Shopping isn’t a major draw in Independence and Big Pine, but there are a few worthwhile stops if you’re looking to bring home a piece of the Owens Valley. The Eastern California Museum in Independence offers an excellent selection of local history books, maps, and regional gifts, while the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center carries books, educational materials, and souvenirs inspired by some of the oldest living trees on Earth. South of Independence, the Manzanar Visitor Center bookstore is one of the best places in the Eastern Sierra for history books, interpretive materials, and thoughtful gifts connected to one of America’s most important historic sites. If you’re looking for a souvenir, start with a book. The Owens Valley has no shortage of stories worth taking home.
History & Culture in Independence and Big Pine
Long before climbers, hikers, and road trippers discovered the Eastern Sierra, the Owens Valley was home to thriving…
