Inyo Mountains Wilderness

Inyo Mountains Wilderness is a 74,052-acre federally protected Wilderness Area in California, managed by the Forest Service. This remote backcountry terrain offers hikers and backpackers a chance to experience primitive solitude away from roads and development. Travel here is on foot only — no motors, vehicles, or mechanized equipment are permitted, making this a true non-motorized wilderness experience.

The landscape consists of high desert and alpine country characteristic of the region's terrain. Visitors come primarily to backpack and hike, seeking the kind of quiet and self-reliance that a designated Wilderness demands. Access is limited to established trailheads, and all travel must follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the land's wilderness character.

Visit during late spring through early fall for the most reliable conditions; winter weather and snow can make access difficult or impossible. Plan ahead: bring all water and supplies, camp only in designated areas where permitted, and expect no services or development once you enter. This is backcountry travel in its purest form.