Roads Campground IC T wc a. RA I L Agnew Ridg Meadows Unpaved Roads Private Campground

Group High .A

Trail e

Agnew D A

Meadows O Hiking Trail Group Campground

b. F

a w . F ^ O River Tr 1 w- Wilderness Areas–closed to RV Park ail T h.

3S30 U bicycles, motorized vehicles and C

C Monte I ONAL MONUME

F c I Cristo Mine

C Sherwin

C ^

R Lake DEVILS TI

E Horseshoe Lakes S

T MamiPe

a S

JOHN MUIR ldwate k Arrowhead r Upper

o Lake F

Crater

e r

l WILDERNESS Meadow Emerald d

Rock Creek >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ock Creek is famous for glacially-carved Little Lakes R Valley, where more than 50 lakes are linked by hiking trails surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. The trailhead at the end of the road is the highest in the Sierra, at 10,300 ft. elevation. Summer activities include hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding and camping. Don’t miss the fall season when quaking aspen turn brilliant colors.

HIKING TRAILS Chickenfoot Lake F 2.9 miles one-way / Easy This is an easy, beautiful hike with lots of lakes – and wildflowers during summer. From Tom’s Place along US 395, head west on Rock Creek Road 10 miles to Mosquito Flat Trail- head. The trail begins at the far end of the parking lot. Little Lakes Valley © LAURA PATTERSON

18 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> Bishop Area >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

ishop>>> is well known by >>> vacationers as a place to Bstock up on information HIKING TRAILS and supplies for fishing and camping getaways, rock climbs, Long Lake/Bishop LakeF ski weekends, bike rides and field 2.3 miles one-way / Easy trips. Named for rancher Samuel 4.5 miles one-way / Strenuous Bishop, the town dates back to Outstanding views and scenery the 1860s, when the Owens await you on this hike. For a Valley was being settled by longer, strenuous hike, continue cattlemen and miners. The biggest to Spearhead Lake, Saddle- event of the year is Mule Days, rock Lake at 4 miles or Bishop which takes place at the Tri County Lake, 4.5 miles one-way. From Fairgrounds in Bishop on Memorial Bishop, take Hwy 168 west and drive 15.1 miles, then turn Day Weekend. left to South Lake. Continue 7.2 Bishop Creek Canyon miles to reach the trailhead for Three main drainages of Bishop Bishop Pass. Creek – the North, Middle and Lake Sabrina © SUE WEIS Treasure Lakes South forks – combine to create a 3 miles one-way / Moderate wide-ranging complex of streams ings of the historical village, in Laws Railroad Museum Travel the Bishop Pass/Long cluding a blacksmith shop, general and canyons that together com The legacy of the last narrow- Lake Trail (see directions above) prise Bishop Creek Canyon. gauge railroad west of the Rockies store, medical building, Native until the trail forks. Go to the Located up Hwy. 168, which is preserved at this site, with the American exhibits, mining and right. Continue down the trail begins as West Line Street in original 1883 Laws Depot, turn much more. to find more “treasures” – your downtown Bishop. The climb of table, Agents’ house, locomotive, Located 4.5 miles north of reward is finding a lake at the over 5,000 feet is gradual over the string of cars and railroad memora Bishop on US 6, turn right on end of the forested trail. 18-mile drive into the mountains. bilia. Tour the train and 28 build- Silver Canyon Road.

19 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Big Pine Creek >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ig Pine Creek offers a real treat for the more experi Benced hiker. Hike past numerous lakes and enjoy views of Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier in the Sierra and the southernmost active glacier in North America. Middle Palisade Glacier can be spotted from the parking area near Glacier Lodge. The glacier can be reached by a strenuous nine-mile hike from the road end in Big Pine Canyon. Palisade Crest, rising above 14,000 feet, contains some of the finest and most challenging Palisade Glacier alpine climbing in California. © ERIN LUTRIK

HIKING TRAILS North Fork Trail – Black Lake North Fork Trail – First, Second and Third Lakes F 5.5 miles one-way / Strenuous First Lake 4.5 miles one-way / Moderate The trail zigzags through a slope of sagebrush, manzanita and Jeffrey Second Lake 4.8 miles one-way / Moderate pine before it reaches Second Falls, then follows the creek to its head- Third Lake 5.5 miles one-way / Strenuous waters. While walking through a forest of lodgepole pine, hikers will The main trail takes you past First, Second and Third Lakes. Third Lake pass a cabin built by movie actor Lon Chaney. At a junction in the trail, is fed directly by Palisade Glacier; its milky turquoise color is from you can head northwest to Black Lake, where splendid views of the the glacial powder carried from the melting ice. The imposing dark Palisade Glacier and Crest can be seen. mountain above Third Lake is Temple Crag.

20 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

White>>> Mountains Area >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

o the east of the Owens Val >>> ley stand the Inyo and White T mountain ranges. The White HIKING TRAILS Mountains are a typical Great Basin range characterized by a great rock Discover Trail F mass of uninterrupted material 1 mile loop / Easy that has been thrust upward to This is a great hike for begin- over 14,000 feet. White Mountain ners and anyone not wanting Peak is the third-highest peak in to do the longer Methuselah California at 14,246 feet, shorter Trail. Hike amongst trees that, besides their scientific value, than Mount Whitney by a mere are beautiful, with their twisted 251 feet. and gnarled trunks which have This range differs greatly from withstood the test of time. the Sierra range both in structure and in climate. The climate of the Methuselah Trail White Mountains is arid desert 4.50 mile loop / Moderate and is seemingly an unlikely place Get an up-close look at the to find the oldest living trees, the “ancients.” This 4.5-mile hike is Bristlecone Pines. a magical trek through a land The Bristlecones have survived of ancient trees and high desert for more than 40 centuries, ex mountain environments. ceeding the oldest giant sequoia by 1,500 years. Their great age has reconstruction of climatic history, attracted world wide interest. Tree measurement of past isotope ring chronologies, dating back to concentrations in the atmosphere, 6700 B.C., are used in a variety of Bristlecone pine and calibration of the radio-carbon © LELAND J. PRATER / COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE research programs, including the time scale.

