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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO IINNYYOOCCOOUUNNTTYY

11 TH EDITION www.TheOtherSideOfCalifornia.com

Table of Contents Chamber of Commerce of Inyo County Birds Come Back to Owens Page 4 Bishop Chamber of Commerce & Borax Wagons Find A New Home Page 6 Visitor Center 690 N. Main St. Bishop, CA 93514 Enchanting Fall Colors Page 8 760-873-8405 1-888-395-3952 760-873-6999 Enjoy Bishop’s Big Backyard Page 10 [email protected] www.bishopvisitor.com

Appealing Adventures in Lone Pine Page 11 Chamber of Commerce 118 Highway 127 Everyone Loves A Parade Page 12 P.O. Box 157 , CA 92384 760-852-4524 Historic Independence Page 14 760-852-4144 www.deathvalleychamber.org Direct Results Media, Inc. Direct ResultsLone Media, Pine Inc. Big Pine: An Adventure Hub Page 15 Chamber of Commerce 124 Main St BusinessPO B oCardsx 749 Inyo County Fun Facts Page 16 Lone Pine, CA 93545 Rodney Preul Ph: 760-876-4444 Fx: 760-876-9205 Sales Associate Owens Links LA And Inyo Page 17 [email protected] https://w3.5x2ww.lonepinechamber.org Inyo Attractions At A Glance Page 19 6000 Bel Aire Way Cell: 760-382-1640 Bakersfield, CA 93301 [email protected] The 2018 Inyo County Visitor Guide is produced by the Lone Pine Chamber of Government Agencies: Commerce and the County of Inyo. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contents do not necessarily reflect the views 760-872-4881 of the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce or the County of Inyo. (Except for our view that Inyo County is a spectacular place to visit. County of Inyo We will definitely own that one.) 760-878-0366

The County of Inyo has permission to use all Death Valley National Park the photos in this publication, which Directwas a Results760 -7Media,86-3200 Inc. Direct Results Media, Inc. condition of entering the photos in the Inyo County Photo Shoot Out photo contest, Interagency co-sponsored by the Lone Pine Chamber of Visitors Center Commerce and the County of Inyo. Jerry Elford760-876-6222 Robert Asianian Inyo NaDirecttional ResultsForest -Media,Superv Inc.isior Direct Results Media, Inc. Sales Associate760-873-2400 Sales Manager Business Cards Mt. WhitneRodneyy Rang ePreulr Station 760Sales-876- Associate6200 6000 Bel Aire3.5x2 Way Cell: 661-972-3596 Cell: 760-382-1800 6000 BelW hAireit Waye MountainCell: Ra 760-382-1640nger Station 6000 Bel Aire Way Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield, CA 93301 [email protected]@gmail.com0-873-2500 Bakersfield, CA 93301 [email protected]

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 3 Direct Results Media, Inc. Direct Results Media, Inc.

Jerry Elford Robert Asianian Sales Associate Sales Manager

6000 Bel Aire Way Cell: 661-972-3596 6000 Bel Aire Way Cell: 760-382-1800 Bakersfield, CA 93301 [email protected] Bakersfield, CA 93301 [email protected] Garners International Shorebird Designation Just like the migratory birds, the birders. documenting the lake’s bird accolades just keep coming to the The Shorebird Reserve Network populations for decades and Owens Lake. designation was announced during advocating for the birds and the Earlier this spring, the sprawling the 4th annual Owens Lake Bird habitats that sustain them. Tom and lake was named a prestigious Festival, earlier this spring. The event Jo Heindel, of Big Pine, have been Hemisphere Shorebird is sponsored by the Friends of the watching the lake and the birds since Reserve Network site of international Inyo and attracted more than 140 coming to the area in 1972. They are importance. The designation was a birders from around the country to the compiling a survey of every species of confirmation of the stunning Owens Lake and Lone Pine. The bird to visit Inyo County in the last 150 transformation of the once dry and group reported festival goers years. Mike Prather, of Lone Pine, got dusty, 100-square-mile lake south of recorded well over 100 different his first look at the birds on Owens Lone Pine into a man-made haven for species of birds on the lake, ranging Lake in 1985. Since then he has all manner of birds. from falcons to ducks to swallows to researched the bird activity on the There are only 104 Western avocets to grebes. lake and worked with all the groups Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve The new designation does not involved in the lake’s revival, from the Network sites. They stretch from the provide any legally binding State of to duck hunters to southern tip of South America to protections. The group does the District to Alaska. The sites earn the designation coordinate conservation efforts and the Department of Water based on the number of shorebirds publicity as a way to protect declining and Power. they attract and the sites’ value with shorebird habitats before they are In recent years, the West’s saline regard to providing critical habitat to damaged or destroyed. The Audubon , such as Owens Lake and the the many species of migratory Society has also recognized the Great Lake, have become shorebirds. Some of those birds stop importance of Owens Lake to important destinations for migratory off at the Owens Lake to refuel while migrating birds and other wildlife. birds as other lakes and making mind-numbing, marathon Those designations and recognition have disappeared. The next migrations from South America to the serve as a validation and threatened lake, according to Arctic. Upwards of 100,000 birds can commendation of the work done on conservationists and the Audubon convene on the lake at the peak of the the lake by several local Society, is the rapidly shrinking Salton migration seasons, according to local conservationists, who have been Sea. That huge inland lake has been Continued on page 5

Birders on Owens Lake: Birders using binoculars and long camera lenses while observing birds on the Owens Lake. Photo courtesy Mike Prather 4 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Some of the participants on the Owens Lake during the fourth annual Owens Lake Bird Festival earlier this year. Photo courtesy Ben Wickman, Friends of the Inyo.

