Pristine Wilderness, Mountains, & Lakes Await At This Beautiful California National Forest

Stretching across almost two million acres of California's stunning Eastern Sierra (home to California's most scenic trail for beer lovers), Inyo National Forest is a vast landscape, covering nine wilderness areas, jam-packed with pristine lakes, towering mountains, and a selection of rare natural wonders. It features some of the state's most iconic landscapes, including Mt. Whitney (the tallest peak in the U.S. outside of Alaska), Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (which boasts some of the oldest living trees on earth!).

Whether you're planning a trip to Inyo National Forest for hiking, camping, fishing, or photography, this destination truly has it all. It is also very easily accessible, located just four hours north of Los Angeles, and three hours southeast of Reno, Nevada. If you plan on flying in, you can do so from either Los Angeles International Airport (a 4.5 hour drive away), Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (also a 4.5 hour drive away), or San Francisco International Airport (a 5.5 hour drive away).

That said, most visitors choose to arrive by car, taking the scenic route along U.S. Highway 395, which runs along the Sierra Nevada and provides plenty of stunning, panoramic views. This is a popular road trip route for those near the west coast, making Inyo National Forest a must-add to the ultimate California bucket list!

If you're an avid hiker, Inyo National Forest is home to some truly impressive routes. John Muir Trail is a top choice, providing backpacking, birding, and camping. It takes around 114 hours (between 15 and 20 days) to complete, and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

If you like hiking, but don't plan on spending more than a day on the trails, then a two-hour hike to Crystal Lake or a leisurely one-hour loop trail around Convict Lake can provide stunning views without the strenuous climb. Either way, it's important to know what it really takes for a novice hiker to summit a high mountain if you plan on attempting to climb any in this area without much prior experience.

One of the top attractions in the area is Mono Lake, a surreal desert lake that boasts limestone formations known as 'tufa towers', which make the landscape look like something from an outer space-set sci-fi movie. If you're into incredible sights, you'll also want to make time to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where you can walk among trees over 4,000 years old. Another gorgeous location is June Lake, known as the 'Switzerland of California', it's a gorgeous lake with scenic beaches and mountain views.

There's plenty of enjoyable things to do in the area, with fishing in Mammoth Lakes Basin being a popular pastime. Cast your line and catch a diverse range of trout, including brown, brook and rainbow! Just be sure to secure a California fishing license in advance of your visit. The glassy mountain lakes are also a hot spot for kayaking and paddleboarding during summer, and wintertime transforms the whole region into a snow-filled playground. Mammoth Mountain Ski area is a popular destination at this time of year, and offers world-class slopes just a short 45-minute drive from the forest.

If you plan on heading out into the backcountry, climb Mt. Whitney, or venture into one of the designated wilderness areas, it's important to note that you'll need to secure a wilderness permit. These are required year-round for overnight stays in wilderness zones, and are especially competitive between the months of May and October. Reservations are available online, so be sure to secure a permit well in advance of your trip.

The best time of year to visit Inyo National Forest depends on your plans. Summer and early fall (June through October) are some of the top months for hiking and enjoying activities on the water. Winter is also a great time to visit, particularly for those interested in snow-sports, and spring brings about beautiful wildflowers and plenty to see on trails, but it's worth noting that areas higher in elevation at this time of year can remain covered in snow. Be sure to check online before you travel, as seasonal closures are common during winter.

With Inyo National Forest being so vast, it's not typically the kind of place people visit just for one day. Thankfully, there's plenty of places to stay nearby, ranging from rustic campgrounds to cozy cabins, lodges and hotels in nearby towns such as Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Lone Pine. There's something for every budget, with camping available as low as $20 and some hotels and cabins costing upwards of $150 per night. Be sure to book well in advance of your visit, especially if you plan on visiting during summer, as campgrounds book up quickly, and many close seasonally.

Be sure to make the most of your trip by packing appropriately for your visit. Since the weather varies so much throughout the year, it's important to know what to bring depending on when you arrive. Summer will require a sunhat, sunscreen, and bug spray, and all times of year require layered clothing. It's important to note that no matter when you visit, high-elevation areas can see drastic drops in temperature after sunset, so be sure to keep warm!