Hikes in Inyo National Forest
Activities 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!
What’s New in 2027
- Mount Whitney needs a permit every day of the year, won mostly through a lottery. A wilderness permit is required for the Mount Whitney Trail, featured below, whether you go for the day or overnight. During the quota season, roughly May to early November, permits are issued through the Recreation.gov Mount Whitney lottery: applications open in February, results post in mid-March, and any unclaimed dates are released in late April. There is a small application fee plus a per-person charge. Plan months ahead, and have a backup hike in mind if you miss out.
- A mandatory shuttle serves Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow in summer. To reach Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls and the Reds Meadow Valley trailheads, you generally must ride the Reds Meadow shuttle, which runs roughly mid-June to early September; private vehicles are not allowed into the valley while it operates. Buy the shuttle ticket and check the current-season dates before you go.
- Snow sets the season, and the high trails open late. Most of the alpine routes are best from June to October, and the higher lakes and passes can hold snow into July. The Eastern Sierra is also bear country, so use the bear lockers at trailheads and carry a canister on overnight trips. On hot days at lower elevations, carry plenty of water, as the east side is dry and exposed.
The Best 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.
- Devil’s Postpile Loop Short and easy, this loop visits the extraordinary Devil’s Postpile, a wall of columnar basalt, and is a favourite for families. You reach the trailhead by the seasonal Reds Meadow shuttle. From here you can extend to Rainbow Falls.
- 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!
- Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail One of the most rewarding easier days in the Eastern Sierra, this route passes a string of picturesque alpine lakes with big mountain views, and is popular with families and photographers alike.
- 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.
More Hikes in Inyo National Forest
- Minaret Lake Trail
- Methuselah Trail (ancient bristlecone pines)
- Chocolate Lakes Loop Trail
- Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop
- Cirque Lake via Cottonwood Lakes Trail
- Big Pine Creek Campground and Glacier Lodge Loop Trail
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.
Browse our Guided tours in the United States to find one that fits your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inyo National Forest
Do I need a permit for Inyo National Forest?
For most day hikes in the forest, no permit is needed. Overnight trips into the wilderness require a wilderness permit, and the Mount Whitney Trail requires a permit every day of the year, for day hikes as well as overnight trips.
How much does it cost to climb Mt Whitney?
A Mount Whitney permit costs a 6 US dollar non-refundable application fee, plus 15 US dollars per person once a permit is granted. Permits for the quota season are awarded through the annual Recreation.gov lottery linked above, with applications in February and results in mid-March. Any unclaimed dates are released for booking in late April.
Are campfires allowed in Inyo National Forest?
Outside of designated Inyo National Forest recreational sites, campfires are not permitted. A California campfire permit is required to use a stove or lantern in the backcountry, and fire restrictions often tighten in late summer, so check current conditions before you go.
How many people climb Mt. Whitney each year?
Roughly 30,000 people set out to summit Mount Whitney each year, but only a portion reach the top, as the altitude and length of the route turn many back. Acclimatising to the elevation beforehand makes a big difference.
Other great Hiking Regions in California
Displaying 40 of 59 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Inyo National Forest
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Mount Whitney Trail Route Guide
A physically demanding and technically formidable route, the Mount Whitney Trail is a must-do for the seasoned hiker who enjoys a challenge. Traversing steep switchbacks and taking you alongside sheer cliffs, the route should only be attempted by experienced hikers whose skills, physical ability and equipment are sufficient enough for the rigours of the imposing mountain.
Devil’s Postpile Loop Route Guide
Short in distance, and with relatively little elevation gain, the Devil's Postpile Loop is an excellent route for beginner hikers and families with young children. The route traverses a scenic pathway before arriving at the stunningly amazing Devil's Postpile - an incredible geological formation that is amongst the most beautiful within Inyo National Forest.
Kennedy Meadow to the Bridge via PCT Trail Route Guide
Kennedy Meadow to the Bridge via PCT Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest that traverses the scenic terrain of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range. This moderately difficult route takes you alongside a charming river and through lovely meadows, and is considered to be an excellent place for viewing wildlife.
Treasure Lakes Trail Route Guide
The Treasure Lakes Trail is a magical route within Inyo National Forest that is ideal for intermediate hikers, and families with older children. Traversing steadily inclining terrain, the route brings you to a pair of tranquil lakes where incredible sightlines can be enjoyed.
June Lake Loop Trail Route Guide
An ideal route for intermediate hikers, and families with older children, the June Lake Loop Trail is a stunning route within Inyo National Forest. A great trail to see wildlife and take in the scenery of the surrounding landscape, the June Lake Loop Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike!
