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Visitor’s G u ide to ININYOYOCOCOUNTYUNTY

SEVENTH EDIT ION www.TheOtherSideOfCalifornia.com DEATH VALLEY AND THE EASTERN SIERRA INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 1 INYOCOUNTY National Historic Site SEVENTH EDITION By Patricia Biggs

Made possible with a Grant from The County of Inyo Table of Contents Manzanar National Historic Site 3

The Visitors Center Chambers of CommerCe at Furnace Creek 5 of Inyo County Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce 120 South Main Street P.O. Box 749 North Death Valley: Lone Pine, 93545 (760) 876-4444 Full of Life and Adventure 8 www.lonepinechamber.org Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 690 N. Main Street Bishop, California Bishop, California 93514 760-873-8405 • 888-395-3952 Small Town With a Big Backyard 10 wwwBishopVisitor.com

Death Valley Chamber of Commerce Cemetery Monument P.O. Box 15 The Briggs Gold Mine 14 Tecopa, California 92389 (888) 600-1844 long Hwy. 395 between wooden sculptures, and made silk 1992. After 70 years, the site still www.deathvalleychamber.org Lone Pine and Indepen- flowers. holds artifacts attesting to the war [email protected] Adence, a lone guard tower Outside the fence, they farmed years: foundations, barbed wire, mar- Lone Pine Off The Beaten Track 18 Government Agencies: marks the edge of Manzanar National 440 acres, worked a chicken ranch bles, rock gardens, a cemetery, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Historic Site. The square-mile site is and hog farm, supplying as much as more. All are preserved and protected (760) 872-5000 rich with history that testifies to the two-thirds of the food needed for the under federal law. The 1944 Man- Independence 23 County of Inyo human determination to make the best center. No one tried to escape, but sto- zanar High School auditorium is now (760) 878-0366 of hard times. During World War II, ries abound of people slipping under the Visitor Center. It is open daily ex- more than 10,000 people of Japa- the western fence to fish for trout in cept December 25. Admission is free. Death Valley National Park nese ancestry were incarcerated under the streams and lakes of the Sierras. Inside the Visitor Center, watch a (760) 786-3200 Big Pine 26 watch from eight guard towers like the After Manzanar War Relocation 22-minute award-winning film, Re- Manzanar National Historic Site one near the highway. A five-strand Center closed on November 21, 1945, membering Manzanar, narrated by (760) 878-2194 barbed-wire fence marked the area in the guard towers were removed, yet Japanese Americans who had been PUBLISHED BY: Golden Gate Media Group • ADVERTISING SALES David Carrillo (909) 224-8167 which those people could move freely, they remained a powerful icon of incarcerated here during World War II. PHOTO CREDITS Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitors Center (760) 876-6222 and military police checked passes confinement. The late artist Henry Exhibits include a 3-D model of Man- Cover, pages 3 & 4 Courtesy Manzanar Historical Site; pages 5, 6 & 7 Courtesy Death Valley when people entered or left the secure Fukuhara often portrayed a Manzanar zanar War Relocation Center and arti- National Park; page 8 Charles James; page 9 top & bottom photo Charles James, Inyo National Forest-Supervisor middle photo GGMG; Page 10 bottom left GGMG, large photo Ayako Akagi; area through sentry gates. guard tower, sentry post, and the facts such as the blue star banner that page 11 Courtesy Bishop Chamber of Commerce; page 12 GGMG; (760) 873-2400 page 13 Courtesy Bishop Chamber of Commerce; Pages 14, 15, 16 &17 GGMG; Within that barbed wire, the cemetery monument in his watercolor Nawa Munemori hung in her barracks Pages 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22 Charles James Pages 23, 24 & 25 GGMG; Mt. Whitney Ranger Station people created beauty. They dug paintings. An example of his work is window until her son died fighting in Page 26 Ayako Akagi; Page 27 GGMG (760) 876-6200 ponds and lined them with concrete featured on the cover of this Visitor’s Italy. Families with youngsters should The information in this Visitors Guide was gathered and carefully compiled to insure maximum accuracy. Golden Gate Media Group cannot guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence White Mountain Ranger Station and beautiful rocks from the Sierra Guide to Inyo County. be sure to explore the Visitor Center of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be, nor is, assumed. Reproduction of any material (760) 873-2500 and Inyo ranges. They played musical Congress established Manzanar toy room. It is reminiscent of the Toy Printed or Transmitted Electronically from this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from the publisher. © 2014 Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, Lone Pine California 93545. instruments, painted murals, carved National Historic Site on March 3, Continued on page 4 2 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 3 The Visitor Center at Furnace Creek By David Woodruff

