Category: Destination4x4

Grays Meadows Campground

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Grays Meadows Campground (often referred to as part of the Grays Meadows complex) is a scenic campground in Inyo National Forest, located in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It sits at an elevation of about 6,100 feet along Independence Creek, roughly 6 miles west of the small town of Independence, California. The campground offers a beautiful mix of sunny and shaded sites in a high-desert landscape dominated by oak groves, with the dramatic peaks of Mt. Williamson and Mt. Whitney (the highest in the contiguous U.S.) providing stunning backdrops.

Lower Grays Meadows features 52 campsites (the overall Grays Meadows complex includes an adjacent Upper section with additional sites). It is popular with hikers, anglers, and those seeking a peaceful base for exploring the nearby John Muir Wilderness. The campground typically operates seasonally from late April through mid-October, though dates can vary with weather.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Individual sites with picnic tables, fire rings/grills, and bear-proof food storage lockers (essential due to frequent bear activity).
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets (generally kept clean by camp hosts).
  • Water: Potable water available seasonally (confirm current status before visiting).
  • Other: Camp hosts on-site, firewood for purchase, and parking for vehicles (most sites accommodate smaller RVs or trailers up to about 40 feet; not ideal for large RVs). No showers, hookups, or dump stations.
  • Pets are allowed (two per site, must be leashed).
  • Some sites are reservable via Recreation.gov; others may be first-come, first-served.

Activities

  • Fishing — Independence Creek is regularly stocked with trophy-size rainbow trout. The early trout season (starting in March) is a big draw.
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Excellent access to trails into the John Muir Wilderness. The challenging Shepherd Pass Trail (leading to alpine lakes and high peaks) is nearby. Other options include day hikes and longer backpacking trips.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Nature Appreciation — Abundant opportunities to observe local animals and birds.
  • Other — Picnicking, photography, mountain biking (on certain roads/trails), and relaxing by the creek. In spring, it can serve as a base for skiers and snowboarders accessing higher terrain.

Wildlife in the Area

The eastern Sierra location supports diverse wildlife:

  • Mammals — Black bears (common; proper food storage is mandatory), mule deer, mountain lions, pine marten, and pika.
  • Birds — Numerous species typical of the Sierra Nevada and high-desert transition zone.
  • Fish — Rainbow trout in Independence Creek, plus other native and stocked species.
  • Other — Occasional sightings of smaller mammals and reptiles. Raccoons are also reported by campers.

Bear safety is emphasized: always use provided lockers, keep a clean camp, and never leave food unattended.

This campground is ideal for those who enjoy a semi-primitive experience with easy access to town (Independence is about 15 minutes away) while being immersed in dramatic mountain scenery. Reservations are highly recommended during peak summer months. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability.

El Fronterizo Newspaper

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El Fronterizo was a prominent Spanish-language newspaper published in Tucson, Arizona, with two distinct periods: 1878–1910 and 1922–1929. Founded to serve the Mexican and Mexican-American communities, it promoted Hispanic culture, advocated for community interests, and addressed cross-border issues. This report examines its history, editorial stance, key figures, and impact, drawing on digitized records from the Library of Congress and Arizona Memory Project.

Founding and First Era (1878–1910)

El Fronterizo was established on September 29, 1878, by Carlos Ygnacio Velasco to meet the demand for Spanish-language media in Tucson, following the short-lived Las Dos Repúblicas (1877–1879). Published weekly and aligned with the Arizona Citizen, it ran for over 30 years under Velasco’s leadership. Velasco promoted Hispanic cultural pride, advocating an anti-assimilationist stance and repatriation to Mexico, while controversially supporting Chinese deportation due to railroad labor competition. In 1894, Velasco co-founded the Alianza Hispano-Americana, a mutual aid society, using El Fronterizo to advance its mission. The newspaper covered community events, obituaries, and cross-border issues, making it a vital genealogical resource.

Second Era (1922–1929)

A second El Fronterizo began on May 18, 1922, published by Enrique V. Anaya’s Spanish-American Printing Company, with the motto “defend Hispanic-American interests first and foremost.” Initially semiweekly, it became weekly after 1927. Editors included F.E. Schmidt, Francisco Lopez, and Carlos Bautista, with Isaac Montoya briefly co-managing. The newspaper focused on civic engagement, discrimination issues, and events like Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 Tucson visit. In 1928, Salvador Camacho took over, aligning it with Velasco’s legacy by calling it the “tercera epoca” and claiming a 1879 founding date. Publication ceased before 1930.

Impact and Legacy

El Fronterizo was a cornerstone for Tucson’s Mexican-American community, fostering cultural pride and political organization through the Alianza Hispano-Americana in its first era and addressing discrimination in its second. Its digitized archives (1878–1910, 1926–1929) via Chronicling America and Arizona Memory Project offer over 2,300 pages for researchers, preserving Arizona’s borderland history.