Saddlebag Lake Trail Route Guide
A family-friendly route in Inyo National Forest, the Saddlebag Lake Trail is a scenic pathway that traverses the shoreline of beautiful Saddlebag Lake. A route with great views of the surrounding landscape, Saddlebag Lake Trail is also considered an excellent place to view wildlife.
Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop Route Guide
An absolutely stunning route, Twenty Lakes Basin and Saddlebag Lake Loop is a must-do route within Inyo National Forest. Traversing the imposing alpine terrain of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the route is excellent for wildlife viewing and admiring the highland vegetation that is prolific throughout its extent.
Crystal Lake Trail Route Guide
A stunning route, Crystal Lake Trail traverses some lovely forested terrain before arriving at picturesque Crystal Lake. A fairly short route, Crystal Lake Trail is both family friendly and easily accessible. The route boasts incredible views of the surrounding Inyo Forest Landscape and is regarded as an excellent place to see wildlife.
Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail Route Guide
The Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail is an incredible route that brings you to a number of picturesque lakes within Inyo National Forest. Fairly long, and with a sizable amount of elevation gain, the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes Trail is rated as moderately difficult and is therefore appropriate for intermediate hikers and families with older children.
Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail Route Guide
Considered to be a more challenging route, the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers. Traversing beautiful terrain with gorgeous views, many do the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail as a warm up route before attempting to summit Mount Whitney itself.
Minaret Lake Trail Route Guide
Taking you through stunning mountain topography, alongside charming creeks, and eventually ending at the picturesque Minaret Lake, the Minaret Lake Trail is an incredible route. A longer trail with a fair amount of elevation incline, the Minaret Lake Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge in Inyo National Forest.
Lake Mary Loop Route Guide
The Lake Mary Loop is a short route within Inyo National Forest that is ideal for families with young children and those seeking a casual hiking experience. Regarded as a great place to view wildlife, the Lake Mary Loop takes you around the shoreline of scenic Lake Mary.
Mammoth Mountain Trail Route Guide
A scenic route that offers incredible sightlines of the surrounding region, the Mammoth Mountain Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest. Fairly long in distance, and with a notable amount of elevation gain, the Mammoth Mountain Trail is perfect for intermediate hikers and families with older children.
Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail Route Guide
The Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. Traversing the imposing topography of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the route ends at a tranquil lake where stunning sightlines can be enjoyed.
Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail Route Guide
Traversing alongside quaint creeks and through charming meadows, the Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest. As the Jordan Hot Springs via Casa Vieja Trail ends at a natural hot spring, it is an incredibly unique route that you won't want to miss!
Sky Meadows Trail Route Guide
The Sky Meadows Trail is a great route for beginner hikers and families with younger children. Ending at a sublime alpine meadow, the route is not excessively long. Taking you alongside beautiful lakes and charming creeks, the Sky Meadows Trail is regarded as an excellent wildlife viewing route.
Fern Lake Trail Route Guide
Appropriate for intermediate hikers and families with older children, Fern Lake Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. The trail ends at stunning Fern Lake, where picturesque views of the surrounding alpine landscape can be enjoyed. Along with its great sighlines, Fern Lake Trail is also regarded as an excellent route for wildlife viewing.
Sabrina Basin to Donkey Lake Trail Route Guide
Sabrina Basin to Donkey Lake Trail is a scenic route within Inyo National Forest that is well suited for intermediate hikers and families with older children. Boasting incredible views of the surrounding eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the route can be done in a day or broken up into a backpacking trip.
Lake George to Emerald Lake via Coldwater Campground Trail Route Guide
An ideal route for families with young children, Lake George to Emerald Lake via Coldwater Campground Trail traverses stunning Inyo National Forest terrain while leading you past a number of beautiful lakes. The route is also considered to be an excellent location for wildlife viewing.
Big Pine Creek Campground and Glacier Lodge Loop Trail Route Guide
Short in distance, and with relatively little elevation gain, Big Pine Creek Campground and Glacier Lodge Loop Trail is a family-friendly route within Inyo National Forest. Leading you through stunning mountain terrain and over cascading creeks, the route is considered to be an excellent trail for wildlife viewing.
Barney Lake Trail Route Guide
Barney Lake Trail is a moderately difficult route within Inyo National Forest. The beautiful route ends at a charming alpine lake, where incredible views of the surrounding Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range can be enjoyed. The Barney Lake Trail is ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children.
McLeod Lake Trail Route Guide
McLeod Lake Trail is a fairly short route that possesses little elevation gain, and is therefore a perfect trail for beginner hikers and families with young children. Taking you through a charming wooded area before traversing the shoreline of picturesque McLeod Lake, the route is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest.
Seven Lakes Point via Dragon’s Back Trail Route Guide
Seven Lakes Point via Dragon’s Back Trail is a scenic route within Inyo National Forest that takes you to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. While not a particularly long route, the elevation incline in relation to the trail's distance makes it a relatively difficult route that is only appropriate for more experienced hikers.