he Visitor Center at Furnace Creek has been Tas much a “must see” in Death Valley National Park as the famed Sand Dunes and the Badwater salt pan since its opening in 1960. For over 50 years, visitors to Death Valley had enjoyed the large-scale Rock Garden relief map, the many exhibits and the tens of thousands of presentations Continued from page 3 gist and his team have excavated and in April, about 1,500 people make a made by National Park rangers. Loan Library operated by Manzanar’s stabilized several of the rock gardens, pilgrimage to the cemetery in honor But unlike the Sand Dunes and the Education Department. adding inviting spots to stop along a of those who lived and died here from other geologic features of the Park, Outside, a residential block offers tour road. 1942 - 1945. Beyond honoring the the passing of the years had not been two replica barracks and a mess hall The cemetery monument is per- past, the annual Pilgrimage reaffirms kind to this fondly thought of structure. for visitors to learn what life was like in haps the most iconic symbol of Man- the promise Nidoto nai yoni – “let it The familiar exhibits had become dat- Manzanar during WWII. An archeolo- zanar. Every year on the last Saturday never happen again.” ed, many items were in need of repair or replacement and of most concern, and the 50-year-old structure had become the mostly costly structure in Death Valley to operate. The electric bill alone ran over $45,000 a year! In 2009, the American Recovery BUS SERVICE ON THE US 395 CORRIDOR and Reinvestment Act allowed the –————–—————————-— Park Service to begin designing the SERVICE TO ALL POINTS BETWEEN rehabilitation of this facility. User fees RENO (Airport and Greyhound Station) AND LANCASTER (Metrolink - with convenient connections to the LA area) to federal recreation lands paid for DAILY TRIPS BETWEEN LONE PINE, BISHOP & MAMMOTH the visitor center reconstruction. The —————————————–————- Continued on page 6 760-872-1901 www.estransit.com BEATTY MUSEUM

4 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 5 Continued from page 5 Shoshone Native Americans who had a variety of subjects. The old favorite to not label every animal, plant and Mule Teams were used to haul borax Park Service conducted a series of resided in Death Valley for hundreds relief map was replaced with a beau- geologic feature. We want people to out of Death Valley during the 1880s. concept design open houses where ev- of years. tiful 3-D map accompanied by infor- have a sense of self exploration and The sight of twenty mules, in a string eryone from grade school and college The new exhibits provide opportu- mational videos. And the Timbisha discovery and perhaps peak their over 120 feet long, pulling a set of students, the general public, the park nities for visitors to learn about Death Shoshone exhibit features hand woven curiosity to learn more and come wagons designed to haul loads over staff and park stakeholders shared Valley in a more interactive manner. baskets and artifacts. Videos narrat- and ask about that lizard or geologic 72,000 lbs, across some of the most involvement in the project. Realistic models of desert creatures ed by tribal members tell about their formation.” Baldino adds that the torturous terrain anywhere, is some- These strategy sessions provided are available to touch and one can pull people and why they call Death Valley night sky display is one of the most thing this author will long remember. a wealth of ideas and new concepts levers in the geologic section to learn home. popular exhibits. Visitors step inside Past Park Superintendents and legends with a primary emphasis on creating how the Basin and Range province Terry Baldino, Death Valley the exhibit to experience Death Valley from Death Valley’s past were also exhibits that told of the story of natural (which Death Valley is part of) was National Parks Chief of Interpretation National Park’s star studded sky and present for the re-opening. and geological history of the Park, and formed. Throughout the exhibits, states, “In the new exhibit hall, exhibit hear a variety of nocturnal sounds and With the newly refurbished and to tell the public about the Timbisha videos provide detailed information on designers made the deliberate decision howling animals. remodeled Furnace Creek Visitor And to compliment the new Center, there has never been a better interpretive features of the Visitor time to visit Death Valley. A wealth Center, several major upgrades and of information awaits you, to provide improvements were made to make the ideas and information on where to building much more energy efficient. visit and to help you better understand Among the many improvements was this land of mystery and illusion. the installation of triple pane windows, a new roof with more insulation, an air-lock entry to limit cool air loss, in- sulation between the old brick wall and the new inner wall and the installation of a more efficient heating and cooling system. These improvements have reduced energy consumption by over 33%. The official celebratory ribbon cutting for the rehabilitated Visitor Center was held November of 2012 and the guest and event lists were fitting for this largest national park (outside of Alaska). At the top of the list was an appearance by the famed Borax Twenty Mule Team. A collab- oration of extraordinary engineering with amazing animal skills, the Twenty Tecopa Hot Springs Resort Arts & Crafts, Lodging • RV • Camping • Labyrinth Star Parties • Well being Services Bistro Restaurant

