Inyo County: See
Inyo National Forest and the John Muir Wilderness – For complete retreat, backpack or take a mule pack trip to the high country; to dozens upon dozens of remote glassine lakes with romantic names like Lake Helen of Troy, Elinore Lake, Moonlight Lake and the Treasure Lakes. You will understand why John Muir wrote, "Climb the mountains, and get their good tidings." Few experiences are as emotionally satiating as being in the rarefied air of the Eastern High Sierra in settings whose beauty defy description.
Palisade Glacier – The southernmost glacier in the U.S. and the largest in the Sierra Nevada is located west of Big Pine and is visible from U.S. 395. The glacier sits at the base of Palisade Crest in the North Fork Basin. The scenery attracts hikers to trails that follow the ancient glacier.
California Bighorn Sheep – Flocks of endangered Sierra Bighorn and threatened Desert Bighorn can be seen within minutes of one another, north of Bishop. The Sierra Bighorn are seen in at the end of roads leading up into Sierra Canyons west of U.S. 395. The Desert Bighorn are seen near the end of roads leading up into the White Mountains, east of U.S. 395. Bring binoculars and look for duff-colored coats.
Rock Creek Canyon – Between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes is picture-perfect Rock Creek Canyon. Rugged Eastern Sierra sawtooth peaks rise above emerald meadows, populated with fluttering aspens and cut my meandering clear streams.
The Backcountry – Follow CA-168 west from Bishop, 23 miles to trails that lead to the Green Lakes, Treasure Lakes and Bishop Pass. The pass is an 11-mile hike beyond the end of the road at 11,980 ft/3,651 m. Bring a fishing rod for entertainment along the way.
Fall color - The Weather Channel picked the Inyo National Forest as having the second best fall color in America.