Hikes in Inyo National Forest
Inyo National Forest's biodiversity and imposing mountainous terrain make it an ideal wilderness area for hiking! At an impressive 800,000 acres, Inyo National Forest boasts an abundance of routes for all ability levels. Leading you to picturesque lakes, up the summits of grandiose mountains, and alongside charming creeks, Inyo National Forest's hiking network is incredible in its scenery and accessibility.
Since the options for hikes within Inyo National Forest are so copious, we have made a list of some of our favorite hiking routes. While every route stated below is incredible, this list just scratches the surface of the trail possibilities within Inyo National Forest!
The 10 Greatest Hikes In Inyo National Forest
- Mount Whitney Trail - The piece de resistance of Inyo National Forest, the Mount Whitney Trail is an incredibly challenging route that boasts amazing sightlines of the surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada landscape.
- Rainbow Falls via Devils Postpile Trail - Taking you past the stunning geological formation of Devils Postpile before delivering you to beautiful Rainbow Falls, you won't want to miss this popular route within Inyo National Forest.
- Kennedy Meadow to the Bridge via PCT - A moderately difficult hike, Kennedy Meadow to the Bridge via PCT is regarded as an excellent route to see wildlife as it takes you alongside a charming river and through picturesque meadows.
- Treasure Lake Trail - Ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children, the Treasure Lake Trail delivers you to a pair of stunning lakes, where incredible sightlines can be enjoyed.
- June Lake Loop Trail - An excellent location for wildlife viewing, the June Lake Loop Trail is easily accessible and possesses great views of the surrounding Inyo National Forest landscape.
- Saddlebag Lake Trail - Circumventing the shoreline of an alluring alpine lake, the Saddlebag Lake Trail is a family-friendly route where you can take your time and enjoy!
- Hot Creek Interpretive Trail - The Hot Creek Interpretive Trail is a family-friendly route that takes you on an educational tour of a unique geothermally heated creek.
- Crystal Lakes Trail - After traversing a delightful forested section, the Crystal Lakes Trail arrives at a picturesque lake where you will want to stop and have a picnic!
- Mammoth Mountain Trail - A trail that leads you up the backside of Mammoth Mountain - a popular ski hill within California - the route is easily accessible and an excellent choice for a day hike with older children.
- Sky Meadows Trail - Leading you to a gorgeous alpine meadow, the Sky Meadows Trail is perfect for beginner hikers and families with young children.
When Is The Best Time To Hike In Inyo National Forest?
Although Inyo National Forest is a year-round destination, the best time to hike within its beautiful landscape is during the warmer months - from June till October. During this time the alpine wildflowers bloom, and the cornucopia of life that inhabits the ecosystem is most active - making for an experience that won't soon be forgotten.
Other Outdoor Activities In Inyo National Park
Along with its extensive hiking trail network, Inyo National Forest has no shortage of fun outdoor activities to do! During the warmer months, cyclists bike along the scenic roadways and technical mountain bike paths. Kayakers, canoeists and stand up paddle boarders make their way to the many lakes throughout the area, while rock climbers ascend the imposing cliff faces of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As fall turns into winter, people ski and snowboard at world famous ski resorts such as Mammoth Mountain, and snowshoe along Inyo National Forests many trails and frozen lakes.
Inyo National Forest Adventure Tours
The Sierra Nevada Mountain range has an amazing variety of professionally guided and planned tours. If interested, take a look at adventure tours in Sierra Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inyo National Forest
Do I need a permit for Inyo National Forest?
Permits are only required for overnight trips and any route along Mt. Whitney.
How much does it cost to climb Mt Whitney?
Mount Whitney Permits cost $6 to apply and another $15 per person once the permit is granted. Permits are given out through a lottery that takes place annually.
Are campfires allowed in Inyo National Forest?
Outside of designated Inyo National Forest recreational sites, campfires are not permitted.
How many people climb Mt. Whitney each year?