21 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Independence >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> HIKING TRAILS amp Independence was established and named by Kearsarge Pass TrailF C Lt. Colonel George Spafford to Gilbert Lake Evans, of the Second Cavalry, on Approx. 2 miles one-way / Independence Day, July 4, 1862. Moderate Eastern California Museum Begin at Onion Valley Trail- head. Follow the trail from the The Eastern California Museum, parking lot and head west, in Independence, features exhibits continuing on the trail as it that reflect the diverse natural and turns sharply to the right. From cultural heritage of Inyo County here, the trail begins a series and the Owens Valley. Included on of switchbacks to Little Pothole the museum grounds are remnants Lake – look for Golden Trout of an abandoned landscape – Lupines at Division Creek © SUE WEIS sunning themselves at the a collection of historic agricultural shallow water’s edge. Continue and mining implements used by Mt. Whitney up to Gilbert Lake; once you early Inyo County residents, and Historic Fish Hatchery structure with hand-laid stone encounter the amazing boulder equipment used during construc The shady grounds and main pond walls and hand-hewn timbers. field, you’re almost there. tion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. are an excellent place for picnick Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Extend your hike to Flower Located on the west side of ing, relaxing and fish viewing. through Monday in the summer, Lake or even up Kearsarge Pass town, turn on Onion Valley Road Public restrooms are available. and Friday through Sunday in the (2.5 miles past Flower Lake) to (at the only flashing traffic light in Volunteers staff a gift shop and winter. The hatchery is located take in the breathtaking views “downtown” Independence). The offer tours inside the hatchery. west of US 395 on the Fish Hatch of Sequoia/Kings Canyon museum is open daily from The hatchery building, completed ery Road, just two miles north of National Park. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in 1916, is a beautiful and unique Independence.

22 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Lone Pine>>> / Mt. Whitney >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> he 14,497-foot summit of Mt. Whitney is the highest T point in the contiguous United States. For an unobstructed view of the peak, drive a few miles west on Whitney Portal Road through the Alabama Hills. The first settlers to Lone Pine in the early 1860s gave Lone Pine its name because of a single, large pine tree at the confluence of Lone Pine and Tuttle Creeks. (The tree blew down during a storm in 1876.) On March 16, 1872 at 2:30 a.m. Lone Pine experienced a violent earthquake, similar in magnitude to the “Big One” in San Francisco in 1906. The shaking literally lev eled the town – of the 80 buildings, built of mud and adobe, only 20 structures were left standing. Twenty-six people lost their lives during the earthquake. A mass grave, located just north of Lone Alabama Hills Arch © iSTOCK Pine, commemorates the site. Manzanar National through Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Historic Site Thursday through Saturday and at Located 7 miles north of Lone 4 p.m. on Sunday. The museum is Pine on US 395, Manzanar was located on US 395 at the south the first of 10 relocation camps in end of Lone Pine. the country, confining Japanese- Alabama Hills Americans during World War II. Welcome to the Alabama Hills The historic high school auditorium Special Recreation Area, managed now serves as the site’s interpretive by the Bishop BLM. The amazing center, featuring extensive exhib scenery – oddly rounded rocks its and audio-visual programs. backed by the jagged high peaks You can also tour the grounds and of the Sierra – creates a wonderful see many of the foundations and setting both for recreation and the remnants of the elaborate gardens. film industry. The hills are made of Open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily April granite and weathering has created through October, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. the unusual shapes, arches, and November through March. canyons particular to the area. Beverly and Jim Rogers Hike, run, motor tour, horseback Museum of Lone Pine ride, or bike any route not signed Film History as closed, try rock climbing on one Lights! Camera! Action! Lone Pine of the 200 sport routes, or explore and the Alabama Hills have been some of the movie locations (pick up a favorite location for Hollywood’s the Movie Road Self-Guided Tour movies since the 1920s. Visit the at the Museum of Film History). Manzanar National Historic Site © iSTOCK Museum of Lone Pine Film His Fishing in the creeks that meander tory, with exhibits celebrating the through the Alabama Hills begins the freshwater Owens River, but Today, the Owens River and heroes, the films and the locations the first Saturday in March and without an outlet, the fresh waters Owens Lake have had water re of the many movies shot in the goes through November 15. became saline in character. stored, thanks to the Los Angeles area. A special orientation film is Owens River and During the early mining days Department of Water and Power’s available on request at the museum Owens Dry Lake of the 1870s, the shallow lake was efforts to bring back the river’s with classic Lone Pine movies Owens Lake was formed from used to transport bullion and natural ecology and mitigate the playing on Thursday and Friday glacial melt during the last ice age. supplies for the mines at Cerro dust from the dry lake bed. You evenings at 7 p.m. or on Saturday at As a Great Basin Lake, it has had Gordo aboard two steamships, the can kayak and fish along the mean 4 p.m. The museum opens daily at no outlet to the sea for almost “Bessie Brady” and the “Mollie dering 62 “river miles” portion of 10 a.m.; closing at 6 p.m. Monday 4,000 years. The lake was fed by Stevens.” the lower Owens River. 23 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