Conclusion

El Fronterizo’s two eras reflect the resilience of Tucson’s Mexican-American community. From Velasco’s cultural advocacy to Camacho’s revival efforts, it documented a vibrant history. Its digitized records ensure its legacy endures for genealogists and historians.

Sources: Library of Congress Chronicling America, Arizona Memory Project, University of Arizona Libraries.

Sherwin Creek Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Sherwin Creek Campground is a popular, scenic campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, California (about 2 miles away).

Description

Set at approximately 7,600 feet elevation in a beautiful grove of Jeffrey pines (with some aspens), the campground sits along lower Sherwin Creek. It offers a peaceful, shaded forest setting while remaining convenient to town amenities. The campground features around 85–87 sites organized into three main loops, plus a separate loop of tent-only walk-in sites. Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35–60 feet, depending on the spot.

It’s a favorite for those who want easy access to both wilderness adventures and the services of Mammoth Lakes. The campground typically opens in late May or early June once snow melts and closes in the fall. Bear activity is high in the area, so each site has a bear-proof food locker, and proper food storage is strictly enforced.

Amenities

  • Picnic table and fire ring/grill at each site
  • Bear-proof food storage locker at every site
  • Potable drinking water (spigots throughout the campground + RV water fill station)
  • Vault toilets
  • Trash collection (bear-proof dumpsters)
  • Camp hosts on site
  • Firewood for sale (often available from the host)
  • No hookups (no electric, water, or sewer at sites)
  • No showers or dump station

Activities in the Area

  • Fishing — Excellent stream fishing for trout right along Sherwin Creek.
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Direct access to trails like the Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail, which lead into the John Muir Wilderness (wilderness permit required for overnight stays).
  • Mountain Biking — Easy access to trails; you can even bike into town.
  • Off-Roading / OHV Use — Popular area for off-road vehicle enthusiasts; a motocross park/event is nearby.
  • Photography & Nature Viewing — Beautiful scenery with pines, creek, and mountain views.
  • Other — Horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting (in season). In winter, the area is close to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

Because of its proximity to Mammoth Lakes, campers can easily drive in for groceries, restaurants, shopping, or additional activities like visiting the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Hot Creek, or heading up to Mammoth Mountain for hiking, biking, or gondola rides in summer.

Note: Always check current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability on Recreation.gov, as the campground is reservation-friendly and popular. Bear awareness and proper food storage are essential here.

Bitterbrush Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Bitterbrush Campground is a scenic, year-round campground in the Inyo National Forest, located along Bishop Creek in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Bishop, California.

Description

Situated at approximately 7,000–7,350 feet elevation, about 13 miles west of Bishop via State Route 168 (Line Street), Bitterbrush sits along the banks of Big Pine Creek/Bishop Creek. It features a single-loop layout with 30 single-family campsites.

The campground is popular in spring and fall because it often remains below the snow line or has only light snow when higher sites are inaccessible. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, snow-capped peaks, and the Owens Valley, with many sites located creekside amid piñon and Jeffrey pines. The setting provides a mix of open and shaded areas (though shade can be limited in some spots).

It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Fees are typically $23–$31 per night during the main season, with an extra vehicle fee. Camping is free but unstaffed from November through March. It accommodates tents, trailers, and small RVs (max length around 25 ft), with some tent-only sites.

Amenities

  • Picnic tables and fire rings/grills at each site
  • Bear-proof food storage lockers (important — this is an active bear area)
  • Vault toilets (generally 2, available seasonally)
  • Potable drinking water (mid-May to mid-October; none in winter)
  • Trash bins (serviced in summer)
  • Pets allowed
  • No showers, hookups, or dump station
  • Some cell service (one of the better spots farther up the canyon)

Activities in the Area

  • Fishing — Bishop Creek offers good trout fishing
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Nearby trailheads access the John Muir Wilderness, including routes toward lakes, peaks like Chocolate Peak, and longer treks
  • Wildlife viewing — Common sightings include birds, deer, and occasional eagles
  • Scenic driving & photography — Bishop Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in fall with changing colors
  • Mountain biking and nature trails
  • Picnicking and relaxing by the creek
  • Stargazing — Excellent dark skies in the Eastern Sierra
  • Winter camping — Possible due to lower elevation
  • Nearby attractions include other Bishop Creek campgrounds, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and the town of Bishop for resupply.

Tips: Bring bear awareness practices, prepare for variable weather (hot days/cool nights), and note that it can get busy on weekends. It’s a great base for exploring the Eastern Sierra while staying relatively close to Bishop. Always check current conditions on the USDA Forest Service website, as details like water availability can change seasonally.