Owens Lake

Continued from page 4 the lakebed, or about half of the dry amount of dust coming of the lake had in decline for years and has been lake, had received some sort of dust been reduced by 95 percent. targeted for rehabilitation. The “treatment.” After spending about $2 And the birds have returned. turnaround at the Owens Lake could billion on the dust control project, the provide a template for the Salton Sea and other western lakes, the Audubon noted. Rob Clay, the director of the shorebird reserve network, noted that the years of work to bring bird life back to the lake was an example of how human welfare and conservation can be linked to create positive results for local residents and the environment. residents are familiar with the story of the lake’s new life. The lake dried up in the 1920s because the , which used to feed the lake, was diverted into the ALL HOMEMADE , leaving the MEATS SIDEKICKS lake to slowly dry up. After a number Brisket Potato Salad    Tri Tip Mac N Cheese of lawsuits and a resulting court order, Smokehouse Beans      in 2001 the Los Angeles Department Ribs Cornbread      of Water and Power began a massive, Pulled Pork Baked Potato landscape-scale project to reduce the Sausage Side Salad billowing dust that came off the lake. SWEET TOOTH That project included planting Country Apple Crisp • Banana Pudding vegetation or covering dust- Get It Until It’s Gone! generating areas with gravel or using shallow flooding to stop the dust. The DINE IN • TAKE OUT • CATERING shallow flooding almost immediately 772 N. Main St., Bishop, CA started attracting birds. Eventually, about 55 square miles of 760-872-4227 www.HolySmokeTexasStyleBBQ.com       INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 5 Bobby Tanner and his crew bring Borax 20-Mule Team Wagons down the Mule Days Parade Route in 2017. After a roundabout trip, the Borax Wagons are Home at Laws The instantly recognizable Borax annual Mule Days Parade. roof send splashes of sunshine on the 20-Mule Team Wagons took a bit of a The local pride came from two wagons. Long, white walls await roundabout route to their new home in sources. First was the familiar face of additional photos and explanatory an impressive, brand new barn at the longtime Eastern Sierra packer and text. Those final touches will be added Laws Railroad Museum and Historic teamster Bobby Tanner who helped as time goes on, thanks to a Village. bring the wagons back to life and collaboration between Laws and the The first leg of that journey involved personally maneuvers the huge Bishop-based American Mule nearly a decade of research and work wagons pulled by 20 mules, working Museum. and fundraising that eventually two abreast, down the parade route. Besides those two local groups, the resulted in the construction of the Second, the 20-Mule Team and Borax non-profit Death Valley Conservancy huge, historically accurate wagons are both local products and local and Rio Tinto Borates (formerly Pacific and the gear needed to hitch 20 legends that contributed mightily to Borax), also played critical mules to the two big freight wagons the notoriety and ongoing mystique of roles in bringing the 20-Mule Team and the water tank rolling behind the Death Valley region, Inyo County’s back home to Inyo County. them. premiere tourist attraction. Tanner addressed the crowd and Once the wagons were ready to roll Finally, after dazzling yet another recalled how, about 10 years ago, he in 2016, they were re-introduced to Mule Days crowd this year, the contacted Howard Holland, the the public by rolling down some pretty wagons headed for their new talented exhibit designer and board impressive boulevards. First came the permanent home. On Memorial Day, member of Laws Museum, with what Pasadena Rose Parade, a California May 28, a crowd of about 100 came Tanner called “a scheme” to build New Year’s Day tradition known to Laws to help dedicate the new, replica borax wagons. And now, after around the world. Then the wagons Borax 20-Mule Team Wagon Barn. years of work and even more and mules ventured through The big wagons were in the barn “scheming,” the wagons and their , D.C. to help celebrate and, even without a cadre of mules, new home at Laws are a reality. Independence Day on the National dazzled the crowd. The big, back While touring the country with the Mall in the nation’s capital. wheels are 7-feet high. The wagon wagons, Tanner said the real “eye While those parades have their fans box towers above the big wheels. The opener” was that so many people, and carry a tad of prestige in the wagons are made of a beautiful, whether in Kansas, Ohio or Maryland, world’s eyes, in the Eastern Sierra the lightly stained wood. In contrast, recognized the 20 mule team and crowning achievement of the 20-Mule dozens of black bolts dot the wagon wagons. Especially those from farm Team Borax Wagons came when the boxes in a testament to the authentic families or those who were familiar whole outfit starred as one of the wagon-building trades that created with mules, “knew exactly what they crowd favorites during several trips the rolling historical replicas. The barn were looking at” when they down Bishop’s Main Street during the itself is first-class. The skylights in the Continued on page 6 6 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Borax Wagons

Continued from page 6 approached the huge wagons. Part of the reason for the wagons’ notoriety, he added, came from “Ron Reagan” who hosted the TV show “,” sponsored by Borax and featuring the wagons. Of course, “Ron” is also known as the former , of the and, most importantly, one-time Grand Marshall of the Mule Days Parade. While the 20-mule team can seem like “a local thing,” Tanner assured the crowd that “this is a significant deal,” and the Borax wagons and the 20-mule team is still “an American icon.” Tanner then recalled how one man had an out-sized impact on Two, huge Borax 20-Mule Team Wagons and trailing water tank at the new wagon barn at the the wagon project. In 1999, Rose Laws Railroad Museum. Parade officials contacted Borax possible, along and asked if the company could bring with the the famed wagons and mules to the outpouring of parade. The company had marketed support and “20-Mule Team Borax” from 1906 donations from to1950. But most company officers individuals and did not want to revive the wagons. organizations. But one corporate officer turned that Another, even thinking around and started the tougher obstacle process to bring the wagons back, was who could Tanner said as a way to introduce manage the Preston Chiaro. He was managing the mules and mine at the time, and knew the wagons. “Driving Eastern Sierra. More important, he a 20-mule team knew the Tanner family as the packers was a lost art,” at Red’s Meadow. he said. Enter He got the wagon idea turned Bobby Tanner around in the corporate offices. Then and his crew. he was able to see the project through Then came to completion since he eventually years of became president of US Borax, which painstaking was owned by Rio Tinto at the time – research the most recent name for the Borax followed by Company, which was known as exacting construction and fabrication watching the mules and wagons Pacific Coast Borax when it built the using 19th and early 20th century perform in parades large and small, first borax wagons to haul the mineral wagon-building skills and Chiaro said it is easy to see the out of its Death Valley mines. “technology.” “magic” created by the imposing, “These wagons have a real power,” Once completed and rolling, Chiaro vintage vehicles. “It sparks peoples’ Chiaro told the crowd. “It’s the power noted that a special aspect of the imagination.” of an idea, and that idea is the sight of the wagons in action is that And now, people can visit the development of the West.” “there is a beauty about it,” as 20 wagons in their new, home barn at Chiaro noted that Rio Tinto put up a mules work in unison and respond to Laws, and let their imagination run $150,000 challenge grant that made the commands of the teamsters. After wild. the fabrication of the wagons INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 7 Fall Colors Will Leaf you Happy, After a Little Extra Effort Most visitors who drive up and down US 395 through Inyo County are impressed by the striking landscapes on both sides of the road. On one side is the dramatic upshot of granite peaks that make up the Sierra. Opposite the Sierra, subtle colors mix on the more rounded slopes of the White and Inyo . What many people aren’t able to see from the valley floor are impressive displays of fall colors when crisp autumn temperatures turn the leaves of cottonwood trees, aspens, willows and oaks into a vibrant explosion of shades of yellows, reds and green. That’s because those colorful sights hide a bit, in valleys and lakes, from the casual observer. That is one of several differences between the Eastern Sierra’s fall color season and the more well-known fall color hotspots, such as New England or the Rocky Mountains. Those regions’ entire mountain landscapes turns into sweeping, colorful sights. The wooded hills and mountains are covered completely with color. In the Eastern Sierra, on the other hand, the leafy trees do not typically cover entire mountains. Instead, there are little stands and groves of trees at a certain range of elevation off the valley floor. Those higher-altitude trees turn colors first. Then, later in the fall, the big cottonwoods and other trees on the valley floor take their turn as colorful characters. That means Inyo County’s fall color season has a nice long run. Another unique aspect to the fall color season is that for the most part the striking scenery can be viewed by simply driving up well-known local roads that reach into the high country. The key is to time the drive to match the colors. For years, locals and late-season anglers and hikers pretty much had the colorful display of fall foliage to themselves. But that little secret turned out to be hard to keep. Transplants to California from more forested states who were tired of beach scenes and huge, green pine trees, tried to duplicate the leaf-peeping scenes they left behind.