Shoshone Development 760.852.4224 • Fax: 760.852.4250 (760) 852-4420 P.O. Box 76 • State Highway 127 [email protected] Shoshone, CA 92384 shoshonevillage.com P.O. Box 25, Tecopa, California 92389 • www.tecopahotsprings.org 6 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 7 dunes. Old Stovepipe Wells was once a life-saving source of water in northern North Death Valley: Death Valley. After Stovepipe Wells you can turn Full of Life and Adventure north on Scotty’s Castle Road. Head up to Titus Canyon, which has rugged By Charles James mountains, colorful rock formations, a ghost town, petroglyphs, wildlife, he ocean is a desert, with are in the winter and in the spring. You developed part of the park. It features rare plants and spectacular canyon Scotty’s Castle its life underground, and a can enter the park from the east or all kinds of accommodations for visi- narrows. Tperfect disguise above. the west. From the east you will pass tors, including the beautiful, luxurious Visitors to Titus Canyon from the From “A Horse with No Name”, through Pahrump, , or from and historic Furnace Creek Inn, an east often stop at Rhyolite ghost town 1972 hit song by the band America. the west, where you will pass through AAA-rated four-diamond resort that before starting the one-way drive. The If it were not for the approximate- Panamint Springs Resort. The Pana- pampers every guest. The Inn was built park service says that Titus Canyon is ly million visitors that come to Death mint Resort Restaurant is a great place in 1927 by the Pacific Coast Borax the most popular backcountry road in Valley every year, it might seem a very to stop for food and drink, featuring a Company for guests to enjoy the Death Valley National Park. dangerous place to live, much less visit, well-stocked bar and some really great uncommon beauty of Death Valley and After Titus Canyon, continue but in truth it is only dangerous for the food. was finished in 1935. north to Ubehebe Crater where you careless or the unprepared. Spring is the park’s busiest time There are also other lodging will find a crater that is 500 feet deep Many that live close to Death Val- and visitors are cautioned to remember available such as the Ranch at Fur- and one-half a mile across, the result ley in surrounding counties have never that it can get extremely hot! Remem- nace Creek, Panamint Springs Resort, of a major volcanic event about 2,000 Furnace Creek Resort Inn visited the park. In reality the park is ber to always carry plenty of water; at and Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel to years ago in which rising magna (mol- far different from what is implied by least one gallon a day per person, and mention just a few. There are also ten rock) turned groundwater to steam the name given to it during the Califor- if you leave your car, always take water RV parks and campgrounds. The with a violent result of steam and rock nia Gold Rush in 1849 by prospectors along with you− always! Remember an Park’s Visitor Center is also located in building until it exploded, spewing rock on their way to gold fields. For the old Arab proverb, “In the desert water Furnace Creek and it is a must-stop for over a 6-mile area. record, only one death was recorded is worth more than gold.” information on what activities are tak- Visit the Salt Creek Interpretative during the Gold Rush from 1848 to Visitors should also never travel on ing place, the best places to go, travel Trail, home to the endangered pupfish. 1855. unmarked roads and should always let tips and what routes best take you to It is 4-miles from the Scotty’s Castle Far from “dead”, the park is the someone know where you are going. If where you are going. Road turn-off and one of the few plac- home to more than 1000 species of you leave your car, leave a note on the From Furnace Creek drive north. es in Death Valley that has a spring. plants; fifty of which are found no- dashboard. Always check the weather Stop along the way at the Mesquite Then head over to Scotty’s Castle where else in the world. Within its report as sudden storms can often Flat Sand Dunes, which are about 85 where park volunteers wearing period borders lies the hottest, driest, lowest cause dangerous flash floods. feet high, created by the confluence of costumes offer guided tours of the Cas- point in North America. The 5,269 Furnace Creek is centrally locat- winds that drop the sand here. Make tle. Albert Johnson built the impressive square miles of park has incredible ed in the park. It is an oasis fed by a stop at Old Stovepipe Wells situat- Spanish Villa in the early 1900s at a desert scenery, teems with desert flora underground springs and the most ed on the eastern edge of the sand cost exceeding $1.4 million. Prepare and fauna which, as you pass from the to be amused by stories of Death Val- lowest areas of the park to its highest ley Scotty, a lovable rascal if ever there peaks, crosses four major plant zones, was one. each with its own climate at different On your next visit to the park, elevations. make your next excursion to south- The park also has a widely diverse ward and southeast of Furnace Creek, and active geology, untouched wilder- where more adventure awaits at the ness, and sites of historical and cultural Badlands, the Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie interest from prehistoric Indian cultures Point, the Amargosa Hotel, Opera to gold and silver prospectors, includ- House, and Café in Death Valley ing its most notorious and beloved Junction, the beautiful Ash Meadows, flimflam con artist, Walter Scott, also Tecopa Hot Springs and Mud Bath, the Shoshone Museum and Gift Shop, known as “Death Valley Scotty. Ubehebe Crater Exit from Titus Canyon The best times to make the drive and China Ranch. 8 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 9 Speaking of “out of this world”, the OVRO ( Radio Obser- ospital ervices Bishop, California vatory) and the CARMA (Combined H s Array for Research in Millimeter Wave Acute Care Small Town With a Big Backyard Astronomy) provide monthly tours Clinical Laboratory Services of their radar telescopes --- gigantic EEG & EKG celestial and metallic dishes that detect any first time guests radio waves from deep space. OVRO Emergency Department who stay in Bishop are and CARMA are located a short drive General Surgery Mawestruck not only by the south of Bishop. For camera buffs and Imaging Center: MRI/CT/X-RAY area’s scenic grandeur but by its infinite techies, these features make cool and Our state-of-the-art facility proudly Labor & Delivery outdoor and historic recreation oppor- interesting photographic subjects that features: Oral & Sign Language Interpreting tunities. Like these visitors, once you are rare elsewhere. Orthopedic Surgery stay in this charming locale, you dis- From the far reaches of space, 3 Surgical Theaters Physical Therapy cover many hidden gems that often go visitors can travel back to biblical time Private Patient Rooms Rural Health Clinic unnoticed by the hasty Highway 395 while they walk among the gnarled and Private Patient Restrooms traveler. So sit back awhile, learn what twisted ancient trees of the Bristlecone Private Birthing Rooms Social Services & Patient Advocacy Bishop offers, and consider checking Pine Forest. Located in the White 24/7 Emergency Department Urgent Care into one of the most beautiful and Mountains east of Bishop, these rug- Cutting Edge Technology often-overlooked towns in America. ged 5,000 year old sentinels eke out And much, much more! Flanked by 13,000 to 14,000 rug- survival at 10,000 feet clutching to life ged mountain peaks, Bishop is akin to in the thin dolomite soils that support 150 Pioneer Lane “small town with a big backyard”. To them. Visitors and scientists from Bishop, CA 93514 the west, ice age glaciers have carved around the world hike, photograph, (760) 873-5811 precipitous and striking canyons where Continued on page 12 www.nih.org scenic touring, fishing, camping, hik- ing, mountain biking, and photography beckon. These canyons include Bish- op Creek, Rock Creek, and Big Pine Creek Canyons. Rustic lodges and “out of this world” country style fare can be found at each canyon as well as horseback riding and pack operations to ferry guests to the Sierra’s topaz colored backcountry lakes.