Lone Pine / Mt. Whitney>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> HIKING TRAILS Alabama Hills Arch Trail F ¼ mile one-way / Easy This geologic wonder is within easy distance of its Movie Road starting point. Park in the dirt lot just after Movie Road forks (go to the right). Follow the stone-lined trail through the fragile desert vegetation and peculiar rock formations typical to the Alabama Hills. Capture the dramatic vista of Mt. Whitney through both the arch and your camera lens. Movie Flat Road is located 3 miles west of Lone Pine on the Whitney Portal Road (turn at the only traffic light in “downtown” Lone Pine from US 395). Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail 4 miles one-way / Easy The trail begins at the west end of Lone Pine Campground and takes you to Whitney Portal. The lower portion is open, high desert (and can be hot in summer) while the upper portion offers the cooling shade of the canyon, Lone Pine Creek, and the scent of large Jeffrey pines. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Whitney, Alabama Hills, Owens Valley, and the Inyo Mountains along the trail. Lone Pine Campground is located 6 miles west of Lone Pine on the Whitney Portal Road. Meysan Lakes Trail 5 miles one-way / Strenuous The steep trail leads to a beautiful alpine lakes basin, and also provides access to the climbing routes on Lone Pine Peak, Mt. Mallory, and Candlelight Peak. Beginning at Whitney Portal Family Campground, follow the signs for Meysan Lakes trail as you make your way through the recreation residences to the trailhead. Expect a strenuous, but all-to-yourself day hike in the shadow of the more popular Mt. Whitney. The Whitney Portal Family Campground is located 12 miles west of Lone Pine on the Whitney Portal Road Mt. Whitney (turn at the only traffic light in “downtown” Lone Pine from US 395). © iSTOCK

24 EASTERN SIERRA RECREATION Pack Trips McGee Creek Pack Station HCR 79, Box 162 Pack trips on horseback are Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 available into the wilderness for 760-878-2207 Winter day or overnight trips thoughout 760-935-4324 Summer the Inyo National Forest. www.mcgeecreekpackstation.com Rock Creek Pack Station/ Agnew Meadows Pack Train Mt. Whitney Pack Trains P.O. Box 395 Craig London Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 P.O. Box 248, Bishop, CA 93515 760-934-2345 760-873-8331 Winter 800-292-7758 760-935-4493 Summer Bishop Pack Outfitters www.rockcreekpackstation.com 247 Cataract Road Pine Creek Pack Station Bishop, CA 93514 P.O. Box 968 760-873-4785 Bishop, CA 93515 www.bishoppackoutfitters.com 760-387-2797 Cottonwood Pack Station 800-962-0775 910 Gibson Ranch Road www.pinecreekpackstation.com Independence, CA 93526 760-878-2015 Rainbow Pack Outfitters P.O. Box 1791 Frontier Pack Train Bishop, CA 93515 P.O. Box 656 760-873-8877 June Lake, CA 93529 www.rainbowpackoutfit.com 760-873-7971 Winter 760-648-7701 Summer Red’s Meadow Pack Train 1-888-437-MULE P.O. Box 395 Glacier Pack Train Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

PHOTOS.COM P.O. Box 321 760-934-2345 © Big Pine, CA 93513 800-292-7758 Fishing Fishing License 760-938-2538 Sequoia Kings Pack Train Requirements Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit You’ll find great trout fishing in our P.O. Box 209 Anglers 16 years of age and older P.O. Box 61 Independence, CA 93526 many lakes, rivers and streams, must have a fishing license. You Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 800-962-0775 stocked by the Department of Fish can purchase an annual, one-day 888-475-8747 760-387-2627 Winter and Game (DFG) and world famous or two-day fishing license (valid www.mammothpack.com www.sequoiakingspacktrain.com trophy-size Alpers rainbow trout. for two consecutive calendar days). Fishing Season Information concerning license Mono County fishing season starts requirements and fees may be the last Saturday in April and ends obtained from the Department on November 15th of every year, of Fish and Game by calling however, several catch-and-release 760-934-2664. Fishing licenses fisheries are open year-round (see may be purchased at sporting below). goods stores throughout Inyo and Catch-and-Release Mono counties. Fisheries The catch-and-release fisheries of the Upper Owens River above the Benton Bridge to Big Springs, the East Walker River below Bridge port Reservoir, and Hot Creek, remain open year-round. These fisheries are ZERO limits, NO BAIT of any kind, BARBLESS hooks only. The Lower Owens River outside of iSTOCK

2011 SPORT FISHING LICENSE RATES Annual Resident sport fishing license ...... $43.46 One-day Resident/Non-Resident sport fishing license . . . . $14.04 Two-day Resident/Non-Resident sport fishing license . . . . $21.86 Ten-day Non-Resident sport fishing license ...... $43.46 Annual Non-Resident sport fishing license ...... $116.90 iSTOCK © 25 USFS CAMPGROUNDS CAMPFIRE WOOD The following suggested CAMPGROUND NAME SITES COMMENTS OPEN WATER TOILETS FEE $ MAX STAY ELEVATION guidelines are in effect: Lee Vining / June Lake Area MONO LAKE RANGER DISTRICT 760-647-3044 1. One-quarter cord or less may be collected on LEE VINING AREA National Forest land for use Aspen 56 5/14 - 10/31 yes vault 18.00 14 days 7,500 ft. campgrounds. Fuel wood Big Bend 17 A as weather permits yes vault 19.00 14 days 7,800 ft. may be collected by hand Cattleguard (overflow) 16 as weather permits none chemical 15.00 14 days 7,300 ft. only. Unused wood cannot be removed from the forest. Ellery Lake 21 A as weather permits yes vault 19.00 14 days 9,500 ft. Junction 13 as weather permits none vault 14.00 14 days 9,600 ft. 2. Wood must be dead and down. Lower Lee Vining 50 4/29 - 11/13 none vault 15.00 14 days 7,300 ft. Moraine (overflow) 20 as needed none chemical 15.00 14 days 7,300 ft. 3. Chainsaw use in camp grounds is not permitted. Saddlebag Lake (small trailers, RVs) 20 A as weather permits yes vault 19.00 14 days 10,000 ft. Sawmill (walk-in) 12 as weather permits none vault 14.00 14 days 9,800 ft. 4. Firewood is available from Tioga Lake (small trailers, RVs) 13 A as weather permits yes vault 19.00 14 days 9,700 ft. most camp hosts for $6.00 Trailhead (group at Saddlebag Lake) 1 R as weather permits yes vault 60.00+ 14 days 10,000 ft. JUNE LAKE AREA Aerie Crag (RVs only/overflow) 10 as needed none flush 11.00 3 days 7,200 ft. Big Springs 26 as weather permits none pit none 21 days 7,300 ft. Bloody Canyon Trailhead 4 as weather permits none none 14 days 8,400 ft. Glass Creek 50 as weather permits none vault none 21-42 days 7,600 ft. Gull Lake 11 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Hartley Springs 20 as weather permits none pit none 14 days 8,400 ft. June Lake 28 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Oh! Ridge 144 R/DS 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 23.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Reversed Creek 17 5/14 - 10/31 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Silver Lake 63 R 4/29 - 11/13 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,200 ft.

