Inyo: Desert Landscapes, History and Special Excursions

Inyo combines impressive desert landscapes with moving history, unusual museums and excursions into the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Between Alabama Hills, Death Valley and historic sites, you can plan very different days during your holiday. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth deciding first which experiences you want: nature, culture, special landscapes or relaxing hours in warm water.

Landscapes Between Rocks, Desert and High Mountains

The Alabama Hills consist of rounded rocks and eroded hills between the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the geologically complex Inyo Mountains. In the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, you can explore natural arches and visit filming locations. Those looking for striking landscapes and unusual photographic subjects will find a clear contrast here to the vast desert expanses of Death Valley.

In Death Valley, hikes lead through deep canyons, across salt flats, through sand dunes and into desert mountain landscapes. Badwater Basin is located in Inyo County and is the lowest point in North America. Mount Whitney reaches 14,505 feet and is the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 US states. These contrasts make Inyo interesting for travellers who want to experience different types of landscapes during their stay.

Another extraordinary destination is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The bristlecone pines growing there are among the oldest living trees on Earth and have survived for thousands of years in one of California’s harshest mountain landscapes. The scenic mountain road leads from Owens Valley to elevations above 10,000 feet, to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center and several hiking trails through the ancient bristlecone pine groves. Because of snow and winter weather, this road is usually only passable seasonally.

Experience History and Culture Consciously

The Manzanar National Historic Site commemorates the first camp established by the US government during the Second World War to intern Japanese Americans. The restored former camp auditorium serves as a visitor centre. Exhibits on everyday life are located in a restored mess hall and two reconstructed barracks in Block 14. In addition, you can take a 3.2-mile self-guided tour by car or bicycle. For families with different interests, this site offers an opportunity to combine experiencing the landscape with engaging with history.

The Eastern California Museum displays around 400 baskets made by the Owens Valley Paiute and the Panamint Shoshone. Its exhibitions also cover the history of Inyo County as well as the natural and cultural heritage of Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra. At the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site, you can see an old railway depot from 1883 on an eleven-acre historic site. This allows you to explore regional development from different perspectives.

Plan Excursions and Choose the Right Holiday Days

A vehicle is recommended for most visitors, as Inyo County has limited public transport. Bishop Airport has seasonal commercial nonstop flights with United Express to San Francisco and Denver. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to combine your stay with many excursions to landscapes, cultural visits or deliberately quieter days. The destinations mentioned do not require the same travel pace, so a holiday apartment or holiday home should above all suit your personal daily schedule.

In Death Valley, ranger-led tours, nature walks, talks on terraces and evening programmes are offered. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory hosts a free, publicly accessible Open House every year, typically in early June, with tours of parts of the observatory, information about radio astronomy and the opportunity to climb the catwalk of the 130-foot-high radio telescope. Those wishing to combine their stay with relaxation will find Keough’s Hot Springs south of Bishop, with a large naturally heated swimming pool, a diving or relaxation pool, picnic areas and changing facilities.

Special seasonal experiences are also part of the character of the area. Mule Days in Bishop takes place over Memorial Day weekend and includes hundreds of mules, a Saturday morning parade, arena events, concerts and an arts and crafts fair in Bishop City Park. In the host community of Bishop, Blue Heron Farm offers pick-your-own activities for peaches, apples and vegetables. Such offerings can add a seasonal or local touch to your travel plans.

More Places to Search

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages for Bishop, Lone Pine, Death Valley Junction, Independence, Tecopa, Olancha, Big Pine, Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley and Kearsarge. This allows you to combine your search for suitable accommodation with your own priorities for nature, history, excursions and relaxation.

To the higher-level travel overview: California.