Inyo National Forest is a vast and spectacular United States National Forest in the eastern Sierra Nevada of California, with a small portion extending into western Nevada. Established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it covers approximately 1.9 million acres (about 2,974 square miles) and stretches roughly 165 miles along the California-Nevada border, between the Los Angeles and Reno areas.
It is often described as a “land of superlatives” due to its extraordinary natural features:
- Mount Whitney — the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,494–14,505 feet.
- The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains, home to the oldest living trees on Earth (some over 4,000–5,000 years old).
- Mono Lake, one of the oldest inland lakes in North America.
- Dramatic eastern Sierra escarpment, high desert landscapes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks.
Geography and Ecology
The forest primarily occupies the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada and parts of the White Mountains. Elevations range from about 4,000 feet in the Owens Valley to over 14,000 feet at the highest summits. It includes nine designated wilderness areas protecting over 800,000 acres, such as the popular John Muir Wilderness.
Despite its name, much of the forest is relatively sparsely wooded compared to other national forests, as it encompasses significant high-desert and alpine terrain. It features over 400 lakes, more than 1,100 miles of rivers and streams, and diverse habitats supporting species like bighorn sheep, golden trout, and unique high-elevation flora.
Recreation and Attractions
Inyo National Forest offers year-round outdoor opportunities:
- Hiking and Backpacking — Iconic trails, including routes to Mount Whitney. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail pass through sections of the forest.
- Winter Sports — Skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Mammoth Mountain, plus groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
- Water Activities — Excellent fishing, boating, and scenic visits to Mono Lake.
- Other Pursuits — Mountain biking, off-roading (with thousands of miles of roads and trails), camping, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Popular destinations within or adjacent to the forest include Mammoth Lakes, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Schulman Grove), and various scenic drives and campgrounds.
Management and Access
The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and divided into northern and southern zones with multiple ranger districts. It borders areas near Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, making it part of a larger spectacular recreational region. Wilderness permits are often required for certain areas, especially for overnight trips.
Inyo National Forest stands out for its raw, high-elevation beauty, stark contrasts between desert and alpine environments, and world-renowned natural wonders. It provides a remote yet accessible escape for those seeking adventure, solitude, and awe-inspiring scenery in California’s Eastern Sierra. For the latest conditions, permits, and details, visit the official USDA Forest Service site at fs.usda.gov/inyo.
Inyo National Forest Campgrounds
 Aspen CampgroundAspen Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a small, high-altitude campground at approximately 8,100 feet elevation.… |
 Big Meadow CampgroundBig Meadow Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a serene, high-altitude campground situated at approximately 8,600… |
 Coldwater CampgroundColdwater Campground is a campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the largest and… |
 East Fork CampgroundEast Fork Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a scenic, high-altitude campground at approximately 8,900 feet… |
 Ellery Camp CampgroundEllery Campground, also known as Ellery Lake Campground, is a small, high-altitude campground located in the Inyo National Forest near Tioga Pass, California, just outside… |
 French Camp CampgroundCamping in the High Sierras is not as easy as it once was, however this fact offers one the ability to explore and remove oneself… |
 Grant Lake CampgroundGrant Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California Grant Lake Campground and marina is the northern most campground of the June Lake Loop located… |
 Gull Lake CampgroundGull Lake Campground is a small, shaded and private campground in the June Lake Loop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gull lake is just over… |
Holiday CampgroundNestled in the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains within the Inyo National Forest, Holiday Campground (often referred to locally as "Halliday" in some… |
 Iris Meadow CampgroundIris Meadow Campground, nestled in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a charming high-altitude campground at approximately 8,300 feet… |
 June Lake CampgroundJune Lake Campground is nestled next to June Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and the scenery of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Campground… |
 Lake George CampgroundLake George Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area, above Lake Mary in the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake… |
 Lake Mary CampgroundLake Mary Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. Lake Mary is the… |
Oh! Ridge CampgroundOh! Ridge Campground is the first campground in the June Lake Loop located in the Eastern High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campgrounds is… |
 Palisades CampgroundPalisades Group Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a high-altitude group camping destination at 8,800 feet… |
 Pine Grove CampgroundPine Grove Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a scenic, high-altitude campground at approximately 9,300 feet… |
 Rock Creek Lake CampgroundRock Creek Lake Campground, located in Mono County, California, is a picturesque alpine lake set amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. At… |
 Saddlebag Lake CampgroundSaddlebag Lake Campground, nestled in the Inyo National Forest at 10,087 feet above sea level, is California’s highest drive-to campground and a hidden gem just… |
 Silver Lake CampgroundSilver Lake Campground, June Lake Loop, Mono County, California Silver Lake Campground is nestled next to Silver Lake In the Sierra Nevada of California and… |
 Twin Lakes CampgroundTwin Lakes Campground is a beautiful campground located in the Mammoth Lakes area of the High Sierra in Mono County, California. The campground offers views… |
 Upper Pine Grove CampgroundUpper Pine Grove Campground, located in the Inyo National Forest near Rock Creek and Tom’s Place, California, is a small, rustic campground nestled at an… |