Continued on page 9

8 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Fall Colors Continued from page 8 and though valleys. So it’s not colorful show. Keep an eye out for tall, The Sierra, with its four season and uncommon to start out seeing sprawling cottonwoods that stand by mountains was an obvious place to summer-green trees, then trees that themselves in fields. When these look. have partly turned and finally get to individual trees turn, they are quite a Once the word was out, all it took to trees in full color. It’s almost like you’re sight. Trees in each town also turn transform a local tradition into a state- hot on the trail of fall color. later in the season, so go ahead and wide “must see” was a little take a few minutes to drive promotion, a few years’ worth through town toward the Sierra. of Travel Section media In most cases, you will be able coverage, and especially the to see big, mature trees turning proliferation of web pages, color with big Sierra peaks as blogs and social media that a backdrop. made it easy for everyone to The Bishop Creek Drainage post dozens of stunning color offers numerous fall color photos. (The leading web page sights in a fairly compact area. for fall color updates in the In early fall, North Lake is a Sierra and throughout the state landmark sight, and well worth is still the first website devoted the drive, since the road itself solely to fall color spotting, is flanked by tall, colorful reporting and enjoying: aspens. The appropriately www.californiafallcolors.com, named community of with its catchy slogan, “Dude, autumn Aspendell is a color oasis, as is the happens here, too.”) WHERE TO GO Cardinal Village, which you can see Now, fall color is a “season” that from the road above the tree-packed occurs right after summer. Once the In general, you can find fall colors in little canyon. Lake Sabrina has a cooler weather arrives, so do eager about any Eastern Sierra high country couple of spots that are favorites, from leaf-peepers. Coming in cars or location in Inyo County. Well-known the creek to the slow moving water trucks, singly in or in groups, people roads that to the backcountry and bridge just below the lake. The start cruising the roads leading into typically move through the band of lake itself reflects Sierra peaks and the Sierra, from Cottonwood Pass to aspens, cottonwoods and willows that blasts of color leading to those peaks. Bishop Creek. Some people are make up the best fall color viewing. The road to South Lake offers one of content to simply drive up and down That means routes such as the longer, uninterrupted stretches of the road and view the colorful sights Cottonwood Pass and the Whitney colorful trees decorating hillsides, from the comfort of their vehicle. Portal Road in the Lone Pine area will ponds, an outstanding waterfall, and Others get out and work their camera deliver you to fall color viewing. the meandering creek before to capture the autumn scene before Likewise with Onion Valley Road out reaching the lake itself. them. of Independence, and Lodge The key to a successful search is to Road out of Big Pine. CHECK go slow and really look. While there Later in the fall, just the drive on US Check www.californiafallcolors.com are some places where large swaths for the latest reports and fall color in - 395 will yield colorful sights as the formation. of trees cover a large area, the trees along the valley floor put on a smaller, more intimate stands of trees are just as compelling. A single stand of aspens in the middle of field of granite offers quite a sight. As does a STEEAKSAKS • S AANNDWICHESDWICHES stretch of willows alongside a stream. A cluster of color set off by a background of green pines offers an RIBSIBS • P ASSTATA interesting contrast. The soft reflection of color in a small pond or lake can be AANDND SSOO MMUUCHCH MOORERE ! a unique photo. Another unique aspect to the fall color season is that it’s usually fairly Totem Cafe (760) 8876-472676-4726 easy to see Nature at work. Trees at higher elevations turn color first, then 131 S. Main Street • Lone Pine, CA as time passes the wave of color literally moves down mountainsides Open Daily - Best Outdoor Patio - Gift Shop INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 9 Enjoy Bishop’s Big Backyard Bishop’s setting is an irresistible competitions, with the top competitors are all easily accessed from Bishop draw to outdoor enthusiasts, artists vying for World Championships in all Creek Canyon, as are miles of some and businesses alike. The town is disciplines. The championships, of the finest trout fishing streams in world famous for its scenery, hiking, comedy classes, packing contests California. fishing, climbing, hunting, bakeries and world class specialty acts all take A multitude of additional and for its mules. Bishop and its center stage in multiple arenas Friday recreational areas are found in the surrounding area is the primary through Sunday. The world-famous Bishop area. Pine Creek, Rock Creek, commercial and population hub for Mule Days Parade on Saturday, is one the , Fish Slough Inyo County and west central . of the largest non-motorized parades and Pleasant Valley Reservoir are all The Bishop Mule Days Celebration in the nation. less than 30 minutes from downtown is a six-day event taking place Bishop also offers an abundance of Bishop. Tuesday through Sunday the week outdoor recreation and cultural Rock climbing has become another before Memorial Day on the Tri- activities. Highway 168 travels deep very popular form of outdoor County Fairgrounds in Bishop, into the Mountains, recreation in the Bishop area. The California. The 14-show event providing access to scores of “Buttermilks” about 10 miles west of showcases mules in English, campgrounds and trailheads. North Bishop, offers excellent bouldering Dressage, Driving, Reining and Youth Lake, South Lake and Sabrina Lake opportunities for everyone from beginners to climbers with the highest of skills. The Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center on West Line St reflects the history and culture of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) people. The Cultural Center showcases the art and life way of these indigenous people, who have lived in the Eastern Sierra for thousands of years. Visitors to the Cultural Center will also enjoy cultural displays, collections of Native American artifacts, historical archives and media. About 5 miles northeast of Bishop is Laws Railroad Museum. Located on the site of the former Laws Railroad station and rail yard, the land, 1883 depot, locomotive and rail cars, and other buildings were donated to Inyo County and the City of Bishop by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1960. The museum is operated by the Bishop Museum and Historical Society. The Laws Museum also houses an extensive collection of natural, civic, literary and ecclesiastical artifacts and history of the Owens Valley. You’ll find no shortages of services in the town of Bishop. With several hundred motel rooms, more than 30 restaurants and nearly 50 stores, you can rest assured that whatever your need, you’ll be able to find it in Bishop. 10 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Lone Pine offers plenty of appealing adventures Inyo County visitors can spend an entire week’s vacation enjoying the many offerings the quaint town of Lone Pine has to offer. From world- class outdoor adventure to award- winning museums, Lone Pine ranks at the top of attractions that appeal to everyone. Hikers and climbers are drawn to the magic that is Mt. Whitney. Only 12 miles from downtown Lone Pine lays Whitney Portal, the starting point for those heading for the summit of tallest U.S. peak outside Alaska. Note, this is not a stroll in the woods. High altitude hiking (Mt. Whitney peaks out at 14,508 feet) can drain the most fit and experienced climber. Be prepared with water, food and extra clothing. The trek usually requires an overnight stay. A camp store and outstanding café are found at the Portal, along with a campers and RV and car campers. and highlights those films made in the Forest Service campground, an Anglers will find several area in and around Lone Pine from the incredible waterfall, a fishing pond a opportunities to land the “big one” in early days of the Round Up to the Forest Service campground, and the Lone Pine area. Tuttle Creek and modern blockbusters of today such as shorter hiking trails that offer a good Lone Pine Creek are located just on Iron Man. While you’re here, don’t trek into the wooded Sierra. Additional the edge of town and are well stocked forget to make the short trip up campgrounds and RV parks also dot by the California Department of Fish Whitney Portal Road and take the Self the area, providing many camping and Wildlife. It takes a little work to get Guided Tour of Movie Road to get a options that suit a wide variety of to the Lower Owens River, but it can first-hand look at real shooting camping experiences. be worth the effort. Just three miles locations of a great many of the The located just south of Lone Pine is . motion pictures filmed in the beautiful outside of town on Whitney Portal Fishing for bluegill, bass and brown Alabama Hills. Road offer a variety of outdoor trout is popular here. Lone Pine is a full-service town, options. Climbers can scale the The Museum of Western Film offering several excellent motels, landmark “Shark Fin.” Those seeking History contains world class exhibits restaurants, a variety of retail stores a less strenuous adventure can tour depicting the important role Lone Pine and many other visitor conveniences. the many dirt roads to seek out great has played in the production of The Interagency Visitor Center, views of the towering Sierra and Mt. Hollywood movies, film and located south of town at the Whitney. An added bonus are the commercials. The Museum contains intersection of Highways 136 and 395, numerous rock arches located in the an extensive collection of real movie is an excellent source of information hills, which are ready made for costumes, movie cars, props, posters as is the Lone Pine Chamber of photos. Camping is allowed in the and other memorabilia. This collection Commerce, located on Main Street. Hills, which can accommodate tent represents a history of western film