Mammoth Lakes Area MAMMOTH RANGER DISTRICT 760-924-5500 ALONG US 395 Deadman 30 as weather permits none vault none 14 days 7,800 ft. (group) 1 R as weather permits none vault 20.00 14 days 7,800 ft. Obsidian Flat PHOTOS.COM © REDS MEADOW AREA Agnew Meadows 17 A 6/25 - 10/2 piped vault 20.00 14 days 8,400 ft. Agnew Meadows (group) 4 R 6/25 - 9/11 piped vault 33.00-66.00 14 days 8,400 ft. Agnew Meadows (horse) 3 6/25 - 10/2 piped vault 22.00 14 days 8,400 ft. Minaret Falls 27 A 6/25 - 10/2 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Pumice Flat 17 6/25 - 9/11 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,700 ft. Pumice Flat (group) 4 R 6/25 - 9/11 piped flush 66.00-143.00 14 days 7,700 ft. Reds Meadow 52 6/25 - 10/15 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. Upper Soda Springs 28 A 6/25 - 9/11 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,700 ft. MAMMOTH LAKES BASIN Coldwater 77 R 6/24 - 10/2 piped flush 21.00 14 days 8,900 ft. Lake George 16 6/24 - 9/11 piped flush 21.00 7 days 9,000 ft. Lake Mary 48 6/24 - 9/11 piped flush 21.00 14 days 8,900 ft. Pine City 10 6/24 - 9/11 piped flush 21.00 14 days 8,900 ft. Twin Lakes 92 R 6/17 - 10/31 piped flush 21.00 7 days 8,700 ft. DATES: All dates are projected and subject to change due to weather conditions. MAMMOTH VILLAGE AREA FEES: Please check fee information in the New Shady Rest 92 DS / R 5/7 - 11/13 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,800 ft. campgrounds as they are subject to change Old Shady Rest 46 R 5/27 - 9/11 piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,800 ft. or seasonal variations. Pine Glen (group) 7 R 5/27 - 10/2 piped flush 55.00-70.00 14 days 7,800 ft. CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS: Pine Glen (overflow) 10 as needed piped flush 20.00 14 days 7,800 ft. 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov Sherwin Creek 85 R 5/7 - 9/11 piped flush 20.00 21 days 7,600 ft. COMMENT KEY: CONVICT LAKE R = Some sites reservable A = Accessible Convict Lake 85 R / DS / A 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 20.00 7 days 7,600 ft. DS = Dump Station 26 USFS CAMPGROUNDS PRIMITIVE CAMPING Primitive/Dispersed CAMPGROUND NAME SITES COMMENTS OPEN WATER TOILETS FEE $ MAX STAY ELEVATION Camping on the Inyo National Forest CROWLEY Lake Area WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGER DISTRICT 760-873-2500 All National Forest lands are McGEE CREEK open to camping unless McGee Creek 28 R/A 4/29 - 10/24 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. otherwise posted. Check with a Visitor Center for a map that ROCK CREEK shows what areas are closed Aspen (group) 1 R 5/13 - 9/18 piped flush 65.00 8,100 ft. to camping. Big Meadow 11 5/13 - 9/18 piped flush 20.00 7 days 8,600 ft. The advantages to this type of East Fork 133 R 5/20 - 9/26 piped flush 20.00 14 days 9,000 ft. camping are many – peace, French Camp 86 R/DS 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 20.00 21 days 7,500 ft. solitude, and adventure. Holiday (overflow) 35 as needed piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,500 ft. There are a few rules Iris Meadow 14 5/13 - 9/18 piped flush 20.00 7 days 8,300 ft. to follow: Mosquito Flat Trailhead (walk-in) 10 6/17 - 10/31 none none none 1 day 10,100 ft. 1. You will need to have a Palisade (overflow or group) 5 R 5/20 - 9/18 piped flush 20.00-100.00 7 days 8,600 ft. California fire permit for all fires including stoves and Pine Grove 11 5/20 - 9/26 piped vault 20.00 7 days 9,300 ft. charcoal grills Rock Creek Lake 28 5/20 - 9/26 piped flush 20.00 7 days 9,600 ft. (free at a Visitor Center). Rock Creek Lake (group) 1 R 5/20 - 10/31 piped flush 65.00 9,700 ft. 2. If you already have a fire Tuff 34 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 20.00 21 days 7,000 ft. permit, check with local Upper Pine Grove 8 A 5/20 - 9/26 piped vault 20.00 7 days 9,400 ft. authorities for current fire restrictions. 3. Follow Leave No Trace techniques listed on page 23. BISHOP Area WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGER DISTRICT 760-873-2500 4. 28-day stay limit on any BISHOP CREEK district. Big Trees 16 5/13 - 9/18 piped flush 21.00 7 days 7,500 ft. Bishop Park 21 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 21.00 7 days 7,800 ft. Bishop Park (group) 1 R 5/20 - 9/18 piped flush 65.00 7,500 ft. Bitterbrush 30 all year piped vault 21.00 14 days 7,350 ft. Forks 21 4/29 - 10/31 piped flush 21.00 7 days 7,800 ft. Four Jeffrey 106 DS/R/A as needed piped flush 21.00 14 days 8,100 ft. Intake 2 (upper) 8 5/13 - 9/18 piped flush 21.00 7 days 8,200 ft. Intake 2 (walk-in) 5 6/17 - 10/31 piped flush 21.00 7 days 8,200 ft. Mountain Glen 5 5/20 - 9/18 none vault 20.00 7 days 8,200 ft. North Lake (no trailers or RVs) 11 6/3 - 9/11 piped vault 21.00 7 days 9,500 ft. Sabrina 18 5/20 - 9/26 piped vault 21.00 7 days 9,000 ft. Table Mountain (group) 1 R 5/20 - 9/18 none vault 65.00 8,500 ft. Willow 7 6/3 - 9/11 none vault 20.00 7 days 9,000 ft. PHOTOS.COM ©

