TIPS - Bishop Visitor Information Center · E R R A N E V A D A M O U N T A I N R A N G E Lone Pine...
Transcript of TIPS - Bishop Visitor Information Center · E R R A N E V A D A M O U N T A I N R A N G E Lone Pine...
Respect wildlife at all times. The Eastern Sierra is home tomore than 80 species of mammals and is also visited by at least 300species of birds. If you encounter wildlife, please keep your distanceand allow them to move off at their own pace.
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Rock CreekLakes Resort
Rock CreekLodge
Schulman GroveVisitor Center
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W I L D E R N E S SW I L D E R N E S S
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VALLEYVALLEY
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M O U N T A I N S M O U N T A I N S
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TinemahaTinemahaReservoirReservoir
AberdeenAberdeen
Lookout Mtn.Lookout Mtn.EL. 11,261EL. 11,261
BlancoBlancoMtn.Mtn.
EL. 11,278EL. 11,278
Mt. WhitneyMt. WhitneyEL. 14,494EL. 14,494
Highest peak in theHighest peak in thecontiguous United Statescontiguous United States
DUTCH JOHNSDUTCH JOHNSMEADOWMEADOW
SouthSouthLakeLake
CardinalCardinalVillage ResortVillage Resort
BishopBishopCreek LodgeCreek Lodge
LakeLakeSabrinaSabrina
HortonHortonLakesLakes
White Mtn.White Mtn.ResearchResearchStationStation
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Hilton CreekLakes
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LongLake
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Rock CreekLakes Resort
SwallMeadows
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LongleyLake
DUTCH JOHNSMEADOW
BlueLake
GeorgeLake
TyeeLakes
LamarckLakes
DingleberryLake
MoonlightLake
EchoLake
MidnightLake
HungryPacker Lake
TreasureLakes
Sou
thFo
rk
North Fork
Birch
Creek
Creek
Coyote
Bishop
Creek
Green Lake
ChocolateLakes
LongLake Ruwau
Lake
SaddlerockLake
Hidden Lake
BakerLake
Black Lake
Big PineLakes
Sam MackLake
NorthFo
rk Pine Creek
WillowLake
ElinoreLake Brainerd
Lake
Big Pine Creek
LittlePin
eCre
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Birch
Creek
Baker
WarrenLake
Klondike Lake
Creek
Raw
son
WestFo
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Fork
Eas
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Creek
Onion
BARL
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DIXON LN
BROC
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WARM SPRINGS RD
F I V EB R I D G E S
POLETA-LAWS RD
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Gab
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Cre
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Owens
COLLINS RD
GERK
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Fish
Slo
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FISHSLOUGH
RD
Wyman
Creek
B I GP R O S P E C T O R
M E A D O W
S A G E H E NF L A T
T R E S P L U M A SF L A T
C O T T O N W O O DB A S I N
Crooked
Creek
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S I L V E R C A N Y O N
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Gunter
Creek
CreekPiute
S T R A I G H T C A N Y O N
C A N Y ON
S A C R A M E N T O
GeskesSprings
Springs
Springs
CedarSpring
GoatSpring
Beer
Creek
AntelopeSpring
BogMoundSpring
P O L E T A C A N Y O N BlackCanyonSpring
BatchelderSpring
WilkersonSprings
McMurrySpring
UhlymeyerSpring
Spring
BuckhornSprings
MontenegroSpring
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TinemahaCreek
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Red
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RedLake
BirchLake
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Taboose
Goodale
Creek
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ScottySpring
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CA N
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SeeleySprings
TinemahaReservoir
TABOOSE CR ABERDEENSTATION RD
CREEK RD
GOODALE
SAWMILLCREEK RD
CREEKRDDIVISION
CreekSawmill
SawmillLake
Div
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Creek
Harry BirchSprings
GroverAntonSpring
Thibaut
Creek
FISHHATCHERY RD
FORT RD
MAZOURKA CANYON
ONION VALLEY RD
FOOT
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WHITNEY
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LONE PINE N ARROWGAUGE RD
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SANTA RITA FLAT
GordonSpring
Spring
BeeSprings
Side HillSpring
North
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McGannSprings
Fork
ParkerLakes
GoldenTroutLakes
Creek
OakSouth Fork
Creek
Independence
Creek
Symmes
Pinyon
Creek
MatlockLake
Big PotholeLake
Shepher
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Will
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Lake Helenof Troy
NorthFork
Creek
Bairs
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Creek
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Paved Roads and Highways
Unpaved Roads (may require 4WD)
Motor Touring Route
Hiking Trails
Wilderness Boundary(NO bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed in designated wilderness)
National Park Boundary
Winter Road Closure
Gate
Locked Gate
Mine or Quarry
Point of Interest, Historic or Geologic Site
Eastern SierraScenic Byway Kiosk
Visitor Center / Information
Ranger Station
Hospital
Roadside Rest Area
Picnic Area
Year-Round Camping
Year-Round RV Camping
Parking
Photography Vista Point
Wildlife Viewpoint
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Crowley Lake
1
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HiltonCreek
Casa Diablo Mtn.EL. 7,912
Red Mtn.EL. 11,472
Mt. MorganEL. 13,005
Mt. StanfordEL. 12,851
RockCreekLake
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Mt. HuntingtonEL. 12,405
Mono PassEL. 12,000
LITTLELAKESVALLEY
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Mt. MillsEL. 13,451
Mt. AbbotEL. 13,704
Mt. Dade
Bear CreekSpire
EL. 13,720
ITALYPASS
EL. 12,300
RoundValley Peak
EL. 11,943
TungstenMine
Mt. TomEL. 13,652
ROUNDVALLEY
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MillpondPark
RockingK
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FOURGABLESEL. 12,691
MT. HUMPHREYSEL. 13,986
WINTERWINTERROADROAD
CLOSURECLOSURE
WINTERROAD
CLOSURE
Starlight
FIVE BRIDGES RD
River
White Mtn.RangerStation Bishop Area
Chamber of Commerceand Visitors Bureau
CityPark
EasternSierra Air
IzaakWaltonPark
White Mtn.ResearchStation
Basin Mtn.EL. 13,240
Grouse Mtn.EL. 8,067
PIUTEPASS
EL. 11,423
Mt. EmersonEL. 13,225
LakeSabrina
CardinalVillage Resort
BishopCreek Lodge
ParchersResort
WINTERWINTERROADROAD
CLOSURECLOSURE
WINTERROAD
CLOSURE
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Aspendell
NorthLake
SouthLake
CreeksideRV Park
Lookout Mtn.EL. 11,261
Mt. DarwinEL. 13,830
Mt. PowellEL. 13,356
Mt.GilbertEL. 13,103
Mt.JohnsonEL. 12,868 Mt.