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 11 Everyone In Inyo County Loves a Parade

Photos from the Bishop Christmas Parade; the Independence 4th of July Parade; the Bishop Mule Days Parade; the Lone Pine Christmas Parade.

12 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Everyone In Inyo County Loves a Parade

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 13 Enjoy Historic Independence For years Independence has been considered by many travelers to be a place to pass by quickly on the way to greater destinations. But for those that take a moment to explore “Indy” and the surrounding area, a wealth of adventure, culture and history are soon revealed. Independence is the county seat of Inyo County. Built in 1927, the magnificent Inyo County Courthouse sits grandly in the center of town, and is one of a select group of county courthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Independence boasts one of the best collections of historic buildings in Inyo County. The Edwards House on West Market Street was built in the early 1860s. The adobe portion is the oldest structure still standing in Inyo County. The “Commander’s House” was originally built at nearby Fort three blocks west of the courthouse, just three miles north of town. At the Independence, also in the 1860s. houses much of the region’s rich time of its construction, Fish and Later chunks and portions of the history. The museum displays a Game Commissioner M. J. Connell original building were moved into diverse collection of artifacts, historic instructed his team “to design a town, and various additions and photographs, an extensive Native building that would match the expansions were completed to create American basket collection, mining mountains, would last forever, and the two-story home that stands today. and farming equipment, the history of would be a showplace for all time.” Mary Austin lived in Independence Los Angeles and its aqueduct in the The walls of the building are for several years in a home on West Owens Valley, a local history research constructed using native granite Market Street and completed her library, the Mary DeDecker native collected within a quarter mile of the book, Land of Little Rain, in this house plant garden and a bookstore. The site. The massive walls are two to in 1903. She went on to write dozens recently restored Southern Pacific three feet thick. of novels and plays which earned her Locomotive #18, the narrow-gauge Today the Hatchery and its beautiful a well-deserved spot in the pre-WWII Slim Princess, is also on exhibit at the grounds are operated and maintained American literary scene. A California museum. The museum can also by the non-profit Friends of the Mt State historical marker in front of the provide you with a map of the town, Whitney Hatchery. The shady private residence (not open to the highlighting the many historic grounds and main pond are excellent public) describes her ties to the valley buildings and points of interest you for relaxing, a picnic, and fish viewing. and town. can visit on a short walking tour. Volunteers staff a gift shop and give The Museum, The Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery lies tours inside the hatchery during the summer. This is an excellent place to stop and take a few minutes to enjoy Full Hook-Ups the beauty and the history of the Pool & Spa Eastern Sierra. Cabins Independence is a great place to Mini Mart • Wi-Fi stop and spend a few hours or a few Pull Throughs days. It has plenty of room for the soul to expand and the imagination to Laundry soar. From the clouds called the Clubhouse RV R E S O RT Sierra Wave to the brilliance of the Complimentary GIFT STORE night time stars, Independence is Muffins & Coffee more than a rest stop. Independence Golf Nearby is a place of quiet beauty that is rarely  found, but can be greatly treasured. Dog Park       HOV Access Come and discover for yourself the        wonderful town of Independence. 14 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Explore In All Directions From Big Pine Big Pine is the hub for exploring Some of the Eastern Sierra’s finest mostly of dirt and there are no some of the grandest areas in the fishing is found in and around Big facilities, but the scenery is wonderful region, from the Sierra Nevada in the Pine. Throughout the picturesque Big and 75 miles farther is the north end west to the White Mountains in the Pine Creek are numerous fishing of the Park near Scotty’s Castle. east. spots, starting just a couple of miles The list of “things to do” while in Big In the center of town is Crocker outside town and continuing all the Pine could go on and on. Take the Street, which heads west and climbs way to the end of the road 17 miles time on your next visit to the Owens into the Sierra. The road ascends the away. Close to town is the well- Valley to experience some of these mighty Sierra escarpment and enters stocked Baker Ponds: turn west on world-class and one of a kind Big Pine Canyon, winding along Big Baker Creek Road, go about a mile to adventures with friends and family. Pine Creek to campgrounds, cabins, the campgrounds and from there the They’ll provide memories for a lifetime. a supply store, and a pack outfit for ponds are easy to find. The Owens horseback excursions into the River, about a mile east of Big Pine on backcountry. At road’s end, lace up S.R. 168, abounds with trout and MMUSEUMUSEUM • NAATIVETIVE GGARDENARDEN • GGIFTIFT