Inyo National Forest Hiking Trails
At almost 3,000 square miles, Inyo National Forest offers tons of epic hiking trails, including the highest point in the lower 48, Mt Whitney. Intersected by the excellent road-trip route 395, there are many great hikes for all levels. Don’t forget to leave your parks pass on your dashboard during these hikes.
| Name | Distance | Level | Location | Climb | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottonwood Lakes Hike | 13 | Moderate | Lone Pine | 1350 | Y |
| Lone Pine Lake Hike | 5.6 | Moderate | Lone Pine | 1900 | Y |
| Fossil Falls Hike | 0.5 | Easy | Olancha | 30 | Y |
| Hagen Canyon Trail Hike (California) | 1.2 | Easy | Cantil | 120 | N |
| Red Cliffs Trail Hike - Red Rock Canyon SP | 0.9 | Easy | Cantil | 120 | N |
| Hike the Mobius Arch Loop Trail | 0.6 | Easy | Lone Pine | 65 | Y |
| Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Hike | 4.4 | Moderate | Bishop | 900 | Y |
| White Mountain Peak Hike (California) | 15 | Hard | Bishop | 3360 | Y |
| Mt Whitney Hike | 21.5 | Very Hard | Whitney Portal | 6960 | N |
You can check for any closures or alerts here.
Inyo National Forest Hiking Tips
- "Inyo" is a Native American word for "dwelling place of the great spirit."
- Inyo NF has the least forest cover of any National Forest. Most of the trails here are in arid and rocky conditions.
- Prepare for extreme weather. Inyo NF is generally at altitude and has temperature extremes. Check the forecast before your hike, check the park website listed on each guide for closures, and check for snow on the trail.
- You can hike among the oldest living trees on earth here.