The best walks and hikes in Inyo County

Inyo County offers a vast network of hiking opportunities, with over 150 routes available. These trails cater to a wide range of abilities, from easy walks to challenging multi-day ascents, exploring diverse landscapes from desert canyons to high-altitude mountain passes.

Yes, Inyo County has numerous easy trails perfect for beginners, with over 60 routes classified as easy. For example, the Badwater Basin Salt Flats trail in Death Valley National Park offers a unique experience on the lowest point in North America. Another accessible option is the Natural Bridge & Dry Falls route, also in Death Valley, which leads to interesting geological formations.

The trails in Inyo County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 320 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic and diverse landscapes, from the stark beauty of Death Valley to the alpine splendor of the Sierra Nevada, and the unique geological features found along the routes.

Yes, Inyo County features several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch loop from Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park, which allows you to explore colorful badlands and canyons. Another option is the Mosaic Canyon Loop, offering a chance to see polished marble walls.

Inyo County is rich in natural landmarks. You can explore the unique geological formations of Red Cathedral or the polished marble walls of Green Marble Walls within canyons. The region also features beautiful waterfalls like Darwin Falls and Upper Darwin Falls, offering a refreshing contrast to the desert landscapes.

Yes, Inyo County has trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Darwin Falls is a notable year-round waterfall in Death Valley, providing a lush oasis. You can also find Upper Darwin Falls and a waterfall between Middle and Northern Lakes in the John Muir Wilderness, offering scenic spots for hikers.

Many trails in Inyo County are suitable for families. Easy routes like the Badwater Basin Salt Flats offer a unique, relatively flat experience. The region's diverse environments mean you can find shorter, less strenuous paths that still provide stunning views and interesting natural features for all ages to enjoy.

Due to its extreme elevation changes, Inyo County offers hiking opportunities year-round. The desert areas like Death Valley are best explored in the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring. For high-altitude trails in the Sierra Nevada, summer and early fall are ideal, as snow can persist at higher elevations well into June or July.

Permits are required for certain areas and activities, particularly for overnight backpacking in wilderness areas or for summiting Mount Whitney. Day hikes generally do not require permits, but it's always best to check with the specific park or forest service managing the area you plan to visit, such as Death Valley National Park or Inyo National Forest, especially for popular or sensitive trails.

Most major trailheads in Inyo County, especially within national parks and forests, have designated parking areas. These can range from large paved lots at popular spots like Zabriskie Point or Whitney Portal, to smaller dirt pull-offs for less frequented trails. Always check specific trail information for parking availability and any potential fees before you go.

Inyo County is home to diverse wildlife, making many trails excellent for observation. You might encounter rare species such as Sierra Bighorn Sheep, Black Toad, and Golden Trout, along with a wide variety of birds. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife viewing. For more information on local wildlife, you can visit inyocountyvisitor.com.

Yes, Inyo County is renowned for its challenging multi-day hikes, particularly in the Sierra Nevada. The Mount Whitney Trail Loop and Summit is a difficult, high-altitude route often completed over multiple days, requiring permits. Another demanding option is the Kearsarge Pass summit, which offers stunning alpine scenery.