Category: Destination4x4

Pumice Flat Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Pumice Flat Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow Valley area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at an elevation of about 7,700 feet in a lodgepole pine forest, surrounded by high mountain peaks and adjacent to two creeks and the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

The campground offers a peaceful, nature-immersed base for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada, with easy access to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. It is popular with fishermen, families, hikers, and those seeking geologic wonders and stunning landscapes. The area is known for its dramatic volcanic features, meadows, wildflowers in season, and proximity to trailheads (about 20–40 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes, depending on the exact point).

Access is via a narrow, single-lane road (Red’s Meadow Road off Highway 203) that is only open in summer, typically mid-June through early September, though conditions can vary due to snow. A forest service access/amenity fee often applies for driving into the valley.

Amenities

  • Campsites: 17 individual sites (plus separate group sites nearby that accommodate 20–50 people each). Sites are generally private and well-spaced, with picnic tables and fire rings.
  • Bear Safety: Bear-proof food lockers at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles (highly recommended/required due to active bear activity). All food, trash, and scented items must be stored properly.
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets.
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Other: No hookups (dry camping); some firewood may be available. Generator hours typically limited (e.g., 6am–10pm in some descriptions). Pets allowed but must be leashed. Quiet hours 10pm–6am.
  • Group Sites: Separate group camping area with large fire rings, tables, and parking for multiple vehicles.

Note: The campground may be affected by road reconstruction or seasonal closures—check current conditions.

Activities

  • Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the San Joaquin River, nearby creeks, and lakes. Popular with anglers.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to numerous trails, including those leading to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls (via a scenic loop), Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A shuttle often serves trailheads.
  • Horseback Riding: Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station offers rides and access to wilderness areas.
  • Photography & Sightseeing: Stunning geologic features, volcanic landscapes, meadows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas (ideal for capturing dramatic Sierra scenery).
  • Wildlife Viewing & Nature Study: Abundant opportunities in the surrounding forest and meadows.
  • Other: Picnicking, stargazing (high elevation, dark skies), and exploring nearby attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.

Mosquitoes can be plentiful in early to mid-summer, so come prepared. High elevation means potential for cooler nights and altitude awareness.

Wildlife in the Area

The eastern Sierra Nevada around Pumice Flat supports diverse wildlife typical of high-elevation pine forests and meadows:

  • Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is essential), mule deer, mountain lions, pine martens, and pikas.
  • Birds: Various songbirds and raptors common to the Sierra.
  • Fish: Trout species in the rivers and lakes.
  • Other: Occasional smaller mammals and insects; the area is rich in biodiversity due to its mix of forest, water, and alpine environments.

Always practice wildlife safety: maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food securely.

This campground provides a classic Sierra experience with convenient access to world-class natural attractions while maintaining a quieter, more intimate feel than some larger sites. For the latest details, reservations (where applicable for groups), fees, or conditions, check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website.

Reds Meadow

Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.

It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.

Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.

Myrtle Botts

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Myrtle Botts (likely born in the late 19th or early 20th century; died 1974) was a longtime librarian, local historian, and community figure in Julian, California, best remembered today for her role in popularizing the legend of the “Lost Ship of the Desert” (often associated with the Mojave or Colorado Desert regions).

Early Life and Background

Details about Botts’ early life are sparse in public records. She married Louis Botts, and the couple settled in Julian, a small mountain town in San Diego County known for its Gold Rush history. Julian provided a tight-knit community where Myrtle became deeply involved in local affairs. By the 1930s, she worked as the town librarian, a position she held for decades (her daughter Jeri later took over the role around 1935, and Myrtle continued until retiring in 1968).

She was known for her intelligence, wide reading, and enthusiasm for history and nature, despite having only a high school education. Contemporaries described her as talented and brilliant. She played an active role in community events, such as chairing the annual Julian Wildflower Show in the 1940s.

Contributions as Historian and Librarian

Botts dedicated much of her life to preserving Julian’s history. She authored History of Julian, a key local publication (with editions or printings around 1959 and 1969) that chronicled the town’s founding during the 1869–1870 gold rush, its pioneers, mining operations, and development into a enduring community.

Her work is cited in later historical accounts of Julian, including studies of its African American pioneers and overall resilience beyond the boom-and-bust mining era. She was involved with the Julian Historical Society and the Julian Pioneer Museum, where artifacts related to her stories (including materials tied to the lost ship legend) are preserved.

