Land Acknowledgment: Payahuunadu has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra and the tribes who remain here today.
From ancient trees to alpine lakes, these hikes are your introduction to Inyo County’s high country. Each one can be done as a long day hike—just remember to start early, bring layers, and hydrate often.
1. Lone Pine Lake
Town: Lone Pine
Trailhead: Whitney Portal
Distance: 6.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet
Route Type: Out and back
The hike to Lone Pine Lake follows the famed Mount Whitney Trail, but no permit is required unless you hike beyond the lake. You’ll wind your way through pine forest and granite switchbacks with views of Lone Pine Creek rushing below. At 9,900 feet, the lake sits in a wide glacial bowl with crystal-clear water and a panoramic view of the Sierra crest. Great for early-season hikers testing altitude legs.
2. Kearsarge Pass
Town: Independence
Trailhead: Onion Valley
Distance: 9.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,600 feet
Route Type: Out and back
This classic high Sierra trail begins at 9,200 feet and climbs steadily past several alpine lakes—Little Pothole, Gilbert, Flower, and Heart Lake—before reaching Kearsarge Pass at 11,760 feet. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Kings Canyon National Park. Keep an eye out for marmots, pika, and wildflowers like columbine and lupine in mid to late summer.
3. Big Pine Lakes
Town: Big Pine
Trailhead: Big Pine Creek
Distance: 10 miles round-trip (to Lake #2)
Elevation Gain: ~2,400 feet
Route Type: Out and back
A glacier-carved wonderland. Hike alongside North Fork Big Pine Creek past waterfalls and lodgepole pines to a string of shockingly blue alpine lakes fed by Palisade Glacier. Lakes #1, #2, and #3 are the most accessible for a solid day hike. Watch for Clark’s nutcrackers and the occasional mountain goat in higher elevations.
4. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Town: Big Pine
Trailhead: Schulman Grove
Distance: 4.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~900 feet
Route Type: Loop
This high-desert hike takes you through one of the oldest living forests on Earth—some trees are over 4,000 years old. At over 10,000 feet, it’s a unique experience with sweeping views of the Owens Valley and the Sierra beyond. Interpretive signs along the trail identify key bristlecones, desert shrubs, and high-altitude flora.
5. Bishop Pass
Town: Bishop
Trailhead: South Lake
Distance: 10 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,200 feet
Route Type: Out and back
This hike offers a little bit of everything: granite basins, alpine lakes, and a final climb to 11,972-foot Bishop Pass. The trail winds past South Lake, Long Lake, Saddlerock Lake, and the surreal blue-green Bishop Lake. Wildflowers explode along the way, and the views into Dusy Basin from the pass are unforgettable.
Plan Smart & Stay Safe
Water sources on trail aren’t always reliable—creeks can dry up, and lakes may be hard to access. Sudden weather changes are common, and summer temps—even at 10,000 feet—can be hotter than expected. Always pack extra water, sun protection, and layers. Many of these hikes are not ideal for dogs in mid-summer heat due to sun exposure and limited shade.
AWE Disclaimer: Recreation activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, wildlife encounters, and other unforeseen hazards. Visitors should check with local land management agencies or authorities for up-to-date information on trail conditions, access, permits, and regulations before planning their trip. Always prioritize safety by being prepared, carrying adequate supplies, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Respect local rules, private property, and other visitors. This post is for informational purposes only, and participation in any activity is at your own risk.
A message from AWE: In the ’80s, tossing trash out of car windows was commonplace—until the “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign came along and changed behavior on a massive scale. At AWE, we believe the same power of messaging can transform how people care for the places we love to travel and explore. Most people are good, and travel is inevitable—every hike, swimming hole, and climbing spot is just a few clicks away. As content creators, we believe we have a responsibility to weave Leave No Trace principles into everything we share, inspiring travelers to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the incredible places so many of us cherish. Your actions matter: where you walk, how you park, how you treat locals, and even how loud you play your music. It all makes a difference. Search “Leave No Trace” to learn more about responsible recreation and how you can help protect the wild spaces we love and share.