Bristlecone Tree Bishop City Park

10 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 11 Continued from page 11 family photos at the “Little Caboose.” and study these fascinating trees. Buttermilk Country, located west Along with the Sequoia and Redwood of Bishop, is a landscape of granit- trees across the , the ic and rounded hills nestled at the Bristlecone has its own place in the foreground of hulking Mt. Tom and pantheon of America’s greatest trees. Basin Mountain – two 13,000 foot At the base of the White Mountains mountains whose peaks pierce the sky just north of Bishop, spend hours wan- above. This intriguing and stunning dering among the historic exhibits and spot attracts world class climbers, boul- displays at the Laws Historic Village. dering enthusiasts, hikers, bicyclists, This frontier town captures the 1880s photographers, artists, and four wheel to early 1900s spirit that harnessed drive enthusiasts to enjoy its beauty Laws Museum the Wild West. The miner’s cabin, and inspirational views. faux boom town saloon, and the fully In Bishop’s big backyard, you ex- functioning 1920s era Death Valley perience solitude, endless landscapes, Brill Car are a few delectable morsels and a cornucopia of hidden treasures Home of the located here. It’s a great place for fam- often unnoticed by others. Seek out ilies to bring young children and frolic South Lake what they don’t know when you come Original on the expansive grass lawn or pose for by to visit us. ® For additional information about Sheepherder763 N Main Street Bread Bishop and its big backyard, contact Bishop, CA 93514 U.S.A. the Bishop Chamber of Commerce & (760) 873-7156 Visitor Center at 760-873-8405; email Fax: (760) 872-4932 HOME OF THE E-Mail: [email protected] - [email protected]. Our website ORIGINAL www.ErickSchatsBakery.com SHEEPHERDER BREAD® is http://www.bishopvisitor.com/

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12 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 13 of the Bureau of Land Management. “The Briggs Mine’s The Briggs Gold Mine dedication to ensuring compliance with environmental requirements, resource By David Woodruff protection, Tribal consultation, public ining is a patient game the long term picture, and not worry open-pit mine that uses heap-leach health and safety, and worker safety, and it always will be... about the day to day craziness of price gold recovery to process the ore. Atna while conducting significant surface im- MClive Palmer. swings”. Resources states that targeted gold pacting operations on public lands, is Ask the old time prospectors that The Briggs Mine is located in recovery at the mine is 80 percent, exemplary of what responsible mining traveled the wilds of Inyo searching Southern Inyo County about seven one of the highest recovery rates in entails.” for their elusive vein of precious ore... miles south of the old ghost town of the mining industry. All of the mining The letter also recites projects patience is as important a possession Ballarat. The Briggs mine was first claims are located on land administered conducted by the Briggs Mine on-site to have as a mule or a pick. Mining opened in 1996 and was a significant by the Bureau of Land Management Continued on page 16 profitably for gold is a long and tedious producer of gold for the next eight (“BLM”). A total of 218 patented and process. A fact that Larry Turner, years. But after a few years of weath- unpatented lode and mill site claims General Manager of the Briggs Gold ering stagnant gold prices and rising cover a huge 4,480-acre area at the Mine in Southern Inyo County can costs, the Br iggs mine closed in 2004. base of the Panamint Mountains. readily attest to. “With the way the After an extensive environmental The Briggs Mine has long been a price of gold can widely fluctuate from reclamation process, many assumed leader in mining with a conscience. In day to day, even hour to hour” says the project wouldn’t reopen. Howev- June of 2002, the Briggs gold mine Turner, “you could drive yourself crazy er, gold’s resurgence in value led Atna received a letter of recognition for its worrying about price swings. If you’re Resources Ltd to reopen the mine in “long-term commitment to excellence going to get into the mining business, 2009. in environmentally sound and responsi- you have to learn to keep focused on The Briggs mine is a conventional ble operations” from the State Director