Botts also interacted with notable local figures, including poet and author Marshal South (and his family), who lived reclusively on nearby Ghost Mountain in the Anza-Borrego Desert. South reportedly developed a deep (possibly romantic) affection for her, exchanging letters and poetry. The Botts family remained close to the Souths; Myrtle and Louis helped with arrangements after Marshal South’s death in 1948.

Involvement in the Search for the Lost Ship of the Mojave/Colorado Desert

Botts’ most famous contribution to regional lore came in 1933, during a camping and wildflower-viewing trip with her husband Louis near Agua Caliente Springs in what is now Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (part of the broader Colorado Desert, often linked to Mojave Desert legends).

According to accounts she later shared:

  • The couple met an old prospector who claimed to have seen the remains of an ancient ship—specifically described as a Viking longship—protruding from the side of a canyon or arroyo (often identified as Canebrake Canyon or nearby Tierra Blanco Canyon). He noted distinctive features like round shields along its sides and a serpentine figure on the prow.
  • The prospector provided written directions, which are reportedly preserved at the Julian Pioneer Museum.
  • Following the directions, Myrtle reportedly caught a glimpse of the ship from a distance. She returned to fetch her husband for a closer look and better-equipped expedition the next day.

However, they were unable to relocate it. Botts attributed this to a 6.4-magnitude earthquake centered off Huntington Beach, California, which she believed caused rocks and debris to bury the wreck. No photographs were taken, and subsequent searches (including her own returns) failed to rediscover it.

Her story added a 20th-century chapter to the long-standing “Lost Ship of the Desert” legend, which dates back to Spanish-era tales of a galleon (possibly from the 16th–18th centuries) stranded inland due to shifting seas, floods, or ancient waterways connected to the Salton Sea or Colorado River. Variants include Spanish treasure ships, Viking vessels, or other craft. Botts’ account helped sustain interest in the mystery, inspiring later expeditions (e.g., by UCLA students in 1949 or explorer John Grasson). Skeptics view it as folklore or misidentification, but it remains a colorful part of desert mythology.

Botts recorded claims from others who said they had seen ship remnants with Scandinavian features, further embedding the Viking narrative in local lore.

Later Life and Legacy

Myrtle Botts continued her library work, historical writing, and community involvement into her later years. She passed away in 1974. Her husband Louis survived her for some time.

She is remembered as a dedicated preserver of Julian’s heritage and a key figure in one of California’s most enduring desert mysteries. Her History of Julian and the ship story documented at the Pioneer Museum ensure her place in the region’s cultural history. While the lost ship has never been conclusively found (and many consider it legendary), Botts’ earnest accounts added intrigue and encouraged exploration of the Anza-Borrego badlands.

Her life exemplifies the role of small-town librarians and amateur historians in keeping local legends and histories alive amid the rugged landscapes of Southern California.

Big Pine Canyon Group – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Big Pine Canyon Group Campground (also known as Big Pine Canyon Recreation Area group sites) is a scenic group camping destination in Inyo National Forest, near Big Pine, California. It sits at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the dramatic Big Pine Canyon along Big Pine Creek in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

The area is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, including views of the Palisade Glacier and Clyde Glacier—the southernmost and among the largest glaciers in the Sierra Nevada. The two group campsites, Clyde Glacier Group Site and Palisade Glacier Group Site, are named after these glaciers and offer a peaceful, nature-immersed base for larger gatherings. The sites are located along Big Pine Creek, just above Upper Sage Flat Campground, about 9 miles up Glacier Lodge Road from Big Pine.

This location serves as an excellent trailhead for adventures into the John Muir Wilderness and provides a serene setting surrounded by Jeffrey pine, aspen, cottonwood, and sagebrush. It is seasonal (typically open late spring through fall, weather-dependent) and ideal for those seeking a rustic mountain experience with access to high-country hiking, climbing, and fishing.

Amenities

  • Clyde Glacier Group Site: Accommodates up to 25 people. Features paved parking for 2 vehicles up to 35 feet and 6 vehicles up to 20 feet. Includes multiple camping areas, campfire rings, grills, and picnic tables.
  • Palisade Glacier Group Site: Accommodates up to 25 people. Tent camping only, with paved parking for up to 5 vehicles (max 20 feet). Also includes campfire rings, grills, and tables.
  • Shared facilities in the recreation area: Vault toilets, potable drinking water, bear-proof food lockers, and trash service.
  • No hookups or electrical sites; no cell service.
  • Reservations are required/recommended through Recreation.gov; fees are around $90 per night for group sites.