PETS & CAMPING BIG PINE Area WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGER DISTRICT 760-873-2500 Pets are welcome in the BIG PINE CREEK campgrounds but must be kept Big Pine Creek 30 R 5/6 - 10/31 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,700 ft. leashed and under control at Clyde Glacier (group) 1 R 5/20 - 9/18 piped vault 65.00 7,600 ft. all times. First Falls (walk-in) 5 4/29 - 10/16 none vault none 14 days 8,300 ft. Pets are not allowed at June Palisade Glacier (group) 1 R 5/20 - 9/18 piped vault 65.00 7,600 ft. Lake Beach. Sage Flat 28 A 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,400 ft. Upper Sage Flat 21 R 4/29 - 10/16 piped vault 20.00 14 days 7,600 ft. DATES: All dates are projected and subject to change due to weather conditions. FEES: Please check fee information in the campgrounds as they are subject to change WHITE MOUNTAINS Area WHITE MOUNTAIN RANGER DISTRICT 760-873-2500 or seasonal variations. WHITE MOUNTAINS / BRISTLECONE PINE FOREST AREA CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS: Ferguson (group) 1 none vault 7,200 ft. 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov Grandview 26 4/1 - 10/31 none vault donation 14 days 8,560 ft. COMMENT KEY: R = Some sites reservable Nelson (group) 1 5/1 - 10/17 none vault 7,200 ft. A = Accessible Noren (group) 1 5/20 - 9/19 none vault 7,200 ft. DS = Dump Station 27 USFS CAMPGROUNDS BEARS Bears will usually visit the trash CAMPGROUND NAME SITES COMMENTS OPEN WATER TOILETS FEE $ MAX STAY ELEVATION dumpsters to forage for food, but they will visit your campsite LONE PINE Area MT. WHITNEY RANGER DISTRICT 760-876-6200 if you don’t take the precaution INDEPENDENCE CREEK of storing your food properly. If you are more than an arm’s Lower Grays Meadow 52 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 16.00 14 days 6,000 ft. length away from your food, 29 R 5/27 - 9/26 piped vault 16.00 14 days 9,200 ft. Onion Valley store it in bear proof canisters. Upper Grays Meadow 35 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 16.00 14 days 6,200 ft. Bear proof food lockers in camp- LONE PINE CREEK grounds are normally 48 inches wide, 29 inches deep and 38 Lone Pine 43 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 17.00 14 days 6,000 ft. inches high (24 cubic feet) – Lone Pine (group) 1 R 4/29 - 10/31 piped vault 60.00 14 days 6,000 ft. large enough to store coolers. Whitney Portal 43 R/A 5/20 - 10/24 piped vault 19.00 7 days 8,000 ft. In many areas, storing food Whitney Portal (group) 3 R 5/20 - 10/24 piped vault 60.00 7 days 8,100 ft. in cars is Illegal, and this method should only be used as a last Whitney Trailhead (walk-in) 10 5/20 - 10/24 piped vault 10.00 1 day 8,300 ft. resort in areas that it is allowed. HORSESHOE MEADOW The preferred method of storing Cottonwood Pass Backpacker (walk-in) 18 5/27 - 10/11 piped vault 6.00 1 day 10,000 ft. food is to use the food lockers provided in campgrounds and at Cottonwood Lakes Backpacker (walk-in) 12 5-27 - 10/11 piped vault 6.00 1 day 10,000 ft. trailheads, or to plan so that no Horseshoe Meadow Equestrian (staging) 10 5/27 - 10/11 piped vault 12.00 1 day 10,000 ft. food is left behind in your car. Bears won’t usually bother DATES: All dates are projected and subject to change due to weather conditions. you while you are eating or FEES: Please check fee information in the campgrounds as they are subject to change or seasonal variations. cooking, but always clean up CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov your camp of food and trash COMMENT KEY: promptly after meals. Tents are R = Some sites reservable not smell-proof or bear-proof, A = Accessible therefore you shouldn’t store DS = Dump Station food or anything with a fragrance inside them. Feeding bears, while poten tially hazardous to people, is also detrimental to bears. Our OTHER CAMPGROUNDS food may not provide them with enough of the right calories to CAMPGROUND NAME SITES OPEN WATER TOILETS FEE $ MAX STAY ELEVATION sustain them through winter. In their search for food, bears can MONO LAKE AREA become aggressive towards Lee Vining Canyon (Mono County) 182 4/29 - 10/31 none 8.00 no limit 7,500 ft. people. Eventually, the “problem” Lundy Canyon (Mono County) 60 4/29 - 10/31 none 8.00 no limit 7,600 ft. bear may have to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead CROWLEY LAKE and MAMMOTH LAKES AREA bear. Is it the bear that’s the Crowley Lake (BLM) 47 4/30 - 11/01 none vault 5.00* 14 days 6,800 ft. problem or the people that have Devils Postpile (National Park Service) 21 7/1 - 10/1 piped 16.00 14 days 7,500 ft. been feeding it? Fortunately, there are solutions. The Inyo BISHOP AREA National Forest has retro-fitted Baker Creek (Inyo County) 70 all year yes 10.00 15 days 3,900 ft. trash dumpsters to make them Horton Creek (BLM) 53 5/23 - 11/01 none vault 5.00 14 days 5,000 ft. bear-resistant, and all camp Pleasant Valley (Inyo County) 200 all year yes vault 10.00 14 days 4,100 ft. grounds now have bear-resistant dumpsters. Bear proof food stor Pleasant Valley Pit - Winter (BLM) 60 11/01 - 5/01 none porta 5.00 60 days 4,400 ft. age lockers have been installed Taboose Creek (Inyo County) 55 all year yes 10.00 15 days 3,900 ft. in most campgrounds. Where Tinnemaha Creek (Inyo County) 55 all year yes 10.00 15 days 3,900 ft. lockers are not available, proper food storage