Masonic California – Mono County Ghost Town

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Originally known as Lorena, Masonic California is a ghost town located in the mountains north east of Bridgeport, California.  Masonic was founded in 1860 by masons and therefor the name of the town.  The Masonic District was a natural follower to the excitement is neighboring Aurora and Bodie.  This area was small in scale comparatively and a stamp mill wasn’t onsite until 1907.  The population maxes out at about 1000 people, and about four years later the excitement began to wane.

Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Early Beginnings (1860–1900)

The ghost town of Masonic, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Bridgeport in Mono County, California, emerged in the 1860s when a group of Freemasons discovered gold in the region. Named for the fraternal order, the settlement was initially called Lorena and developed into three distinct sections: Upper Town (originally Lorena), Middle Town, and Lower Town (formerly Caliveda). Situated in a canyon near the Nevada border in the Bodie Hills, Masonic’s early gold claims were overshadowed by larger strikes in nearby Bodie and Aurora, leaving the area largely undeveloped for decades.

In 1900, a 16-year-old prospector from Bodie named Joe Green rediscovered gold, establishing the Jump Up Joe Mine. Unable to finance its development, Green sold the claim, which sparked renewed interest in the Masonic Mining District. This district, spanning roughly 6 by 12 miles, encompassed over 40 claims at its peak and set the stage for Masonic’s brief boom.

Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Boom Years (1902–1911)

The discovery that transformed Masonic occurred on July 4, 1902, when partners John Stuart Phillips, Caleb Dorsey, and John M. Bryan struck a rich quartz ledge, founding the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine—named for Phillips’ hometown of Pittsburgh and the Independence Day holiday. Ore from the mine assayed at values between $35 and $800 per ton, with a reported nugget in 1904 valued at $4,000 per ton. This strike triggered a mining boom, and by 1906, Masonic’s population reached approximately 1,000 residents.

Infrastructure developed rapidly to support the growing community. By 1904, new roads linked Masonic to Bridgeport and Bodie, facilitating freight and passenger traffic. Lumber was transported nearly 50 miles from Mono Mills via the Bodie & Benton Railroad and six-horse wagons over Geiger Grade. Stagecoach lines connected Masonic to Wellington, Nevada, and Conway Ranch in the Mono Basin by 1906–1907. Telephone service arrived in 1905, and Middle Town saw the construction of a solid aspen-log cabin for Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Carpenter, notable for its rare glass-paneled door.

Middle Town became the commercial center, hosting a post office (established as Lorena in 1905, renamed Masonic in 1906), a general store, a livery stable, a butcher shop, and a hotel/boarding house. Lower Town featured the Jeffry Hotel, two saloons, and the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, while Upper Town housed mine offices. The Masonic Pioneer newspaper, published by George Montrose of the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, began in November 1905 but ceased after 2–3 years. Despite its growth, Masonic lacked a formal Masonic lodge, churches, or brothels, and maintained a relatively orderly reputation compared to Bodie, with no recorded shootings. Social life flourished, with dances featuring the Bodie Orchestra attracting large crowds.

In 1907, the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine opened a 10-stamp mill, allowing on-site ore processing. By 1910, the mine had produced approximately $700,000 in gold (equivalent to millions today). However, the ore veins were inconsistent, and production began to decline by 1911.

A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun
A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun

Decline and Abandonment (1911–1930s)

Masonic’s prosperity was fleeting due to shallow and uneven ore deposits. By 1911, mining activity had significantly decreased. A tramway constructed in 1913 to transport ore to the mill provided only temporary relief. The post office closed in 1912, briefly reopened in 1913, and shut permanently in 1927, with services transferred to Bridgeport. By 1920, the population had dwindled to just 12 residents, and mining activity nearly ceased by the 1930s. World War II’s ban on non-essential gold mining delivered the final blow, leaving Masonic abandoned.

Masonic Today

Today, Masonic is a true ghost town with minimal remnants, primarily in Middle Town, including stone cabin ruins, the timbered frame of the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, and parts of the aerial tram system. Accessible via a 12-mile 2WD road from Bridgeport or an 8-mile 4WD route from Sweetwater Road, the site offers stunning views of the Sweetwater Mountains and Bridgeport Valley. Local lore suggests the ghost of John Phillips haunts the nearby Chemung Mine on Saturday nights, adding to the town’s eerie allure. Unlike the preserved Bodie State Historic Park, Masonic remains a “wild” ghost town, attracting adventurers and historians seeking an unpolished glimpse into California’s gold rush era.

Masonic’s ruins stand as a testament to its brief but vibrant history, reflecting the transient nature of mining towns in the American West. Its remote location and sparse remains preserve its rugged authenticity, making it a compelling destination for those exploring Mono County’s past.

Masonic Trail Map