Activities

  • Hiking and Backpacking — Excellent access to trails leading to the Big Pine Lakes, Palisade Glacier, and high alpine meadows. Popular routes include the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail.
  • Fishing — Big Pine Creek offers good trout fishing (rainbow, brown, and brook trout). Nearby lakes also provide opportunities.
  • Climbing — The steep, glacier-carved canyon walls attract rock climbers.
  • Horseback Riding — Equestrian trails are available in the area.
  • Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, and Photography — Prime for observing nature in a beautiful mountain setting.
  • Picnicking, Stargazing, and Nature Exploration — Mountain biking on suitable trails and relaxing by the creek are also popular.

Wildlife in the Area

The Eastern Sierra Nevada around Big Pine Canyon supports diverse wildlife typical of the region:

  • Mammals: Mule deer (commonly seen), black bears (food storage required), coyotes, bobcats, marmots, and possibly mountain lions or Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep in the higher rugged terrain.
  • Birds: Various songbirds, raptors (including golden eagles), and species like mountain quail or chickadees.
  • Fish: Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout (and occasionally golden trout in higher waters).
  • Other: Smaller mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and pikas in higher elevations. Be cautious of bears and follow proper food storage protocols.

The area is part of a beautiful, ecologically rich zone with potential for encounters with iconic Sierra wildlife, though many species are elusive. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife distances.

Big Pine Canyon Group sites offer a fantastic base for group adventures in one of California’s most majestic mountain landscapes. Check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, reservations, and seasonal closures (it is often closed in winter).

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground

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Bureau of Land Management Campground
Bureau of Land Management Campground

Calf Creek Recreation Area Campground is a serene desert oasis nestled along Calf Creek in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. Located about 15 miles east of Escalante along Scenic Byway 12 (between Escalante and Boulder), it offers a peaceful base for exploring the stunning red rock canyons, sandstone cliffs, and riparian habitats of this remote region.

The campground sits in a narrow gorge with year-round flowing water from Calf Creek, creating a lush contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. It serves as the primary trailhead for the popular Lower Calf Creek Falls hike, making it a favorite for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking a family-friendly escape in one of Utah’s most scenic national monuments. Sites are small and intimate, tucked along the creek, providing a sense of seclusion amid towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs.

Amenities

The campground is basic but well-maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with the following key features:

  • 13–14 first-come, first-served campsites (suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs; no hookups or large RV accommodations).
  • Picnic tables and fire rings/grates at each site.
  • Drinking water (potable).
  • Vault toilets (some sources mention flush toilets in older info).
  • Day-use picnic area with tables, playground, and additional facilities.
  • Trailhead access for Lower Calf Creek Falls (and proximity to Upper Calf Creek Falls).
  • Volleyball courts (mentioned in some descriptions).
  • Fire pits and BBQ grills.
  • Open year-round (weather permitting; check conditions as access can be affected by road or site status).

Fees: Typically $15 per night per campsite (subject to change; day-use fee around $5 per vehicle). Interagency Senior/Access Passes may provide discounts. No reservations—arrive early, especially in peak season.

No showers, electric hookups, dump stations, or RV sewer connections. Pets are allowed, and campfires are generally permitted (follow current fire restrictions).

Activities

  • Hiking: The standout activity is the moderate, ~6-mile round-trip interpretive trail to Lower Calf Creek Falls—a 126–130-foot waterfall cascading into a refreshing swimming hole. The trail passes prehistoric rock art (pictographs), beaver ponds/dams, lush riparian zones, and dramatic cliffs. A shorter but steeper option leads to Upper Calf Creek Falls upstream.
  • Swimming and wading: Cool off in the creek pools or the waterfall’s plunge pool (water is cold and clear).
  • Fishing: Opportunities for small trout (brook, brown, rainbow) in the creek, especially around beaver ponds—though catches are typically modest.
  • Wildlife viewing and photography: Excellent birdwatching, mammal spotting, and scenic photography amid the canyon scenery.
  • Picnicking and relaxation: Enjoy the day-use area or creekside spots.
  • Other nearby adventures: Scenic drives on Highway 12, mountain biking, 4WD backroads, and exploration of other Grand Staircase-Escalante sites (e.g., Devil’s Garden).