Gull Lake Loop Route Guide
Taking you along the shoreline of charming Gull Lake, the Gull Lake Loop is an ideal route for beginner hikers and families with younger children as it is both short, and lacks much elevation incline. The Gull Lake Loop is also considered to be an excellent place to view wildlife.
Chocolate Lakes Loop Trail Route Guide
A stunning route within Inyo National Forest, the Chocolate Lakes Loop is an ideal route for intermediate hikers and families with older children. The route leads you to a number of sublime alpine lakes where incredible views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain landscape can be enjoyed.
Emerald Lake Trail Route Guide
Short in distance and with relatively little elevation incline, the Emerald Lake Trail is ideal for beginner hikers and families with young children. With great scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the route, and lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing, the Emerald Lake Trail is an excellent choice for your next hike in Inyo National Forest.
McGee Creek to Horsetail Creek Trail Route Guide
McGee Creek to Horsetail Creek Trail is a family-friendly route in Inyo National Forest. The route is regarded as an excellent place to view wildlife and, depending on the time of year you are planning on doing it, possesses an abundance of beautiful alpine wildflowers for your enjoyment.
Horton Lake Trail Route Guide
Horton Lake Trail is fairly long and possesses a relatively large elevation incline and is therefore considered to be a moderately difficult route. The scenery is nonetheless incredible along the route, as it takes you throughout the stunning alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Rush Creek Trail to Agnew Lake Trail Route Guide
A moderately difficult route, Rush Creek Trail to Agnew Lake Trail leads you through the stunning environment of Inyo National Forest before arriving at picturesque Agnew Lake. Considered to be an excellent route for wildlife viewing, the trail is ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children.
Inyo Craters Trail Route Guide
Taking you alongside two impressive volcanic craters, the Inyo Craters Trail is an easily accessible route within Inyo National Forest. Short in distance, and with relatively little elevation incline, the route is ideal for families with young children and casual hikers.
Big McGee Lake Trail Route Guide
A stunning route within Inyo National Forest, Big McGee Lake Trail traverses some stunning Sierra Nevada terrain before delivering you to Big McGee Lake itself. At the lake, incredible sightlines of the surrounding area can be enjoyed and opportunities for wildlife sightings are plentiful.
Heart Lake Trail Route Guide
The Heart Lake Trail is an excellent, family oriented route within Inyo National Forest. A great trail for wildlife viewing, the Heart Lake Trail takes you through a stunning wooded section before arriving at picturesque Heart Lake.
Lower Rock Creek Canyon Trail Route Guide
A scenic route within Inyo National Forest, the Lower Rock Creek Canyon Trail is an excellent route for intermediate hikes, and families with older children. Autumn is an especially nice time of year to do the route, as the colors of the changing leaves are sublime.
Silver Lakes Sierras Trail Route Guide
The Silver Lakes Sierras Trail takes you alongside a number of tranquil lakes, all while offering amazing views of the surrounding Inyo National Forest landscape. The route can be done as either a long day hike or broken up into a backpacking trip.
Sotcher Lake Trail Route Guide
A beautiful route, Sotcher Lake Trail is ideal for families and those seeking a more casual hiking experience. Taking you along the shoreline of scenic Sotcher Lake, the trail boasts incredible views of the surrounding Inyo National Forest landscape. Wildlife is also prolific throughout the route, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Mammoth Pass and McLeod Lake Trail Route Guide
Mammoth Pass and McLeod Lake Trail is a beautiful route within Inyo National Forest. Traversing the scenic alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the trail offers incredible views and is regarded as an excellent place to view wildlife.
Honeymoon Lake Trail Route Guide
A fairly long route with a notable amount of elevation incline, the Honeymoon Lake Trail is considered to be a difficult route within Inyo National Forest. The route can either be completed in one long day or can be broken up into a backpacking trip depending on what you are interested in doing.
Methuselah Trail Route Guide
The Methuselah Trail is a scenic route within Inyo National Forest. Taking you through an ancient pine forest, Methuselah Trail possesses some of the most unique scenery found within the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Lundy to Oneida Lake Trail Route Guide
A scenic route within Inyo National Forest, Lundy to Oneida Lake Trail is ideal for intermediate hikers seeking a longer route. Considered an excellent trail for wildlife viewing, the Lundy to Oneida Lake Trail leads you through gorgeous terrain characteristic of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Skelton Lake Loop Route Guide
A beautiful route within Inyo National Forest, the Skelton Lake Loop traverses the stunning alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The route brings you alongside several picturesque alpine lakes and is considered to be a great location for wildlife viewing.
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