Spanning over 1.9 million acres, Inyo National Forest offers unparalleled outdoor experiences. It is home to the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Hikers flock to the John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness within the forest to embark on unforgettable adventures amidst pristine alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and meandering streams.
Mammoth Lakes, Calif., September 17, 2025 – Over the last couple of weeks, there have been multiple suspicious fires in the Mammoth Lakes area, both on the Inyo National Forest and within the Town of Mammoth Lakes. A multi-agency task force, consisting of investigators from the USDA Forest Service, Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the … Read more
Bishop, CA – May 7, 2025 — If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the remote beauty of Monache Meadows, one of the most pristine high-elevation valleys in the southern Sierra Nevada, it’s time to hit pause—but only temporarily. As part of an ongoing effort to protect fragile habitats, ensure public safety, and preserve long-term recreational … Read more
Tips for Fall Camping in Alabama Hills – Free Permit Required Starting Oct 1, 2024 The Alabama Hills are a camping paradise, known for their rugged rock formations and stunning views of Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada. Located just outside Lone Pine, California, the area attracts campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., September 19, 2024 – To ensure public safety Inyo National Forest officials are temporarily closing the entry roads, trails, and facilities at the Inyo Craters site, located on the Mammoth Ranger District starting September 24th. A 100-foot buffer area along each side of Inyo Craters Trails, Inyo Craters Road (3S30), Dry Creek Road (3S22), … Read more
Bishop, Calif., June 12, 2024— Inyo National Forest in partnership with Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA), are premiering a new short film, The Sierra Nevada: Adapting to our Changing Climate on Thursday, June 27 at Mountain Rambler Brewery. Mountain Rambler Brewery is located at 186 South Main Street, Bishop, CA. The event, organized by ESIA, will be … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., September 26, 2023 — Inyo National Forest fire management staff is lifting Stage I fire restrictions starting this Friday, September 29. This includes land within Inyo National Forest only. “Due to above average fuel moistures for this time of year, low fire activity, favorable weather conditions now and in the foreseeable future as well … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., September 19, 2023 — Visitor service and recreation employees on the Mount Whitney and Mono Lake Ranger Districts are happy to announce two special events in celebration of the 30th Annual National Public Lands Day: Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Join Inyo National Forest staff and many of its conservation partners in … Read more
30th National Public Lands Day: 70,000+ Volunteers Gear Up to Enhance Parks, Forests, and Waterways Across the Country on September 23 From the Boston Harbor to the Alabama wilderness to the Wyoming prairie to Monterey Bay—and at hundreds of places in between—volunteers will gather rakes, shovels, and trash bags to help improve public lands around … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., September 9, 2023 – Environmental analysis has been initiated by the Inyo National Forest (the Forest) for the Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) use, and will be holding two public meetings on September 20 and 21. Although comments can be submitted any time, those received by October 15 will be especially useful in the preparation of … Read more
When I began to plan my adventures for the summer, Bishop Pass quickly skyrocketed to the top of my to-do list. The massive winter we experienced, along with the incoming Hurricane Hilary, tried to throw a wrench into my plans but ended up resulting in an incredibly epic hiking experience. We reserved a campsite at … Read more
MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif., July 20, 2023 – Inyo National Forest will open Reds Meadow Road from Minaret Vista to the public tomorrow, July 21 at 8:00 a.m., pending any unforeseen circumstances while clearing hazard trees along the road and in parking lots, while conducting minor pothole repairs on the road. The Reds Meadow Road, which … Read more
Road openings and closures update on Inyo National Forest www.fs.usda.gov/goto/inyo/alerts-notices/roadconditions BISHOP, Calif., July 13, 2023 — It’s no secret this past winter’s effects on the roads within Inyo National Forest (Forest) have been long-lasting. The Forest has continued reassessing roads after record-breaking snowmelt runoff and thunderstorms caused heavy damage to numerous Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) routes and has … Read more