Wildlife

The riparian corridor along Calf Creek supports a surprising diversity of life in the desert environment:

  • Mammals: Mule deer, ground squirrels, coyotes, porcupines, mountain lions (less commonly seen), and beavers (dams and lodges visible along the trail).
  • Birds: Hummingbirds, ravens, spotted towhees, peregrine falcons, American robins, downy woodpeckers, golden eagles, mourning doves, western bluebirds, flycatchers, common crows, and various ducks and migratory birds.
  • Fish: Small trout (brook, brown, rainbow) in the creek.
  • Reptiles and amphibians: Lizards, snakes, and frogs/insects around wetland areas.
  • Plants: Lush riparian vegetation including cottonwoods, willows, aquatic plants, plus desert shrubs like rabbitbrush, sagebrush, four-winged saltbush, and skunkbush sumac. The area features mineral-streaked cliffs and green oases.

Tips: Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for sandy sections of the trail. Practice Leave No Trace principles, as this is a sensitive monument area. Check BLM or Recreation.gov for current conditions, fees, closures, or fire restrictions.

Calf Creek offers a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness beauty—ideal for a memorable Utah adventure!

Upper Soda Springs Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Upper Soda Springs Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at about 7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in a beautiful pine-forested setting within the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

The campground offers a peaceful, semi-primitive experience with direct river access and proximity to major attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is accessible via a narrow, single-lane road (Minaret Road / Reds Meadow Road) that is open only in summer, typically mid-June through early/mid-September, depending on conditions. The drive from central Mammoth Lakes takes about 20-40 minutes (campers can drive in with an amenity fee; day users often use the shuttle).

It features roughly 28-29 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs (no hookups). Sites are nestled among trees with many offering pleasant river views or proximity. This is a popular spot for hikers, anglers, and those seeking a base for exploring the Reds Meadow Valley.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a mandatory bear-proof food locker (typically ~48″x30″x36″) at each site.
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets.
  • Other: Bear-proof trash receptacles. Additional amenities like showers and a general store/restaurant are available nearby in the Reds Meadow Valley (e.g., at Reds Meadow Resort). Firewood may be available for purchase locally. No electric or sewer hookups; cell service is poor or nonexistent.
  • Fees: Around $32 per night for a single site (plus additional vehicle fees); subject to change—check current USFS info. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dogs must be leashed.
  • Access Note: No reservations; sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camp host is often present.

Important Safety Note: This is an active bear area with a history of high bear activity. Properly store all food, trash, and scented items in the provided lockers at all times. Do not leave items in vehicles overnight.

Activities

  • Fishing: Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, brown, and sometimes golden trout) in the San Joaquin River right by the campground, as well as nearby lakes and streams. Fly fishing is popular.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to trailheads for Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and many other trails. Day hikes and longer backpacking trips are highlights.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Abundant opportunities in meadows, along the river, and in the forest.
  • Other: Picnicking, horseback riding (nearby pack station), stargazing (dark skies), birdwatching, and relaxing by the
  • river. Nearby shuttle access to more attractions in the valley.

Wildlife in the Area

The Reds Meadow Valley and surrounding Inyo National Forest/Sierra Nevada are rich in wildlife. Common sightings include:

  • Mammals: Black bears (frequent and bold—hence the bear lockers), mule deer (often seen grazing in meadows like Soda Springs Meadow, especially at dawn/dusk), coyotes (heard howling at night), and pine martens (weasel family, agile climbers sometimes spotted near the Postpile). Less common: bobcats or mountain lions.
  • Birds: A wide variety, including water dippers along the river, cliff swallows, great horned owls, and many songbirds and raptors attracted to the meadows and forests.
  • Fish: Trout species in the river and lakes, supporting angling.
  • Other: Small rodents, squirrels, and seasonal pollinators/insects in blooming meadows.

Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and secure your camp to avoid attracting bears or other critters.

Upper Soda Springs offers a classic high-country camping experience with stunning scenery, river sounds, and easy access to iconic Sierra destinations. It’s ideal for nature lovers but best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and bear-country protocols. For the latest conditions, fees, and road status, check the Inyo National Forest website or contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Enjoy responsibly!