Independence, California
Independence, California is a top location for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic trails, top attractions and vast array of outdoor activities, it’s a great place for anyone looking for an adventure. The Independence Trail offers a stunning hike, and Red Rock Canyon is ideal for more leisurely exploration. At Sequoia National Park, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, from biking to fishing. With so much to see and do, Independence, California is truly a place where outdoor adventurers can find something to enjoy.
Top Spots in and near Independence
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Independence, California
Manzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail
5.02.22 mi / 112 ft gainManzanar Japanese Relocation Site: Manzanar Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Independence, California.Read more -
Seven Pines, California
Mt. Williamson via Shepherd Pass
5.026.66 mi / 10653 ft gainThis trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...Read more -
ONION VALLEY, California
Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass
5.09.6 mi / 2661 ft gainThis trail starts at the Onion Valley Trailhead. This trail is in the John Muir Wilderness and ends at Kearsarge Pass, the boundary for Kings Canyon National Park. The first section of trail takes you up a series of switchbacks before reaching a plateau at Gilbert Lake. From Gilbert Lake the tra...Read more -
Independence, California
Mt. Gould Summit
9.98 mi / 3750 ft gainStarting at 9,200 feet at Onion Valley Campground, take Kearsarge Pass Trail. The hike begins immediately with a substantial increase in elevation, switchbacking up the mountain. On the way up rest and enjoy the beautiful alpine lakes, which include Gilbert, Flower, Heart and Big Pothole Lake. Fl...Read more -
Independence, California
Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney
47.35 mi / 11745 ft gainTrip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley. Our fi...Read more -
Independence, California
Flower Lake from Onion Valley
5.04 mi / 1352 ft gainMake sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...Read more -
Independence, California
Charlotte Lake via Kearsarge Pass
4.016.38 mi / 4078 ft gainThis adventure begins at Onion Valley Campground outside of Independence, CA. The parking is abundant and the road is snow dependent. Snow will be plowed as long as it is not currently being hit with a massive storm. Dogs are allowed on trail up to Kearsarge Pass (4.5 miles from the trailhead). H...Read more -
Independence, California
Rae Lakes via Glen and Kearsarge Passes
5.026.02 mi / 7106 ft gainThe hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...Read more -
Big Pine, California
Backpack Atop Sawmill Pass
20 mi / 6700 ft gainAt 11,347 ft., Sawmill Pass lies on the Sierra Crest and enters Kings Canyon National Park in the Woods Creek area. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) can be accessed through this pass. The Sawmill Pass trail is a steep and arduous climb, gaining over 6700 feet of e...Read more -
Fresno County, California
John Muir Trail: Middle Rae Lake
5.0You'll have to deal with some crowds at Rae Lakes but that is because this is an amazing setting to spend the night. If sharing this place with others is the worst of your worries then you're doing pretty well. Hikers flock here for the incredible swimming, views of iconic peaks like Fin Dome and...Read more -
Inyo County, CaliforniaCyclops (Skull) Arch
5.00.23 mi / 38.93 ft gain...If you're ever in the Alabama Hills area, this arch is a "must see"! Although Alabama Hills has so many other amazing attractions worth exploring, this arch I barely found out about a year or so ago. When I tried looking for the arch the first time, I couldn't find it. But to be fair, I was...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Photograph Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch
3.00.4 miThe Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch is a quick hike or drive from the popular Mobius Arch just off Movie Flat Road. The rocks around the arch offer outstanding views of the surrounding Alabama Hills and Sierra Mountains. To get to the arch follow the directions for Mobius Arch which is a great firs...Read more -
The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, California
Mobius Arch Loop
4.40.63 mi / 46 ft gainThe Alabama Hills area of Lone Pine, CA is located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. As you drive along Movie Flat Road you will be surrounded by a sea of golden brown boulders of varying shapes and sizes extending in every direction. The main attraction in Alabama Hills is definitely th...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Camp in the Alabama Hills
4.8The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is a area owned by BLM and open to the public. Camping is free and you can say for a max of 14 days.The are has 100+ open desert sites that are shadowed by some of the tallest peaks in the Sierra Nevada range. And if that wasn't enough, the area was the backdrop ...Read more -
Lone Pine, California
Explore The Heart Arch
A small heart shaped arch naturally formed in the bounders at The Alabama Hills, at the foothills of the Sierras. The Alabama Hills are formation of rounded rocks near the eastern Slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley. It is a popular filming location for movie and television show produ...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Camp at Lone Pine Campground
4.0The Lone Pine Campground is located 6 miles west of Lone Pine California, and 7 miles east of Mt Whitney Portal. The campsite is nestled next to Lone Pine Creek, which is the perfect place to fish for Sierra Nevada trout. The campground sits at 6,000 feet and in clear view of Mt. Whitney, the hig...Read more