SSHOPHOP LOOCALCAL NNATIVEATIVE AAMERICANMERICAN CCRAFTSRAFTS your hiking boots and head up trails warm water species like catfish, bass that lead to unparalleled scenery and and others. adventure including one of Big Pine’s There is also a “back road” to Death several claims to fame: the Palisades Valley National Park from Big Pine; be Glacier, the largest glacier in the cautious, though, because the road is Sierra Nevada. The Ancient Forest, high in the White Mountains, is home to trees that are among the oldest living things on earth, dating to over 5,000 years old. A good paved road via Hwy 168 to the Schulman Grove from the north end of Big Pine. A Visitor Center provides daily interpretive talks and natural history lectures mid-June through Labor Day. Three interpretive hiking trails lead 2300 West Line St. • Bishop, CA visitors to close up views of 760-873-8844 these grand trees and stupendous views of the far off Puublicblic WWelcomeelcome Sierras. Be sure and bring a Addmissionmission bbyy DDonationonation camera for one-of- a-kind photos. Informative Oppenen YYearear RRoundound Hooursurs ooff OOperation:peration: interpretive signs will help you Wiiinterntterr (((Oct.-Mar.)Occtt..--Marr..)) TTues-Satuess--Satt 110am0 am ttoto 44pmpm understand the uniqueness of SSummerummerr ((Apr.-Sept.)(Aprr..--Septt..)) TTues-Sunuess--Sun 1100 aamm tttoo 66pmpm these noble trees as you wwwwww.bishoppaiutetribe.com/culturalcenter.bishoppaiutetribe.com/culturalcenter meander along. The Grandview Campground makes for a delightful base camp to explore the        nearby region. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory is located just a few miles northeast of town. These large white discs, seen from Hwy 395, are FRONTIER owned and operated by Caltech and provides astronomers the ability to MOTEL conduct extensive research of the stars and our solar system. Caltech  " " offers occasional Open House events   $  for the public to tour its fascinating ###!"#!"   research facilities.   $  INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 15 Fast Fun Facts about Inyo County Inyo County is home to the highest Inyo County has the lowest Five Indian reservations were point in the contiguous 48 states, census-designated area in the U.S., established in Inyo County the Mt. Whitney and the lowest spot in Furnace Creek which is 179 feet 1930’s. The Bishop Paiute the western hemisphere, Badwater. below sea level. Reservation, the Big Pine Paiute Reservation, the Lone Pine Methuselah, an ancient bristlecone Bishop is the largest town in the Paiute/Shoshone Reservation, the pine is the oldest living thing on Eastern Sierra, pop. 3,575. -Shoshone Reservation in Earth. It can be found in the Death Valley and at Fort Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in The lowest golf course in the Independence, outside of Inyo County near Big Pine. nation is located in Inyo County. Independence. The Furnace Creek Golf Course is The largest escarpment in the U.S. 214 ft below sea level. Big Pine was named for a large rises from the floor of Death Valley tree, which fell down years ago. to the top of in the The first hospital district organized Lone Pine was also named for a . under the provisions of the Local big tree. It’s gone, too. Hospital District Law in California Death Valley National Park, in Inyo was Inyo County’s Northern Inyo Over 400 Hollywood films were County, is the largest national park County Local Hospital District, made near Lone Pine in the in the lower 48 at 3.3 million acres. organized in January, 1946. dramatic Alabama Hills.

The Owens Valley is the deepest The largest bristlecone pine Death Valley got its name after a valley in North or South America. measures 36 feet in circumference. child, in an ill-fated party of Peaks in both the Sierra Nevada settlers, died. The settlers escaped and White Mountains exceed A castle built based on lies a grim fate and as they left the 14,000 ft in elevation. between friends is located in Death valley, one turned and said, “Good Valley. bye, Death Valley,” so naming it. All but one of California’s 15 “” (peaks that exceed Inyo County has 50 ghost towns. , which nearly became 14,000 feet in elevation) are found extinct in the 1930s, thrive in Inyo here. Seventeen structures in Inyo County. A heard of 500 tule elk live County are listed on the National in the Owens Valley. Buttermilk Country, an area of lush Register of Historic Places. meadows and boulders near Mount The first European to enter Inyo Tom and Basin Mountain, west of Fifteen California Historic County is believed to have been Bishop, got its name when Landmarks are located in Inyo Antonio Armijo who in the spring stagecoaches would make a rest County. of 1830 tread the “Old Spanish stop near its dairies and Trail” between Santa Fe, NM and passengers would enjoy a cool Inyo means “Dwelling place of the Spanish settlements in California. drink of buttermilk. Great Spirit” in Paiute. About as many cattle and sheep Inyo County is the second-largest It really did take twenty mules to live in Inyo County as do people. county in California. pull a Death Valley borax wagon. Legendary frontiersmen, John C. Frémont and passed through Inyo County on the Old WALKINGWALKING DISTANDISTANCECE TTOO RRESTAURANTSESTAURANTS • PPOOLOOL • WWIFIIFI • LLAUNDRYAUNDRY Spanish Trail.

Death Valley prospector and businessman, Dad Fairbanks, founded Shoshone and is credited with having rescued 50 people from Death Valley.

