California Metro Map

CALIFORNIA INYO NATIONAL FOREST

1,798,638 acres in California. Inyo National Forest consists of long and narrow tracts in the Sierras east of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Mountains here include 14,495-foot Mount Whitney, highest point in the lower 48 states.

Terrain consists of steep jagged peaks, deep canyons and cliffs, boulders and rock domes, glaciers, rolling hills, and some desert. There are also meadows with wildflowers, hundreds of lakes, and streams with waterfalls.

In the area is an ancient forest of bristlecone pine, said to be the oldest living things on the earth, along with stands of pine and fir, hemlock and aspen. Wildlife includes deer, black bear, bighorn sheep, coyote, bobcat, and fox.

This National Forest has five designated wilderness areas, consisting of part of the 584,000-acre John Muir Wilderness, 163,145 acres of the 305,484-acre Golden Trout Wilderness, a portion

Activities: There are more than 1,100 miles of trails for hiking and backpacking, including sections of the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail (see entries page 113).

Difficulty ranges from easy to extremely strenuous. Some trails receive heavy use. Trails at high elevations are likely to be free of snow from July to October.

Horses are allowed on most trails. Mountain biking is permitted on many trails outside of wilderness areas. Cross-country skiing is possible in some areas during the winter.

I Mountaineering is available in the Minarets Range and elsewhere in the region. Fishing is aniption alongside lakes and streams. Hunting is ermitted in season.

I Camping Regulations: Camping is allowed in most parts of the National Forest, except near pub] ic use areas or where otherwise prohibited. Campsites should be at least 100 feet from streams, lakes, meadows, and trails.

A free wilderness permit, which is available from forest offices, is required in order to camp in all wilderness areas except for the South Sierra Wilderness. A quota system is in effect for some ureas from late June through mid-September.

Half of the permits may be obtained by advance reservation from March 1-May 31. A small fee is charged for this service. Permits must be picked ip in person at the time of entry.

A fire permit is necessary in order to build a campfire or use a stove. Campfires are prohibited n certain areas, and some parts of the forest are closed to camping.

For Further Information: Inyo National Forest, 373 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514; 619)873-5841.