Inyo National Forest California

Inyo National Forest Overview

Inyo National Forest extends 165 miles near the California and Nevada border between Los Angeles and Reno, covering almost 2 million acres, mostly on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. This forest is a land of superlatives, for example: the oldest trees, the tallest mountains in California, among the oldest inland lake (Mono Lake), desert, glaciers, and also the dramatic Eastern Sierra escarpment.

Recreational opportunities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, equestrian use, and off-highway vehicle use. Ski resorts also offer alpine skiing and snowboarding with over 100 miles of trails groomed for multiple purpose winter use.  And there are also approximately 45 miles of trails groomed for cross-country skiing.

Inyo National Forest Districts

Mono Lake Ranger District is the northernmost district. The western portion of the district is adjacent to Yosemite National Park, and includes one of the most spectacular and accessible areas of the Sierra Nevada. To the east is Mono Lake, and the world’s largest stand of majestic Jeffrey Pines.

Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.

White Mountain Ranger District extends from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the White Mountains. There are lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks for fishing. Roads and trails also allow for exploration of a wide variety of terrain and life zones.

The Mt. Whitney Ranger District is the southernmost district in the Inyo National Forest. On its western edge is Mt. Whitney, highest point in the contiguous United States. The district also xtends from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the Inyo Mountains. Recreation activities include hiking, fishing, climbing, horse riding, and more.

You can also check out the Inyo National Forest website for more information.

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Boat Ramp
• Boat Rental
• Camp Store
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - Good
• Cell Service - None
• Cell Service Fair
• Cell Service Poor
• Drinking Water
• Dump Station
• Equestrian Facilities
• Equestrian trail
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Recycling Center
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Trash Collection

Activities

• ATV
• Backpacking
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Caves
• Climbing
• Creek
• Cross Country Skiing
• Cultural Sites
• Downhill Skiing
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Horseback riding
• Hunting
• Kayaking
• Lake
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• OHVing
• OTV Trails/Riding
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Photography
• Picnicking
• River
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Walking Trails
• Water Sports
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing