Owens River, California
Top Spots in and near Owens River
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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 -
Lakeshore, California
Evolution Valley via Florence Lake
4.530.36 mi / 3238 ft gainYou can get to the Evolution Basin a variety of ways, but the easiest is through the Florence Lake Trailhead. Here, you can choose to either take the Florence Lake Ferry across the lake, or save $25 and hike the extra 4 miles around the lake. Personally, I would choose the ferry. About five mile...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Backpack to Crater Lake, Sierra National Forest
8.4 mi / 2100 ft gainStarting at Lake Florence, this hike starts out with a climb up and keeps this up over the next 3 miles. After about 3 miles of climbing you reach another lake, Dutch Lake which provides shade and a nice place to rest. From there it's a relatively flat 1.2 miles in to your destination. Once at Cr...Read more -
Sierra, California
Hike to Mist Falls
4.59 mi / 600 ft gainThe trailhead starts at Roads' End (the end of Hwy 180). Take the Bubbs Creek/Kanawyer Loop Trail and hike east. For the first three miles the trail is relatively flat through an open pine forest. Make sure to look up as there are some great views of the valley. The granite walls on both sides of...Read more -
Sierra, California
Rae Lakes Loop
5.039.08 mi / 7316 ft gainDay one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. ...Read more -
Shaver Lake, California
Camp at Voyager Rock Campground
4.0The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...Read more -
Fresno County, California
Explore Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls
4.54.1 mi / 475 ft gainThe Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Trail is a 4.1 mile hike in Kings Canyon National Park. You feel remote, even with a road nearby. The minimal elevation change makes this a scenic hike for all skill levels. Bring bug spray and wear long sleeve hiking clothing in August, as the bugs are ...Read more -
Mono County, California
Fishing at Convict Lake
4.3Many people come to Convict lake for the fishing. Convict is located only 2 miles off the main highway in the Eastern Sierras. The lake is clear and pristine with beautiful views. There are various ways to fish here; some rent out boats or bring their own and cruise around the lake fishing. O...Read more -
Mono County, California
Summit Mount Baldwin (12,614')
15 mi / 5000 ft gainDirections The hike for Mount Baldwin starts at the Convict Lake trailhead. The turn off for Convict lake is about 4.5 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes exit along the 395 and roughly 35 miles North of Bishop, CA. Take this exit and follow the road West towards the mountains. Turn right at the ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Convict Lake
4.92.46 mi / 56 ft gainIn 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison and were ambushed near the lake by a posse who had tracked them down. The inmates escaped the shoot out after killing two of the men in the posse and the lake now had a name – Convict Lake. You won’t witness a wild west shootout here, but if you ...Read more -
Wild Willy's Hot Spring, United States
Wild Willy's Hot Spring
5.0Also known as "Crowley Hot Springs", Wild Willey's is located a short drive from Mammoth Lakes. For more information on the hot springs and the public land restoration, check out the BLM's Website. From Mammoth Lakes, head south on the 395 for 3.5 miles until you make a left at Benton Crossing Rd...Read more -
Fresno County, California
Hike to Lookout Peak
12 miYou'll want an early start to this hike so consider camping in the park the night before. If you enter the park via CA-180 and follow it for a ways (passing Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Kings Canyon Lodge, and eventually the Cedar Grove Visitor Center) you'll come up to two campsites on the left-...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lake Virginia
5.0You'll find an ample supply of warm, sunny campsites here. After a tough climb leading up to this area, a plunge in the cold water and sunbathing on the warm granite surrounding the lake is just what the doctor ordered. This is one of the sites that you want to plan around - even if you arrive at...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 -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Soak in Mammoth's Hilltop Hot Springs
4.3Mammoth’s volcanic valley floor is peppered with these natural steamy tubs with panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra. It’s pretty damn whimsical. My personal favorite is the Hilltop Hot Tub, which is a man-made stone pool fed by a bubbling, steamy creek. According to some corner of the web, it i...Read more -
Mono County, California
Crab Cooker Hot Springs
Getting There: Take Highway 395 heading toward Benton Crossing Road. Turn onto Benton Crossing and you’ll see an adorable wee green church. Continue two miles down the road. You’ll make a left turn and head down a dirt road. Cell service is scant in this area, so you'll probably want to...Read more