Ranking and Unveiling The Sierra Nevada National Forest Lands Sierra Nevada – California’s National Forests are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an escape into serene wilderness and abundant recreational opportunities. From towering trees to picturesque lakes, these eleven national forests in the Sierra Nevada region provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and … Read more
First Visits to Alabama Hills are filled with surprises and incredible views Lone Pine CA, June 8, 2023 – In full transparently, I am almost ashamed that it has taken me 10 years to go see Alabama Hills. For years I have shared news, watched others share movie like settings on Instagram and just never … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., May 25, 2023 — As we head into Memorial Day weekend after a long winter season, the Inyo National Forest would like to caution visitors to plan for a safe trip, while also being aware of winter’s impacts to its recreation sites. There is also a heightened risk of flooding, rock or landslides, … Read more
Bishop, Calif., April 19, 2023 — To protect public safety and natural resources, the Inyo National Forest is closing several lower-elevation dirt roads this week due to severe storm damage and prediction of spring snowmelt runoff impacting them further. The following roads will be closed via official Forest Closure Order starting April 20, 2023: · Forest Road … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. March 1, 2023 – Inyo National Forest is requesting proposals for campground concessionaires across 76 developed recreation sites across the Forest. The awarded contracts will receive a Special Use Permit (SUP) to provide high-quality public services in the operation and maintenance of government-owned recreation facilities. One SUP will be issued for the following developed sites … Read more
“The Dyrt” Lists 10 Campgrounds across US that Are Hardest to Reserve. Twin Lakes Mammoth comes in at #9 Mammoth California – Twin Lakes Campground offers lakeside camping with fishing, boating, waterfall views and hiking, all while in close proximity to the amenities in the town of Mammoth Lakes. And once it opens in the … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest want to hear your ideas on how to ensure off-highway vehicle trails are safe and well maintained on public lands throughout the Eastern Sierra at a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. The public must register … Read more
Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada is a remarkable experience. On the Eastern slope of the Sierra from Bridgeport to Olancha backpackers can orient their experiences through Inyo National Forest. Planning your backpacking trip into the Inyo region includes making plans near some the Sierra Nevada’s most … Read more
Christmas Tree Permits Now available online for this holiday season BISHOP, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office is offering personal use Christmas tree cutting permits, now available online, for designated cutting areas on public lands near Benton and Bridgeport in Mono County through Dec. 24. “We are again offering an online purchase option … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, in coordination with the Inyo National Forest, will be lifting fire restrictions on all Federal lands under their jurisdiction effective Monday, October 31. The terminated fire prevention orders can be found here and here. “Due to cooler fall weather conditions and declining fire danger, we are lifting seasonal … Read more
Ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 5 for new trails in Mammoth BISHOP, Calif. October 4, 2022 – Inyo National Forest and the Town of Mammoth Lakes are happy to announce the official opening of several new trails in the Mammoth Lakes Basin with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday October 5, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. These … Read more
Illegal Campfires On Public and Federal Lands Continues to Be a Problem MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. —September 8, 2022 – On Labor Day evening, September 5, a small fire broke out just north of the Mammoth Scenic Loop, named the Scenic Fire. The following day, investigators officially concluded the fire was caused by an illegal campfire … Read more
BISHOP, Calif. – The Inyo National Forest is accepting applications on USAJobs for permanent, full-time and seasonal wildland firefighters from August 26 to September 16, as part of the Pacific Southwest Region’s centralized Fall Permanent Fire Hire event. Wildland firefighters respond to fires and disasters nationwide, operating specialized equipment in dynamic and complex environments, requiring … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – August 1, 2022 – BISHOP, Calif. – To ensure public safety Inyo National Forest officials are temporarily closing the entry roads, trails, and facilities at the Inyo Craters site, located on the Mammoth Ranger District during the month of August. A 100-foot buffer area along each side of Inyo Craters Trails, … Read more
