Recreation Resources
There exists a wealth of information and services to assist with your exploration of the Eastern Sierra. This page is dedicated to providing information on the key agencies and organizations available for your assistance.
Please visit specific recreation pages for information particular to your sport, including guides, retailers, maps and detailed references.
Visitor Centers
The Inyo National Forest is divided into two zones, the North Zone and the South Zone. These zones are each divided into two Ranger Districts. The Mono Lake Ranger District and the Mammoth Ranger District comprise the North Zone and the White Mountain Ranger District and the Mt. Whitney Ranger District comprise the South Zone. Each Ranger District has a Ranger Station and/or Visitor Center to meet our visitors' needs. In addition, the Interagency Visitor Center located in Lone Pine and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center are in operation to service visitors to these unique areas.
Traveler Essentials
Road Contions This link defaults to Highway 395 on the Calif. Dept. of Transportation page. However, you can modify the search to look at Tioga Pass or any other California highway.
Regional Weather brought to you by the National Weather Service. This page provides a great interactive map. It is defaulting to Mt. Whitney Portal. To change location, type the name of the nearest town or major region (eg Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley) and hit enter. A map will appear on the right showing the greater region. Click different elevations
High Sierra Web Cams - Follow this link for Fire Station web cams throughout the Sierras.
Tioga Pass Web Cam - Updated several times each day
Mono Lake Web Cam - Updated several times each day
Transportation
There are several public transportation systems that link together to allow you to travel through the Eastern Sierra. Pay special attention to schedules and note that weekend service is limited to non-existant.
Mammoth - Lone Pine- Lancaster
Lodging
From rustic cabins on pristine lakes to full-service resorts, the Eastern Sierra offers accomodations for all occassions. Area Chambers (see lisitng on side bar above) are an excellent resource for exploring your lodging options
Museums
Learn more about local heritage and natural history by visiting one of the regions museums.
Eastern California Museum The Museum in Independence has been the repository for Inyo County and Eastern Sierra history for eight decades. That history, from dinosaur bones to Native American baskets to pioneer saddles to famous Sierra mountaineers to the famous "Water War" between Los Angeles and the Owens Valley, is on display in the museum building and on the museum grounds.
Mammoth Ski Museum The Museum is home to the Beekley International Collection of Skiing Art & Literature. Enjoy and explore the largest private collection of skiing's fine art and literature, including five hundred years of the sport and culture of skiing.
Manzanar National Historic Site In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were interned during World War II.
Lone Pine Film History Museum The Museum celebrates and preserves the movie history of Lone Pine, Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra areas. It also explores the interpretation and artistic expression of the western landscape.
Nonprofit Organizations
The Eastern Sierra is home to numerous nonprofit organizations that offer programs and resources for the outdoor enthusiast. You may also consider a donation to continue their important work!
Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra
A volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities and their families by:
- offering year-round outdoor sports and activities
- creating inspiring challenges
- providing expert instruction and adaptive equipment
- rallying the community to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities.
DSES has adaptive equipment to fulfill everyone's winter and summer dreams: gliding down a snow-covered mountainside, cruising on a cycle or skimming over a placid lake. Activities are customized to each individual; one-on-one or in a group. Our goal is for everyone to be active year round!
Sierra Club - Range of Light Group
The Range of Light Group is part of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club, serving the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley areas of California. The Chapter has events and outing throughout the year. Visitors are welcome!
Friends of the Inyo
Founded in 1986, Friends of the Inyo is a Bishop-based nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the exploration, preservation and stewardship of the public lands of the Eastern Sierra. Through a combination of outreach and education, and wilderness advocacy, together we can ensure that this remarkable place is preserved for future generations of people, plants and animals.