Goldtooth Fault Atlas CopcoDM45 (source of the gold Blasthole Drill Rig mineralization at CR Briggs)

Goldtooth Pit (looking south)

14 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 15 Continued from page 15 icating undesirable water-hungry tama- The Briggs Mine exported over number of factors have come togeth- and elsewhere within the Panamint risk plants at Post Office Springs. The 31,000 ounces of gold in 2013 and is er to extend our time here another Valley to help improve the condition of subsequent result has been a remark- one of the largest employers in Inyo 3 years.” Atna Resources is in the public lands. Briggs has developed and able recovery of water at the spring. County. At peak production Briggs process of developing another gold installed bat habitat at the Briggs Mine Briggs has also cleaned-up abandoned employs 135 skilled workers in posi- mining operations in nearby Nye and bat gating at the Riley Mill Site to mine sites in the Panamint Valley such tions that pay upwards of $35 an hour. County, which will keep the company promote maintenance of healthy bat as Dodd Camp and the Onyx Mine “When the mine reopened in in the area for several years to come. populations in the Panamint Valley. site. Each of these activities has en- 2009 it was calculated we had about “We’re in this for the long term. I’ve Briggs has significantly helped in erad- hanced the quality of public lands. a 4-year mine life” says Turner. “A been in the mining industry for over 35 years and I’ve learned that a lot of patience will serve you well in this type of work.” For more information on the Briggs Gold Mine visit http://www. Conveyors for stacking atna.com/s/Briggs.asp ore on leach pad

Crushing Plant

Pregnant Solution Pond

Crushing Plant and Main Briggs Pit Leach Pad

16 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 17 Alice was killed the collapse of the adobe building on March 26, 1872 Lone Pine Off The Beaten Track in the giant earthquake that knocked By Charles James down most of the town. It killed fully a quarter of the population. The store one Pine is a regular tourist there. He loved the desert and loved also in the cemetery. He is the son was rebuilt with wood. It is located now attraction town. It offers Lone Pine and when he passed in of the man who built the first grocery where the Lone Star Bistro is found. Lvarious outdoor recreational 1965 he was buried here. store in Lone Pine. That man’s name The Lone Star Bistro is situated on the opportunities such as hiking, fishing, Felix Meysan and his family are was Charles Meysan. Felix’s sister west side of Main Street. In fact the hunting and biking, among others. back wall of the original adobe building It celebrates its local history with the has been preserved behind the present Lone Pine Film History Museum and store. Pioneer Cemetery Coso Historical Society. Alice Meysan was buried in the The area offers some of the most communal grave located to the north beautiful vistas and landscapes, perfect of town and west side of 395. There for artists, filmmakers, photographers are two plaques there that explain and for those into nature contempla- the history of the earthquake. As you tion. The list can go on and on. Many leave town but before you get to the of these opportunities for visitors can cemetery, you will pass the Sherwood be discovered on the Chamber of Forest (England) black oak with an ac- Commerce website, the Inyo County companying sign. The actual fault line website and various publications and of the earthquake can be seen easily. brochures available in town. But there Because of the lack of rain, it has not is much more to experience if you are been eroded much in the years since. an explorer, adventurer or you like to The best view of the El Temblor venture off the traveled trail. fault line is from a road just west of Cemeteries are a gold mine of the L.A. Aqueduct off Whitney Portal local history. First off, the Mt. Whit- Depot Cemetery Continued on page 20 ney Cemetery just north of town on e us your Highway 395 has several Lone Pine iv b G Start shooting your way into est shot! notables buried there. A book of next years competition! names and grave locations is available Follow Us On on the west parking lot. Some people of interest are Gustave (Gus) Marsh ❶ who spearheaded the building of the Mt. Whitney Trail and the building of the Smithsonian Rock Hut on top ❷ of Whitney. At one time he spent a Images can be purchased month straight at the top making him Deadline for 2015 submissions thru the Lone Pine Chamber the man with the longest record of JUNE 23rd, 2015 ❸ uninterrupted living or at least staying For rules & regulations: at the summit of the mountain. www.lonepinechamber.org ➍ Walter Hopps is also buried in this 760.876.4444 View the 2014 Entries cemetery. He was one of the founders, Hosted by the July 15th - Nov. 30th writers and promoters of the art scene Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce at the Visitor’s Center in Lone Pine, California in Los Angeles in the 1950’s. He was Sponsored by Inyo County part of “The Cool School” and had one of the first galleries (the Ferus Gal- lery, Los Angeles in partnership with Photography by: 1. C. Eller 2. S. Christenson 3. E. Nahin 4. D. Dessoliers ❺ Ed Kienholz) that represented many of Pioneer Cemetery Pioneer Cemetery Follow us at www.facebook.com/inyoimages the original greats of the artistic scene 18 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 19 Full Hook-Ups • Pool • Spa • Mini Mart Wi-Fi • Pull Throughs • Laundry Clubhouse • Complimentary Muffins and Coffee • Golf Nearby 760.876.4243760.876.4243 www.bouldercreekrvresort.com Approx. 4 miles South of Lone Pine East Side of Hwy 395

