State Parks and National Parks

Inyo National Forest covers 2 million acres, primarily on the eastern slopes of California's Sierra Nevada. It also juts into Nevada to embrace Boundary Peak, Nevada's highest point at 13,140 feet.

Camping, hiking, backpacking, winter sports and fishing are the main attractions. More than 400 lakes and 150 miles of streams provide habitat for golden, brook, German brown and rainbow trout.

The Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail wind through the forest.

The Mammoth and June Mountain Ski Areas offer outstanding downhill skiing and a cross-country ski center. Marked backcountry trails also are available.

The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, at the north end of the forest just east of Yosemite National Park, offers hiking trails, volcanic formations, a visitor center and naturalist talks. This is a popular destination among families.

High atop the White Mountains is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the world's oldest living tree, which provides outstanding photographic opportunities, hiking trails and a visitor center.

The forest includes parts of the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Golden Trout, South Sierra, Boundary Peak, Hoover and Inyo Mountains wilderness areas.

The extremely rugged Hoover wilderness offers rainbow and brook trout fishing, alpine lakes and meadows, elevations ranging from 8,000 to more than 12,000 feet and limited access into Yosemite National Park. Permits are required for wilderness travel.

Inyo is also home to Mount Whitney, at 14,497 feet it is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states.

Rock and ice climbing are very popular at Inyo. Sledding is also a popular family activity in the winter.

There are two areas that charge entry fees on the Inyo — South Tufa at Mono Lake and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White

Mountains. Access to Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile National Monument is by mandatory shuttle bus ($7 per person).

The TTY phone number for the forest is 760-873-2538.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service. Courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.