About 20,000 people hike to the 760-876-5555 summit of Mt. Whitney each year. It takes most people two days to 633 S. Main Street reach the summit. Lone Pine, CA 16 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition The Owens River weaves Inyo and LA together The Owens River is famous the white settlers made it nearly The Owens River begins on the icy world over for its unique place in impossible for the Paiute to maintain slopes of the Eastern Sierra just south history as the lifeblood of both the their traditional way of life. of June Mountain Area. Small Owens Valley and the City of Los At its peak, farmers and ranchers in creeks combine in Glass Creek Angeles. It was the diversion of its the Owens Valley had almost 60,000 Meadows to form Glass Creek, the water to the great metropolis through acres of land under irrigated furthest natural reach of this over- the LA Aqueduct in 1913 that allowed cultivation. When Los Angles officials utilized watercourse. that city to grow from just 100,000 arrived in 1905, it was the water Glass Creek soon joins Deadman people in 1900 to 1.2 million just 30 rights of these farmers and ranchers Creek and flows easterly under US years later. In the Highway 395 just Owens Valley, before the climb to the completion of Deadman Pass. the aqueduct These two creeks changed the are joined by valley’s history smaller tributaries and signaled the and springs and beginning of a together they soon rocky and often flow into the contentious northern reaches relationship with of the broad its “absentee expanse of Long landlord,” the Valley where it City of Los becomes well Angeles. known to anglers Before the as the “Upper aqueduct, the Owens.” Owens River For 26 miles, the served the area’s Owens River first inhabitants, winds its way the Paiute/Shoshone people quite that the City quickly pursued. Many through this picturesque setting well. They built small diversion dams sold out. Others held on but toward 50-plus square mile Crowley to irrigate stands of native plants. The eventually caved in to the financial Lake, the largest storage reservoir on arrival of white settlers put an end to and social pressures put on them by the Owens. Fly-fishing is the sport the Paiutes’ way of life. Ranchers the City. Once the LA Aqueduct was here with brilliant rainbows, brown quickly diverted Owns River and its complete and diversions started in trout and cutthroat testing the skills of tributaries for their own use, primarily 1913, the loss of water and the impact anglers. From , the to grow hay for their cattle. Farmers it had on Inyo were profound. Today, Owens River drops steeply through moved in and took the best land for less than 15,000 acres of land in Inyo the voluminous Owens River Gorge. themselves. Increasing numbers of County are being irrigated. Continued on page 18

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Open 7 Days for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner OUTDOOR P OOL & RV S POTS (OLANCHA) Treesmotel.com 760-873-6395 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 17 Fun on the water Owens River Inyo County anglers are not shy about sharing their favorite fishing spots. These Continued from page 17 Dry Owens Lake itself is seeing a locations can provide fun for the whole The steep vertical walls of the resurgence. For decades the family since they also offer a variety of Gorge attract climbers from fouled the local air with huge dust throughout the world and foot trails storms. Since 2001, the city of Los other activities besides fishing. wind throughout the Gorge providing Angeles has been working under a DIAz L AKE – numerous hiking opportunities, court order to reduce the dust, and Created when an 1872 earthquake opened especially during the cooler months. has cut the dust emissions coming off a depression in the earth 3 miles west of As the Owens River enters the flats the lake by 95 percent. Shallow pools Lone Pine. The location of the Early of the Owens Valley, its speed slows of water have been spread over much Opener Trout Derby every March. Birding, as it makes its way peacefully through of the lake, providing a surge in visits camping, fishing, hiking. the bottomlands. About 10 miles by waterfowl. The City recently BILLY L AKE , I NDEPENDENCE – south of Big Pine, at a location called opened its Owens Lake Trails project. Created in 1872 similar to Diaz, now a wet - Aberdeen, the River is diverted into Three different access points provide land home to numerous birds and wildlife. the Los Angeles Aqueduct and from 4 miles of hiking trails, taking in the Popular for warm-water fishing. here, flows 233 miles to Los Angeles scenery and providing wildlife-viewing Birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, through a series of siphons, canals, opportunities. hunting, photography. pipes and reservoirs, entirely by The Owens River has had a long gravity. It was and still is considered history of serving humankind, and MT W HITNEY F ISH H ATCHERY , I NDEPENDENCE – a marvel of engineering. continues to go through many A French tudor structure built in 1916 resulted from a fish and game In 2006, after years of negotiations changes as it works hard to please commissioner’s order for a building “to everyone. Perhaps the Owens can be and litigation, the City of Los Angles match the mountains… last forever… and agreed to allow water to flow on a best summed up in a Mark Twain be a showpiece for all time.” Now closed permanent basis, down the 63 miles quote, “A river is like a book, but not a due to damage from a mudslide, visitors of the Lower Owens River dry riverbed book to be read once and thrown can enjoy the scenic grounds and in the below the Aberdeen diversion, all the aside, for it has a new story to tell summer months tour the building. Birding, way to Owens Lake every day.” wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, motor touring, photography and mountain biking.

TINEMAHA R ESERVOIR , B IG P INE – One of Inyo County’s best locations to view waterfowl and shorebirds… ducks, geese, American white pelicans and bald eagles (seasonally). Tule elk graze west of the reservoir. Thousands of trout are planted here each year, plus largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies BISHOP C REEK R ECREATION A REA , B ISHOP – Sloping canyons, moraines, cirques and Orthopedic, Post-Acute Rehab, Pain sawtooth ridges. Bishop Creek, South Management & Skilled Nursing Services Lake, Intake Two, Lake Sabrina and North Lake are prime fishing spots as soon as the snow melts (closed to fishing in winter). Birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, fall colors, bouldering/rock climbing, hiking, motor touring, photography, spring flowers, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

PLEASANT V ALLEY R ESERVOIR , B ISHOP – Still water fishing from shore and float tubes, year round. Each March, the Blake Jones Trout Derby provides anglers with a chance to get on the water just before the opening of fishing season. Birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, hunting, star gazing .

OWENS R IVER G ORGE , B ISHOP – Feisty trout are caught in the bottom 151 Pioneer Lane, Bishop, CA 93514 of the gorge, year round. Climbing, hiking, fishing. 760-872-1000 • Fax 760-872-1643 • www.BishopCareCenter.com 18 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Where to explore, recreate and be amazed in Inyo County Inyo County is “The Other Side of North America — 282 ft/86 m — showy blooms of wildflowers appear; California,” a vast expanse along the below sea level, and the highest point and in summer, temperatures often eastern edge of California that covers in the national park is Telescope Peak reach 120° F/49° C. 10,000 square miles (16,000 sq. Km), at 11,049 ft./3,315 m. an area greater than six U.S. states Death Valley has more than its STOVEPIPE WELLS – A motel, restau - (VT, NH, NJ, CT, DL and RI). share of intimidating places: the rant, pool, campground with RV sites Inyo County is a land of extremes. It , Rhyolite Ghost and convenience store and gas sta - claims the highest and lowest points Town, Badwater, Stovepipe Wells, Salt tion are located here. Old charcoal in the 48-contiguous states, and the Creek and Furnace Creek, among kilns and the ghost town of Leadfield oldest trees in the world. You’ll find them. Yet, despite these notorious- are worth visiting. hot and cold, wet and dry, barren and sounding names, several species of lush, refined and common at different wildlife inhabit the park and it’s so times and in different parts of the popular that for much of the year (late – They really county. fall to late spring) available rooms and mean it, when they say “Last Gas” at The two most distinct aspects of campsites are far and few between. Panamint Springs at the national Inyo County are Death Valley and the park’s western boundary. You’ll drive Eastern Sierra. Within these 30 miles before you find the next gas destinations are such natural wonders or water. Remember, you’re in Death as Death Valley National Park, the Valley! Continue east on CA-190 to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the cross Towne’s Pass into Death Valley, Palisade Glacier, Mt. Whitney, Rock south on CA-178 to Trona and west on Creek Canyon, the High Sierra and a CA-190 to Olancha and Lone Pine classic western landscape that has (CA-136). been seen in countless motion pictures. With six million acres (2.4 SHOSHONE – This desert town to the million hectares) of public land, Inyo southeast of the national park was County offers numerous opportunities to explore, recreate and be amazed. once a railroad center and rest area for local miners. It still serves as a Here is a brief rundown of what service hub with food, gas, lodging, makes Inyo County so alluring: supplies and RV sites.