Depot Cemetery Trails Motel between the two uplifting mountain chains. Before we leave the cemeteries of Lone Pine, drive out Narrow Gauge 760.876.5555760.876.5555 Road just north of the gas company on the east side of town. Just before Swimming Pool Pioneer Cemetery the big turn to the north on your right Walk to Restaurants there are several graves. One of these trailsmotel.com 633 S. Main Street, Lone Pine California Continued from page 19 is in Serbo Croatian. Translated it says Road. Cross the Aqueduct and turn the occupant of the grave came from Mt. Whitney north. You will go up a small hill and Sarajevo and died of “Not natural” Great Food RESTAURANT then drive east on an old turn out. You causes. This was to be the replacement Totem Cafe will look out on the valley from more for the Pioneer Cemetery on Inyo Outdoor patio dining! Best on 395! than twenty-five feet above the valley Road (Dump Road). It was determined floor. Look to your north and you’ll to be too far from town for a wagon see the geological break that exposed ride and the Mt. Whitney Cemetery, tons of boulders. There also signs of a lease from the Los Angeles Depart- springs. Diaz Lake to the south was a ment of Water and Power, replaced it. marsh until this quake opened many The Pioneer Cemetery is on Inyo springs there. The valley is a “graben” (Dump) Road. There you will find 227 South Main Street • Lone Pine, California • 760.876.5751 whose floor is slowly dropping away Charles Begole the father of Lone Steaks-Seafood-Sandwiches and Much More! Pine. He also has a street named after him near the Frosty Chalet. Meysan The Place to Dine laid out the wide streets that grace New Menu Lone Pine today. Also located in this cemetery are the Diaz Brothers who Burgers • Ribs have the lake south of town named Pastas - Steaks after them because their ranch was there. Best Outdoor Sitting If you want to venture out of town, Gift Shop go to the Interagency Visitors Center at the corner of Highway 136 and 395. If you follow 136, it becomes 131 SOUTH MAIN STREET • LONE PINE, CA Continued on page 22 20 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 21 Continued from page 21 Highway 190 and continues out to Independence Death Valley. You will pass Keeler on By David Woodruff the way. It has the very early Depot and station for the narrow gauge or years Independence has basket collection, mining and farming find at the Park. Carson and Colorado RR. It is in the been considered by many equipment, the history of Los Angeles The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery center town. It is fun to see the old travelers to be a place to and its aqueduct in the Owens Valley, lies just 3 miles north of town. Start- community swimming pool which was F pass by quickly on the way to greater a local history research library, the ing in 1915, the citizens of Indepen- quite nice in its day, but isn’t now. It is destinations. But for those that take a Mary DeDecker native plant garden dence began a local fundraising drive in the southeast corner of Keeler. Just moment to explore “Indy” and the sur- and a bookstore. The museum can to purchase a site for a proposed east of Keeler is the road up to the Depot Cemetery rounding area, a wealth of adventure, also provide you with a map of the state fish hatchery. $1,500.00 was Cerro Gordo Ghost Town. Four-wheel culture and history are soon revealed. town, highlighting the many historic raised and an ideal 40-acre site was drive vehicles are advised. If you go, Independence is the county seat of buildings and points of interest you purchased on Oak Creek, just north you will need to bring a jacket because Wireless Internet Inyo County, the second largest coun- can visit on a short walking tour. of the town. Fish and Game Commis- Cable TV with HBO the camp is at 8300 feet and usually ty in California. Though big in area, Dehy Park at the north end of sioner M. J. Connell instructed the Timberline Motel King & Queen Size Beds significantly cooler than on the valley Coffee • Microwave the quaint little town has only slightly town is a popular gathering place for design team “to design a building that floor. Refrigerator more than 600 residents. The mag- community events. Visitors will find would match the mountains, would TIMBERLINE The Jim and Beverly Rogers Lone Quiet • Off the road nificent Inyo County Courthouse sits delightful Independence Creek flowing last forever, and would be a showplace MOTEL Pine Film History Museum at 701 Walking distant to Restaurant grandly in the center of town. It was gently through the Park providing a for all time.” The walls of the building South Main Street is definitely worth AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA designed by architect William Weeks cool place to relax. A playground are constructed using native granite In Room Amenities Include: COFFEE / MICROWAVE CABLE / HBO 760.876.4555760.876.4555 REFRIGERATOR AC / HEATING a visit. They have an orientation film VACANCY in Classical Revival style and was built adds to the enjoyment children can collected within a quarter mile of the about the film history locally, and a in 1921. It is one of a select group self-guided tour of movie locations. of county courthouses listed on the The Museum also has several focused National Register of Historic Places. 