by campers is LONE PINE and INDEPENDENCE AREA critical. The Inyo National Forest Diaz Lake (Inyo County) 200 all year piped 25.00 15 days 3,700 ft. has adopted regulations similar Goodale Creek (BLM) 62 4/14 - 11/1 none vault 5.00* 14 days 5,120 ft. to the National Park Service’s Independence Creek (Inyo County) 25 all year piped vault 10.00 15 days 3,800 ft. regulations, and campers can Portagee Joe (Inyo County) 15 all year piped vault 10.00 15 days 3,700 ft. be cited if they fail to store their food properly. It may take Tuttle Creek (BLM) 85 all year none vault 5.00 15 days 5,100 ft. a long time, but the goal is to “teach” bears that humans are The information provided above on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service and County campgrounds is for information purposes not an opportunity for a free only. The Inyo National Forest and the Town of Mammoth Lakes are not responsible for changes in dates or prices. Please contact the campgrounds and easy lunch, and that they directly for the most current information. *Long-Term Visitor Area permits (LTVAs) are available for $300.00 for one summer season and are good should stick with the natural for- at all BLM campgrounds except Horton Creek. age of berries, roots and plants. INYO COUNTY: 760-878-0272 MONO COUNTY: 760-932-5248 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: 760-934-2289 28 PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS / RV PASSES INTERAGENCY CAMPGROUND NAME SITES HOOKUPS OPEN FEE $ ELEVATION PASSES LEE VINING AREA Mono Vista RV Park 65 yes 4/1 - 11/1 19.00 - 33.00 6,700 ft. 760-647-6401 • US 395 at 1st Street, Lee Vining JUNE LAKE AREA Golden Pine RV Park (no tent sites) 25 yes 4/26 - 11/1 24.00 7,600 ft. 760-648-7473 • 98 Gull Lake Road, June Lake Grant Lake RV Park yes Summer only 20.00 7,600 ft. 760-648-7964 • June Lake Loop at Grant Lake no electricity Annual Pass $80 annually June Lake RV Park (no tent sites) 22 yes 4/25 - 11/1 31.25 7,600 ft. 760-648-7967 • 155 S. Crawford Avenue, June Lake • Available at most BLM, FWS, NPS, Reclamation and USFS yes 4/25 - 11/1 11.00 - 20.00 7,600 ft. Pine Cliff RV Park recreation fee areas. 760-648-7558 • Pine Cliff Road, June Lake • Covers access to and use of: Silver Lake Resort 80 yes 4/20 - 10/15 33.00 7,200 ft. BLM, FWS, NPS, Reclamation, 760-648-7525 • Hwy 158, June Lake Loop, June Lake and USFS sites that charge MAMMOTH LAKES AREA entrance or standard amenity fees. Camp High Sierra 50 Summer only 35.00 - 75.00 8,400 ft. 760-934-2368 • Entrance off Lake Mary Road in Mammoth Lakes Brown’s Owens River 90 no April-September 20.00 7,000 ft. 760-920-0975 • Owens River Road off US 395 near Crowley Lake Mammoth Mountain RV Park 182 yes all year 42.00 - 52.00 7,800 ft. 760-934-3822 • 2667 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes BISHOP AREA Brown’s Millpond 70 yes 3/1 - 10/31 20.00 - 25.00 4,500 ft. Senior Pass 760-873-5342 • US 395 north of Bishop (4 persons) $10 lifetime pass Brown’s Town 150 yes 3/1 - 11/30 20.00 - 27.00 4,100 ft. • Obtain in person at staffed 760-873-8522 • US 395 at Schober Lane, Bishop (2 persons) BLM, FWS, NPS, Reclamation Highlands RV Park (no tent sites) 103 yes all year 40.00 4,100 ft. and USFS recreation fee 760-873-7616 • US 395 at Matlick, Bishop areas. J Diamond Mobile Ranch 21 yes all year 25.00-35.00 4,100 ft. • Provide proof of age 760-872-7341 • 771 N. Main Street, Bishop 6 tent sites tents 10.00 (must by 62) and residency. Keogh Hot Springs (Brown’s) 15 yes all year 20.00 - 25.00 4,100 ft. • Covers same access as 760-872-4370 • US 395 at Keough Hot Springs Road, south of Bishop (4 persons) Annual Pass, but also covers 50% discount for some BIG PINE AREA expanded amenity fees such Glacier View (Brown’s) 40 yes all year 12.00 - 17.00 3,900 ft. as camping at USFS 760-872-6911 campgrounds. LONE PINE Access Pass Boulder Creek RV Resort 82 yes all year 33.00 4,000 ft. Free - with proof of permanent 760-876-4243 • 2550 US 395, Lone Pine disability Sierra View RV Park 12 yes all year 31.00 - 35.00 3,700 ft. • Obtain in person at staffed 760-876-5313 • 532 N. Main Street, Lone Pine BLM, FWS, NPS, Reclamation The information provided above on private campgrounds and RV parks is for information purposes only. The Inyo National Forest is not responsible and USFS recreation fee for changes in dates or prices. Please contact the campgrounds directly for the most current information. areas. • Provide proof of permanent HIGH-ALTITUDE TIPS b disability and residency. • Covers same access as The center of Mammoth Lakes is approximately 7,800 feet above sea level, and the elevation at the base Annual Pass, but also covers of Mammoth Mountain near Main Lodge is 9,000 feet. Those that venture to the top of Mammoth Mountain 50% discount for some will sit atop an 11,053-foot high dormant volcano. expanded amenity fees such as camping at USFS What should you do? campgrounds. • Eat lightly and drink plenty of liquids. • Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours of your stay. • Keep warm – layer clothing – and always take a jacket with you. • Avoid sunburn by using sunscreen. • To prevent eye damage, wear sunglasses or goggles with adequate UV protection. • Headache, insomnia and/or fatigue may be signs of a mild form of altitude sickness. You should decrease activity, and visit the local clinic or hospital if symptoms persist.b