DEATH VALLEY TECOPA – Named after Paiute- In 1849, a party of pioneers nearly Shoshone Indian chief, Tecopa was a perished while attempting to cross hard-rock mining camp in the late this desert valley. Upon being 1800s, though today, it is best known rescued, one turned and exclaimed, Park lodging centers at the Oasis for its hot springs. Natural hot water “Goodbye, Death Valley,” so naming (formerly Furnace Creek Resort) is contained in separate bath houses it. Today, a million people say hello to whose famous Inn was opened in for men and women, with RV sites and Death Valley National Park, each year. 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax a small store. A surprising sight in The national park is the largest in the Company of 20 Mule Team fame. The this desert is Grimshaw Lake, a - lower 48 states at 3.3 million acres Furnace Creek Inn was meant to save vorite of water skiers. Nearby (1.3 million hectares), and with the the company’s failing railroad. As the marshes attract migratory birds and southeastern corner of Inyo County, value of mining faded, so did the were a stopping point along the Old comprises more than half the railroad, but the Furnace Creek Inn Spanish Trail, a National Historic Trail landmass of the county. thrived. It is today among the most Death Valley attracts highly sought and refined oasis to be that passes through Tecopa. A treat photographers, rock hounds, hikers found within the National Park System. five miles south of Tecopa is China and geologists to its fascinating and Nearby The Ranch is a popular Ranch where you can buy all kinds of austere landscape. destination for families and RV treats made from dates… date Favorite sights include the nine- campers. The park’s visitor center is shakes, date baked goods and take mile, looping Artist’s Drive with its located here and the Borax Museum your date on a hike beside the feder - many-colored rock formations. displays artifacts, Borax wagons and ally recognized Wild and Scenic Ar - Popular trails pass through the other historic equipment from the margosa River. At Dumont Dunes, Golden Canyon, Mosaic Canyon and park’s past. 4-wheelers, dune buggies and dirt Wildrose Peak trail. Each of these Each season in Death Valley has its bikes get airborne in the dunes and leads to amazing views and other- attraction. In winter, snowflakes take more terrestrial tours through worldly formations. The Badwater tumble until they evaporate near the scenic canyons. Basin salt pan is the lowest point in valley floor; near the end of winter, Continued on page 20

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 19 Where to explore, recreate and be amazed in Inyo County Continued from page 19 off point for hikers seeking the soli - California Edison also got its start in OWENS VALLEY tude of the numerous high Sierra trails Bishop, and continues to operate that wander into the unspoiled wilder - hydroelectric power plants in the One of the earliest American ness west of town, which also pro - Bishop Creek Drainage, and its efforts explorers described the Owens Valley vides dramatic backdrop and sunsets to dam up streams and enlarge as containing “ten thousand acres of that cannot be forgotten. natural lakes created a world-class fine grass.” Today, it is mostly arid. The most populated town in Inyo string of fishing holes. As told in Marc Reisner’s book, County, Bishop also has the most Cadillac Desert this once-fertile number of accommodations and BIG PINE – This small town prides it - farmland, populated with fruit trees, services. Bishop began as a self on being a gateway to the majes - was the victim of California’s Water ranching town. Later, ranches tic Sierra Nevada and White Wars of the 1900s in which water evolved into pack stations with their Mountains. Drive east and you find rights to the Owens River were sure-footed mules carrying the gear of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. obtained by Los Angeles. Today, a fishermen and campers back into the Drive west and you find trailheads that third of LA’s water comes from the Sierra. If any animal expresses the lead to the Palisade Glacier and East - valley through the LA Aqueduct. heart of Inyo County, it is the hard- ern Sierra. Outfitters run horse pack - Court rulings and actions by the Los working, intelligent, yet stubborn ing trips to remote alpine lakes. Angeles Department of Water and mule, which is honored annually Numerous fishing holes are found Power have helped restore fish habitat during Bishop’s “Mule Days.” along Big Pine Creek and the Baker along the river, making it again one of Long before the ranchers arrived, Ponds. The Owens River teems with the finest fly fishing streams in the Paiute Shoshone people lived here. trout, catfish and bass. West. Their reservation sits northwest of town and the Paiute Palace Casino INDEPENDENCE – The county seat BISHOP – Calling itself a Small Town adds excitement to a stay in Bishop. since 1866, Independence is the cen - with a Big Backyard, Bishop is the Many of Bishop’s visitors include a ter of regional history with its historic hub for recreation of all kinds, from stop at the Owens Valley Paiute courthouse; the Edwards House, old - rock climbing and bouldering in the Shoshone Cultural Center and est structure in the county; the Com - famed Alabama Hills, to fishing in the Museum to learn about the first mander’s House, a century-old Owens River, Bishop Creek Canyon inhabitants of the area and to enjoy Victorian home; the Mary Austin home (also a fall colors hotspot) and various experiencing one of the tribe’s cultural (she wrote Land of Little Rain); and local lakes. Bishop is also the jumping events. the Eastern California Museum, with Today, Bishop is the center of its extensive exhibits, artifacts, photo - operations for the largest public utility graphs, native plant garden and his - in the nation, the Los Angeles toric mining and farm equipment. Department of Water and Power, Good fishing is found nearby at Inde - which provides water and power to pendence Creek, the Onion Valley LADWP owns 315,000 acres in the nation’s most populated city and and along the Owens River. With a Inyo and Mono Counties, and provides access to the streams it name like Independence, it’s under - leaves nearly 75% of that private manages for fishing. Southern land open for public recreation. Continued on page 21 Recreation in the Owens Valley courtesy of LADWP