215 East Post Street • Lone Pine, California tours described carefully in new bro- Independence boasts one of the chures that are worth a look. best collections of historic buildings Out on Narrow gauge Road is also in Inyo County. The Edwards House the broad gauge Southern Pacific RR on West Market Street was built in Station. If you look carefully, you will the early 1860s. The adobe portion see where Japanese American citizens is the oldest structure still standing in carved their names as they made their Inyo County. The “Commander’s way to Manzanar up the road. House” was originally built at nearby Many other out of the way places Fort Independence, also in the 1860s, can found if you simply ask an in- and was later moved into town where formed local how to find them. The it still stands today. Sand Trap where sand is removed Mary Austin lived in Indepen- from Lone Pine Creek water before it dence for several years in a home on Independence Courthouse enters the Aqueduct is easy to find with West Market Street and completed a little bit of help. There can be good her book, Land of Little Rain, in this fishing there. Also the Salt Tram that house in 1903. A California State went to Saline Valley can be located historical marker in front of the private with sharp eyes, or a little bit of help. Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery 760.876.1146 residence (not open to the public) de- It is on the way to Keeler on the north (ACROSS FROM HOSPITAL) scribes her ties to the valley and town. side of Highway 136. Also there in HRS: M-F 8AM - 7PM The Eastern California Museum, SAT 9AM - 4PM Swansea below on 136 is the old three blocks west of the courthouse, stagecoach stop. SPECIALTIES AVAILABLE: houses much of the region’s rich If you are the adventurous type, CARDIOLOGY • OPHTHALMOLOGY history. The museum displays a large Lone Pine has many out-of-the way DIETARY COUNSELING collection of artifacts, historic photo- locations that are fun to find. If all else 760.878.2127 PODIATRY • TELEMEDICINE graphs, an extensive Native American fails, ask a local Lone Piner. They are Continued on page 24 Just north of Independence friendly and usually don’t bite. 22 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 23 Continued from page 23 built during World War II where the grounds near town and in the moun- sometimes beyond with breakfast in site. The massive walls are two to US Government incarcerated over tains. Anglers will find abundant trout the park, a Bar B Que dinner, a pa- three feet thick. 110,000 Japanese Americans. To- fishing in the local creeks. rade, ice cream and pie, kids games, Today the Hatchery and its beau- day, the does an Independence is a great place to and of course fireworks. The entire tiful grounds are operated and main- excellent job preserving and interpret- stop and spend a few hours or a few town becomes involved and unlike so tained by the non-profit Friends of the ing the legacy of Japanese American days. It has plenty of room for the many festivities that promote only to Mt. Whitney Hatchery. The shady incarceration in the United States. soul to expand and the imagination bring in tourist dollars, the celebration grounds and main pond are excellent The Visitor Center is truly world class to soar. From the clouds called the in Independence welcomes all visitors for relaxing, a picnic, and fish viewing. with its exhibits and displays. The Sierra Wave to the brilliance of the to a genuinely hometown experience. New restrooms are available. Volun- Park Service also has constructed two nighttime stars, Independence is more Quirky as it may sound, Indepen- teers staff a gift shop and give tours replica barracks for visitors to see than a rest stop. Independence is dence in recent years has become inside the hatchery during the sum- firsthand how the Japanese Americans a place of quiet beauty that is rarely renowned for its Fruitcake Festival mer. This is an excellent place to stop lived with interned here. found, but can be greatly treasured. usually observed in December. *Fruit- and take a few minutes to enjoy the Adventure awaits you east and Come and discover for yourself the cakes are Welcome* can be seen on li- beauty and the history of the Eastern west of Independence where camping, wonderful town of Independence. cense plate frames and bulletin boards Sierra. hiking, fishing, and hunting abound. Another example of the spirit of around the small town. 5 miles south of Independence An extensive system of hiking trails Independence is the classic celebration Independence features a world- is the National Historic Site of Man- provides entrance into the High Sierra on Independence Day, the 4th of July. class museum, historic cemetery, zanar. One of 10 internment camps backcountry. There are several camp- The celebration extends all day and hometown atmosphere and plenty of charm. Several campgrounds and motels in the area provide the ameni- ties needed for a true adventure to the great outdoors. *Through Hikers* on the Pacific Crest Trail have discovered that Independence is a convenient resupply town. The majestic views of the Eastern Sierra seem to beckon the adventurous. The great Winnedumah Monument on the ridge of the to the east provides adven- ture and history of another flavor to those who wish to explore why Native Americans still treasure the pine nuts and obsidian, and why western settlers thought they could eke out a living by Mt. Whitney Hatchery mining the various minerals so beauti- fully displayed and buried in the variety of canyons that are the Inyos. On the way totp Onion Valley