29 RV DUMP STATIONS SHOWERS FOR CAMPERS YEAR-ROUND LOCATION APPROX. OPEN DATES DUMP FEE / COMMENTS BISHOP AREA BRIDGEPORT Keough Hot Springs 760-872-4670 Mono Village at Twin Lakes April-October $10.00 $3.00 per person / 7 minutes 760-932-7071 Washtub 236 N. Warren 760-873-6627 $5.00 per person Texaco Mo-Mart April-October $10.00 BIG PINE LEE VINING Hi-Country Market & Hardware 760-938-2068 Lakeview Trailer Court April-October $3.00 $3.50 per person / 10 minutes / Towels 50¢ 760-648-7964 INDEPENDENCE Mono Vista Trailer Park April-October $8.00 Chevron Gas Station & Valley Market 760-878-2618 $5.00 per person 760-647-6401 Fort Independence Campground 760-878-2385 JUNE LAKE Pay $3.00 at Travel Plaza Gas Station Fern Creek Lodge/Store April-October Free LONE PINE 760-648-7741 Boulder Creek RV Resort 760-876-4243 $5.00 per person June Lake Junction April-October $10.00 760-648-7509 Mt. Whitney Hostel 760-876-0030 $5.00 per person with soap and towel / 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oh! Ridge Campground April-October $7.00 MAMMOTH LAKES AREA MAMMOTH LAKES Mammoth Mountain RV Park 760-934-3822 Hwy. 203 / Main St. across from Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center Community Water District Year-round Free Open year-round 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily 760-934-2596 $6.00 per person / Towel and soap not included Mammoth Mountain RV Park Year-round $6.00 760-934-3822 Water $5.00 SUMMER ONLY New Shady Rest FS Campground April-October $7.00 BISHOP AREA Free to Shady Rest campers Bishop Creek Lodge 760-873-4484 $5.00 per person / 10 minutes CONVICT LAKE Parchers Resort 760-873-4177 Convict Lake Campground April-October Free $6.00 per person / 10 minutes ROCK CREEK AREA ROCK CREEK Rock Creek Lake Resort 760-935-4311 French Camp FS Campground April-October $7.00 $2.00 per person / 5 minutes / $1.00 each additional 2.5 minutes Rock Creek Lodge 760-935-4170 BISHOP $5.00 per person / Towel and soap not included Four Jeffrey FS Campground April-October $7.00 MAMMOTH LAKES AREA Highlands Trailer Park Year-round $5.00 Camp High Sierra 760-934-2368 213-485-4853 760-873-7616 Entrance across from Bridges Condos on Lake Mary Road • 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily $3.00 per person / Towel and soap not included / Free to registered campers Shell Station/Car Wash Year-round $12.00 Sign-in at the lodge / Wheelchair access. 760-873-8283 Convict Lake Resort 760-934-3800 Convict Lake Store, at Convict Lake INDEPENDENCE 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays • 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. weekends Division Creek Rest Stop Year-round Free $2.00 token for a two-minute shower / Purchase tokens at the store / Towel and soap not included / Towel rental $2.00. LONE PINE Lake Mary Marina 760-934-5353 Boulder Creek RV Park Year-round $10.00 Lake Mary Loop in Mammoth Lakes Basin • 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday 760-876-4243 $4.00 per person / Towel and soap not included Mammoth Mountain Inn 760-934-2581 • Open 24 hours daily in summer COSO JUNCTION Minaret Road across from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge $6.00 per person / Includes towel, shampoo / Coin-op laundromat Coso Junction Rest Stop (Caltrans) Year-round Free Reds Meadow Campground 760-924-5500 • Open 24 hours daily DEATH VALLEY A natural hot spring bath house in Reds Meadow Campground. No charge, donations welcome at donation box by showers. Death Valley National Park Year-round $20.00 Park entrance fee 760-786-2331 Twin Lakes Store 760-934-7295 Twin Lakes in Mammoth Lakes Basin • 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily Furnace Creek Campground Year-round Free with Park entrance fee $4.00 per person / Towel and soap not included / Towel rental $1.00 Mesquite Springs Campground Year-round Free with Park entrance fee Whitmore Pool 760-935-4222 Stovepipe Wells Campground October-April Free with Park entrance fee Benton Crossing Road off of US 395 • 1-4 p.m. weekdays • 1-5 p.m. weekends Non-resident $3.00 per person / Soap dispenser available / Towel rental $1.00 Sunset Springs Campground October-April Free with Park entrance fee Call first, in case facility is closed for swim meet or private function. Texas Springs Campground October-April Free with Park entrance fee Prices, hours and availability are subject to change without notice. 30 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>