Although approximately 30,000 people attempt to summit Mt. Whiney each year, a fraction of that are actually successful as the route is technically and physically demanding.
Other great Hiking Regions in California
Best Hikes in Inyo National Forest
Great Sierra Mine via Gaylor Lakes Trail
The Great Serra Mine via Gaylor Lakes Trail is a stunning route that takes you through the breathtaking mountainous terrain of Inyo National Forest. Passing alongside two picturesque lakes before delivering you to an interesting abandoned mining complex, the route is ideal for intermediate hikers who are also interested in the history of resource extraction within the region.
User Ratings
Nunatak Nature Trail
Nunatak Nature Trail is an ideal route for those seeking a casual hiking experience! Short in distance, and with hardly any elevation fluctuation, the route is perfect for families with young children and those looking for a leisurely stroll through the beautiful environment of Inyo National Forest. Bring your furry friends along as the route is dog-friendly!
User Ratings
Sierra Viewpoint Trail
The Sierra Viewpoint Trail is a short route with hardly any notable elevation incline and is therefore appropriate for all skill levels and families with young children. The route ends at a scenic overlook, where incredible sightlines of the surrounding eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range can be enjoyed.
User Ratings
June Lake Loop Trail to Yost Creek Trail
An easily accessible route within Inyo National Forest, June Lake Loop Trail to Yost Creek Trail is an excellent choice for your next hiking adventure! With incredible views of the surrounding eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain landscape and ample opportunities to view an abundance of wildlife, June Lake Loop Trail to Yost Creek Trail will not leave you disappointed.
User Ratings
Dinosaur Falls Trail
Dinosaur Falls Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. Easily accessible, the route is ideal for families with young children and those seeking a more casual hiking experience. Along its extent you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
User Ratings
Bennettville Trail
The Bennettville Trail is an easily accessible, family-friendly route within Inyo National Forest. The route takes you alongside charming creeks and picturesque lakes as it meanders through the imposing alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
User Ratings
Lake George to Deer Lakes Trail
Lake George to Deer Lakes Trail is an easily accessible, yet fairly challenging route within Inyo National Forest. Taking you through the alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the trail is both stunningly beautiful and considered to be an excellent route for wildlife viewing. The route can be completed as either a backpacking trip or throughout one long day.
User Ratings
Gable Lakes Trail
A challenging route within Inyo National Forest, the Gable Lakes Trail leads you through stunning alpine terrain before arriving at a set of picturesque lakes and an abandoned mining site. A lightly trafficked route, it is unlikely that you will see many others along the Bale Lakes Trail.
User Ratings
Upper Pine Lake via Italy Pass Trail
A more challenging route, Upper Pine Lake via Italy Pass Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers who are seeking a challenge. That being said, with great views of the surrounding Inyo National Forest landscape, Upper Pine Lake via Italy Pass Trail is more than worth the effort!
User Ratings
Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail
Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail is a scenic route within the high alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range. A longer - and therefore more challenging route - the trail is ideal for more experienced hikers and those seeking a challenge. Boasting great views of the surrounding Inyo National Forest landscape, Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail will not leave you disappointed.
User Ratings
Mountain View and 3S89 Road Loop
Mountain View and 3S89 Road Loop is a delightful route within Inyo National Forest. Leading you through a lovely forested section, the route posessess scenic views of the surrounding area. Easily accessible and short in distance, the Mountain View and 3S89 Road Loop is an ideal trail for casual hikers and families with older children.
User Ratings
Lakes Basin Path to Pack Trail
A more challenging route within Inyo National Forest, Lakes Basin Path to Pack Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge. The route traverses the stunning alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range and takes you alongside charming creeks and picturesque lakes.
User Ratings
Valentine Lake Trail
An underrated route within Inyo National Forest, Valentine Lake Trail is without a doubt worth the effort! Boasting sublime scenery characteristic of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Valentine Lake Trail is an ideal route for intermediate hikers and families with older children.