Inyo National Forest

Inyo National Forest spans a large area across California and Nevada, containing tall mountain ridges, deep valleys, and vast wilderness regions. The landscape hosts many different ecosystems that shift with elevation and climate.

Theodore Roosevelt protected this area as a national forest in 1907 to secure land for the Los Angeles Aqueduct project. This decision shaped how the forest would be used and managed for generations.

The name Inyo comes from an indigenous language meaning dwelling place of the great spirit, reflecting how Paiute and Shoshone peoples understood their relationship with this land.

The Mount Whitney trail requires permits between May and November, allocated through a lottery system for day hikers and backpackers. Visitors should arrive early and check weather conditions and elevation changes, as conditions shift rapidly.

The bristlecone pines in this forest are among the oldest living things on Earth, with some specimens thousands of years old. These trees grow slowly at high elevations and display rings recording centuries of history.

Location: Nevada

Location: California

Inception: May 25, 1907

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.usda.gov/inyo

GPS coordinates: 37.85280,-118.28600

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:48