>>> Tread Lightly! >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> he Forest has many unpaved roads of varied terrain that T provide miles of fun for the mountain bike or off-highway vehicle rider. Pick up the brochure which shows designated routes and follow the few simple rules listed here, and remember to… TREAD LIGHTLY! PHOTOS.COM iSTOCK © © Tips for Mountain Biking and OHV Touring Target Shooting Stay on Open Forest Roads Mammoth Lakes • Closed roads will be posted. Not all bicycle trails are open to OHV use. Use any dispersed area east of US • Comply with signs and barriers, and leave gates as you found them. 395 for shooting with the exception • Wilderness areas are off-limits to all bicycles and motorized vehicles. of the area in and around the geothermal plant. A popular area for Protect the Environment shooting is located east of Mammoth • Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks. Lakes on the Antelope Springs Road. • Meadows, lake shores, stream banks and vegetation are easily damaged. Go east on Hwy 203 and continue Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion. under the US 395 overpass. Turn • Do not drive on snow-covered roads! left onto Antelope Springs Road • Teach new riders trail etiquette. (first left after the northbound ramp). • Don’t litter! Pack out more than your share. Lead by example. Drive approximately one mile and Ride Safely, Stay in Control then continue an additional ½ mile • You share the forest with other users. Be considerate of hikers on a dirt road. The shooting area is and equestrians. Horses can be unpredictable, so yield to them. located on the right. • Wear your helmet and protective gear! Lone Pine Shooting is discouraged in the Plan Your Trip Alabama Hills, particularly along • Take the 10 essentials (listed on page 5). Movie Road. Instead, head east to • Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. the foothills of the Inyo Mountains • Don’t ride alone, be sure to tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans. and find myriad spots where you can • Don’t take unnecessary chances – help for emergencies may be miles away. practice. Off Hwy 136 out of Lone OHV Regulations Pine, turn left on the Dolomite • Off-Highway Vehicles must have a California Green or Red Sticker or be registered with the Dept. of Motor Loop Road and continue until the Vehicles and have a USFS-approved spark arrester. turnoff for the old Owenyo Road. • If OHVs are operated in campgrounds, they must be “street legal” and obey the posted speed limits. Here, to the east of the road, you’ll • Out-of-state OHV operators must carry their out-of-state identification and don’t need a California find plenty of great spots to get in Green Sticker. some target practice, particularly • If your state doesn’t require registration, you must purchase a non-resident sticker. around the “Haystack.” DO NOT LEAVE SHELLS, BROKEN Further information is available at all Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers. GLASS OR TARGETS BEHIND. 31 >>> Inyo National Forest>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> VISITOR CENTERS >>> >>> >>> >>> Maps, Guides, Books and Educational Products Lee Mono Basin Vining The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association . Scenic Area zVisitor Center (ESIA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the educational, historical, scientific, and interpretive activities of the Inyo National INYO Forest. The organization also sells interpretive Benton books, guides, maps, and visitor materials at NATIONAL FOREST visitor centers and on their website, at Mammoth Lakes www.esiaonline.com. Proceeds from sales June California INYO directly benefit projects in the Eastern Sierra. Lake Welcome Center You can reach any one of the ESIA bookstores NA TIONAL to ask questions or order products over the z. FOREST phone by calling the Inyo National Forest Mammoth ranger station, visitor center, or welcome Lakes center nearest to your point of interest. Inyo National Forest Ancient Visitor Centers Bristlecone Pine There are five visitor centers located in Visitor the Inyo National Forest. All visitor centers Bishop z. Center offer interpretive displays, staff to answer . White your questions and bookstores teeming with zMountain area information and maps provided by the Ranger Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. Station Interpretive programs are also often available. Call or write for further information. www.fs.usda.gov/inyo Big Pine Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center INYO 760-647-3044 www.twitter.com/monoinfo NATIONAL US 395, P.O. Box 429, Lee Vining, CA 93541 FOREST Summer hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Spring & Fall hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday - Monday Closed December through March Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center / Mammoth Ranger Station 760-924-5500 www.twitter.com/mammothinfo 2510 Hwy 203 Independence P.O. Box 148, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily White Mountain Ranger Station 760-873-2500 Lone Pine www.twitter.com/bishopinfo 798 N. Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514 This publication has . Summer hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily zInterAgency been made possible Winter hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Visitor Center through the cooperative Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center efforts of the U.S. Forest Service, the National Schulman Grove Park Service, and the Summer only: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Eastern Sierra Interpretive Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center/ INYO Association, a nonprofit Mt. Whitney Ranger Station organization. NA TIONAL 760-876-6222 / 760-876-6200 Your donations to ESIA www.twitter.com/lonepineinfo FOREST Olancha will help in continuing to P.O. Box R, Lone Pine, CA 93545-2017 provide publications and Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (November through April) programs throughout the Summer Hours: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily (May through October) Eastern Sierra.

6/2011 32