24 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 25 BIG PINE By David Woodruff

ig Pine is the hub for ex- is home to specie of trees that are servatory is located just a few miles ploring some of the grand- among the oldest living things on northeast of town. These large white Best areas in the region, earth, dating to over 5000 years old. discs, seen from Hwy 395 are owned from the Sierra Nevada in the west to A good paved road via Hwy 168 leads and operated by Caltech and provide the White Mountains in the east. to the Schulman Grove from the north astronomers the ability to conduct In the center of town is Crocker end of Big Pine. A Visitor Center extensive research of the stars and our Street heads west and climbs into the here provides daily interpretive talks solar system. Further up Hwy 168 is Sierra. The road ascends the mighty and natural history lectures mid-June CARMA (The Combined Array for Re- escarpment and enters Big Pine Can- through Labor Day. Three interpretive search in Millimeter-wave Astronomy). yon, winding along Big Pine Creek to hiking trails lead visitors to close up CARMA is also operated by Caltech campgrounds, cabins, a supply store, views of these grand trees and stupen- and has 23 smaller antennas used in and a pack outfit for horseback excur- dous views of the far off Sierras. Be combination to image the universe at sions into the backcountry. At road’s sure to bring a camera for one of a millimeter wavelengths that provide end, lace up your hiking boots and kind photos. Informative interpretive crystal clear images for researchers. head up trails that lead to unparalleled signs will help you understand the Located on a high-altitude site in the scenery and adventure including one of uniqueness of this noble species as you Inyo Mountains, it is currently the most Big Pine’s several claims to fame: the meander along. Nearby Grandview powerful millimeter array in the world, Palisades Glacier, the largest glacier in Campground makes for a delightful with unmatched imaging capabilities. the Sierra Nevada. base camp to explore the nearby Caltech offers occasional Open House The Ancient region. events for the public to tour these Forest, high in the White Mountains, The Owens Valley Radio Ob- Continued on page 28

Palisades Glacier area Big Pine Tree with Palisades Glacier in backgoundbackground

26 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 27 Continued from page 26 Close to town is the well-stocked Baker road is mostly of dirt and there are no fascinating research facilities. You Ponds: turn west on Baker Creek facilities, but the scenery is wonderful COALDALE can learn more at http://www.astro. Road, go about a mile to the camp- and 75 miles farther is the north end JUNCTION caltech.edu/events/ grounds and from there the ponds are of the Park near Scotty’s Castle. Some of the Eastern Sierra’s finest easy to find. , about a mile The list of “things to do” while in BENTON fishing is found in and around Big east of Big Pine on S.R. 168, abounds Big Pine could go on and on. Take the Pine. Throughout the bounteous Big with trout and warm water species like time on your next visit to the Owens Pine Creek are numerous fishing spots, catfish, bass and others. Valley to experience some of this world starting just a couple of miles outside There is also a “back road” to class and one of kind adventures with town and continuing all the way to Death Valley National Park from Big friends and family. They’ll provide MAMMOTH the end of the road 17 miles away. Pine; be cautious, though, because the memories for a lifetime. LAKES 395 6 267 95

BISHOP

SIERRA NEVADA 168 BIG PINE

PALISADE. GLACIER SCOTTYS DEATH CASTLE

BEATTY 395 374 INDEPENDENCE VALLEY MT. WILLIAMSON El. 14375 WHITNEY LATHROP WELLS PORTAL MT. LONE PINE WHITNEY STOVEPIPE 95 El. 14494 136 WELLS INYO COUNTY FURNACE CREEK

CARTAGO 190 190 DEATH PANAMINT 160 OLANCHA NATIONAL VALLEY SPRINGS BADWATER JUNCTION LAS VEGAS PAHRUMP

COSO JUNCTION PARK SHOSHONE

TECOPA 178 HOT SPRINGS PEARSONVILLE TECOPA TRONA 15 RIDGECREST INYOKERN 178

14 127

28 INYO COUNTY VISITORS GUIDE SEVENTH EDITION 395 BAKER Western Gateway to DOW Death Valley National Park All Amenities Center of Town • Pool & Spa Golf • Senior Discounts • Smoke Free Wi-Fi • Major Credit Cards MOTEL Restaurant Adjacent

Center of Lone Pine... Friendliest Place To Stay John Wayne Stayed Here!

760.876.5521 310 South Main Street FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED 800.824.9317 Lone Pine SINCE 1957 www.dowvillamotel.com CENTRAL NEVADA MUSEUM

OPEN: TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 9AM-5PM • GIFT SHOP & ARCHIVAL RESEARCH LIBRARY 1900 LOGAN FIELD ROAD • TONOPAH, NV 89049 • 775.482.9676 www.tonopahnevada.com/CentralNevadaMuseum.html