For more information visit: LADWP.com

20 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Where to explore, recreate and be amazed in Inyo County Continued from page 20 SOUTH COUNTY OLANCHA - This little ranching town standable why the town has one of the has been a waystation since its incep - best Independence Day parades with PEARSONVILLE – You’ve arrived in tion in the 1860s. Cooling cottonwood traditional early morning flag raising, Inyo County, if traveling north on US trees and an inviting café attract trav - pancake breakfast, fun run/walk, 395 in a town often called the “Hub elers along US 395. Hikers and back - small-town parade, homemade ice Cap Capitol of the World,” thanks to packers will often set off into the South cream and pie social, kids’ games, an Lucy Pearson who for years collected Sierra Wilderness and onto the Pacific arts and crafts show, deep-pit barbe - a large collection of hubcaps and cat - Crest Trail from nearby trailheads. cue and sunset fireworks show. aloging and storing each in a large warehouse. In Pearsonville, you’ll find LONE PINE – One of the most filmed gas, food, a towing service, wrecking Continued on page 22 and photographed landscapes in the yard and a ton of hubcaps! county is found surrounding Lone Pine. West of town are the Alabama KEELER – This was once the Hills, named by locals who were southern terminus of the Southern sympathizers during the Carson & Colorado Railroad. American Civil War. This collection of When service ended in the irregular, ruddy, windswept boulders 1960s, most of Keeler’s resi - backed by a horizon of Sierra peaks, dents moved away. The has been the backdrop for about 400 streets are mostly quiet and Hollywood films from Gunga Din, to no services exist. However, Gladiator, to Rawhide, to Iron Man. It’s if you have a 4WD vehicle, where Roy Rogers first mounted Trig - follow a dirt road east to ger, where rode to the res - Cerro Gordo, a ghost town cue and where Robert Downey Jr. got with several well-maintained blown up. Lone Pine has been seen in mine buildings and a so many movies, that it has commem - small museum. orated its fame by hosting the annual . The Lone Pine Museum of Western Film History preserves the motion picture history of Inyo County with film memorabilia, cars, western carriages and an 84- seat theater.

MANzANAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – During World War II, about 10,000 people of Japanese an - cestry, about 60 percent being Ameri - can citizens, were brought here to the War Relocation Center as part of the “war hysteria” and racism that swept America after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Manzanar was one of 10 Relocation Centers that eventually held about 120,000 people of all ages of Japanese descent for the duration of WW II. Finally, in the 1980s, the US government formally apologized to the internees for their imprisonment with - out charges. The site in now in the hands of the National Park Service. An interpretive center is located in the camp’s former auditorium, a number of replica barracks and buildings offer insights into camp life and a self- guided auto tours is offered.

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 21 Where to explore, recreate and be amazed in Inyo County

Continued from page 21 peaks rise above emerald meadows, to see the elusive bighorns. Some populated with fluttering aspens and tips: the Bighorn will not let you get DARWIN – Stop in Darwin and you cut my meandering clear streams. closer than a couple of hundred won’t find any services, just a rich his - tory, a hearty group of year-round res - yards, so bring powerful binoculars or idents and nearby which AND THE a camera with a telephoto lens and begins as an underground spring that WILDERNESS – For com - enjoy seeing them from a distance. rises to the surface, spills over the plete retreat, backpack or take a mule falls and travels for a few hundred feet pack trip to the high country, to WHITE MOUNTAINS before disappearing again. Poke dozens upon dozens of remote glass - around Darwin and you’ll find old ine lakes with romantic names like ANCIENT BRISTLECONE FOREST – mines off dirt roads leading from CA- Lake Helen of Troy, Elinore Lake, Thirty-six miles east of Big Pine in the 190. Moonlight Lake and the Treasure White Mountains at elevations over EASTERN SIERRA Lakes. You will understand why John 9,000 ft grow the oldest living trees. Muir wrote, “Climb the mountains, and The oldest of them, Mehtuselah, is es - get their good tidings.” Few experi - MT. WHITNEY – On the east side of timated to be nearly 4,800 years old. ences are as emotionally satiating as the , Mt. Whitney Several groves of the venerable trees stands 14,508 ft., the tallest mountain being in the rarified air of the Eastern can be seen. Exhibits at the visitor in the . Hik - High Sierra in settings whose beauty center at Schulman Grove describe ers reach the summit through Whitney defy description. the trees. From Big Pine, travel east Portal, 13 miles west of Lone Pine. It’s on CA-168 to the Ancient Bristlecone a 10.7 mile hike and requires plan - SIERRA BIGHORN SHEEP - Three Pine Forest Scenic Byway. ning, a wilderness permit and careful subspecies of bighorn sheep live in attention to advisories regarding the the United States. You can see two of precautions of hiking at high altitudes, them within minutes of one another in obtained within the Eastern Sierra In - Inyo County, California. Sierra terAgency Visitor’s Center, south of Bighorn can be seen in Eastern Sierra Lone Pine. canyons. From U.S. 395, north of Bishop, follow Pine Creek Road PALISADE GLACIER – The southern - through Round Valley. In the last cou - most glacier in the U.S. and the ple of miles before the road ends, largest in the Sierra Nevada is located look up to the north to see the buff- west of Big Pine and is visible from colored coats of the Sierra Bighorn U.S. 395. The glacier sits at the base Sheep as they graze among pines of in the North Fork and brush. You will be surprised how Basin. The scenery attracts hikers to well they blend into the landscape trails that follow the ancient glacier. and how difficult it is, at first, to see them. With practice, it becomes eas - ROCK CREEK CANYON – Between ier. There are no formal tours to see Bishop and Mammoth Lakes is pic - the bighorn, however the Bishop of - ture-perfect Rock Creek Canyon. fice of the California Department of Rugged Eastern Sierra sawtooth Fish and Game can explain how best

22 INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition Just the facts about Inyo County Inyo County was named after the which in Paiute means “dwelling place of the Great Spirit.” Inyo County was established in 1866 from territory taken from Mono and Tulare counties. It was to have been called “Coso County” but that never occurred. Instead, Governor Low created “Inyo County” from the same land.

County seat Independence AVERAGE CLIMATE MAJOR HIGHWAYS Population 17,980 Land Area (sq. mi.) 10,142 Owens Valley U.S. 395 (south to north) – San Highest Elevation 14,492 ft. Summer High 98° Bernardino County to Mono County Lowest Elevation -282 ft. U.S. 6 (west to east) – Bishop to Distance between highest Winter Low 22° and lowest points 80 mi. Province, Mass. Land in federal ownership 92% Death Valley CA-168 (west to east) – Big Pine to Land in state ownership 3.9% Summer High 115° Nevada through Death Valley Land in City of Los Angeles CA-136 (west to east) – Lone Pine to ownership 3.9% Winter Low 37° Nevada through Death Valley Land in private ownership 1.7%

INYO COUNTY • 11th Edition 23

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