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has stocked 3,500 large brook trout into Kirman Lake in Mono County as part of an ongoing commitment to restore one of the West’s best trophy brook trout fisheries. Brook trout in the 1- to 2-pound class were stocked recently into Kirman Lake from CDFW’s American River … Read more
The Dyrt App Came Out With its 2022 Best Camping Spots in America List and The Eastern Sierra Stands on Top. PORTLAND, Ore., June 9, 2022/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping with the most active online camping community, has announced the 2022 Best Places To Camp in nine US regions based on reviews and … Read more
Mammoth Ca, May 27, 2022 – As you head into your three day weekend for Memorial Day, Inyo national Forest has issued updates for travel and recreation sites. At this time even with an approaching storm in the Sierra today. All scenic routes south on Lake Tahoe are open. Tioga Pass into Yosemite opened today, … Read more
BISHOP, CA – Inyo National Forest officials are announcing the opening of Lakes Basin Road for the 2022 season tomorrow, Friday May 27 at 2:00 p.m. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority will also begin public shuttle service in the Lakes Basin the following day (Saturday). Officials are asking that visitors do not arrive at the gate … Read more
May 4th, 2022- The Inyo National Forest announces that the Silver Lake Boat Launching Facility will remain closed to the public to complete much needed facility improvements. Work on this project began last summer and will continue through this summer. The project is currently under a winter shutdown, with construction work anticipated to resume mid-May. It … Read more
More snow than expected on a journey up Lundy Canyon Lee Vining Ca, May 2, 2022 – Spring hikes and waterfall chasing are some of my favorite times in the Sierra. So with a great spring weekend in the forecast for Fishmas in Mono country, i made plans with my hiking buddy Tom to head … Read more
BISHOP, Calif., February 14, 2022 – The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest are limiting some winter recreation access north of Shady Rest Par for public safety during the construction of a geothermal pipeline. Ormat Technologies Inc. is undergoing pipeline construction as a component of the Casa Diablo IV Geothermal … Read more
Sierra Rec Magazine – Public Notice – Inyo National Forest – Nov. 10, 2021 -The Inyo National Forest announces that work on the Long Valley Exploration Drilling Project is expected to begin next week. The forest has received notification from the project proponent, KORE Mining, Ltd of their intent to begin exploratory drilling as early … Read more
Inyo National Forest – News Updates- October, 28, 2021 – The Inyo National Forest announces that fire restrictions put into place for the forest earlier this summer are rescinded, effective immediately. Recent rain and snow, combined with increased humidity, shorter days, and cooler nighttime temperatures have reduced fire risk and prompted the forest to lift … Read more
The State of the Inyo, current as of 10/22/21 Bodie Rd Closed Tioga Pass Closed (120) Hwy 168 after Aspendell Closed Eastern Sierra , October 22, 2012 – Recreational Updates from Inyo National Forest. Popular recreational sites and roads are being closed from the approaching storms this weekend. Expected poor road conditions on many roads … Read more
Mammoth Ca – Oct. 20, 2021 – The Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument announce that the Reds Meadow Road at Minaret Vista has closed for the season. The Inyo National Forest is also closing the Lakes Basin Road and the Old Mammoth Road to the Lakes Basin for the season. A series … Read more
Mammoth Ca – October 14, 2021 – The Lakes Basin Rd. re-opened today. Visitors should expect snow and ice. The Reds Meadow Rd. and the Old Mammoth Rd. to Lakes Basin remain temporary closures. Please advise visitors that travel on high elevations on all open roads includes ice and snow. Please travel with chains, know … Read more
Inyo National Forest is rescinding Stage II fire restrictions effective October 9th (order is rescinded October 8 at 11:59 pm). This decision is based on reduced fire risk, the recent shift in weather, and cooler and shorter days. None the less, fire danger remains high due to extended drought conditions. Therefore, Stage I fire restrictions remain in place. … Read more
Tackling Ansel Adams and Hoover Wilderness Lakes hikes on a Fall Day Hike Excursion near Yosemite Lee Vining Ca- Hoover and Ansel Adams Wilderness Hikes – Mono County Fall Hikes – With summer in the rear view mirror me and my hiking buddies have been discussing how little we have been able to get out … Read more