GoodeEL. 13,092
BISHOPPASS
EL. 11,972
Mt. AgassizEL. 13,893
NorthPalisadeEL. 14,242
Kid Mtn.EL. 11,896
MiddlePalisadeEL. 14,040 The
ThumbEL. 13,388
BirchMtn.
EL. 13,655
Mt. BoltonBrown
EL. 13,655
SplitMtn.
EL. 14,058
CardinalMtn.
EL. 13,397
TABOOSEPASS
EL. 11,500
StripedMtn.
EL. 13,160
Mt. PinchotEL. 13,495
Goodale Mtn.EL. 12,790
Mt. PerkinsEL. 12,591
ColosseumMtn.
EL. 12,450
Sawmill Pt.EL. 9,416
SAWMILLPASS
Mt. BaxterEL. 13,125
BAXTERPASS
EL. 12,320
Diamond PeakEL. 13,126
Black Mtn.EL. 13,289
DragonPeak
EL. 12,995Kearsarge
PeakEL. 12,598
KEARSARGEPASS
EL. 11,823
UniversityPeak
EL. 13,632
Mt.BradleyEL. 13,289
Mt.Keith
EL. 13,977Junction
PeakEL. 13,888
SHEPHERDPASS
Mt.Williamson
EL. 14,375Mt.TyndallEL. 14,018
Mt.VersteegEL. 13,470 Trojan
PeakEL. 13,950
Mt.BarnardEL. 13,990
TunnaboraPeak
EL. 13,565Mt. Russell
EL. 14,086
WhitneyPortalEL. 8,371
Mt. WhitneyEL. 14,494
Highest peak in thecontiguous United States
WinnedumahPaiute Monument
EL. 8,369
MazourkaPeak
EL. 9,413
WESTGARD PASSEL. 7,271
BlancoMtn.
EL. 11,278
County Line HillEL. 11,229
CampitoMtn.
EL. 11,543
SheepMtn.
EL. 12,497
PiuteMtn.
EL. 12,564
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Schulman GroveVisitor Center
PATRIARCHGROVE
Station PeakEL. 10,316
Crooked CreekLaboratory
RobertsRanch
Creek
Deep SpringsCollege
WhiteMountain
City(site)
Sierra ViewOverlook
Pinon
BlankMtn.
EL. 9,083
Toll House(site)
KeoughHot Springs
Round Mtn.EL. 11,188
SugarloafEL. 11,026
CreekVisitor Center
Owens ValleyRadio Observatory
Klondike LakeRecreation Area
Edith Mendenhall Park
Zurich(site)
Fish SpringsState
Fish Hatchery
CraterMtn.
EL. 6,055
RedMtn.
EL. 5,188
Aberdeen
CharliesButte
Black RockState
Fish Hatchery
RD
CampIndependence
(site)
IndependenceAirport
DehyPark
RD Kearsarge(site)
SevenPines
Lone Pine
ManzanarManzanarNationalNational
Historic SiteHistoric Site
ManzanarNational
Historic Site
Mt. Whitney Ranger Station
Owenyo(site)
Lone PineAirport
Lone PineStation
Lone PinePark
Inter-AgencyVisitor Center
Alabama HillsRecreation Area
NO BICYCLESNO MOTORIZED VEHICLES
NO BICYCLESNO MOTORIZED VEHICLES
168
Snow Park
Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Motor Touring
Year-Round Fishing
Seasonal Fishing(Check regulations for dates and locations)
Bouldering or Rock Climbing
Recreational Walking
Rock Hounding
Golf Course
Stargazing
Bird Watching
Elk Viewing
Game Bird Hunting
Hunting
Filming Location
Wildflower Viewing
Fall Color Viewing
WINTERWINTERROADROAD
CLOSURECLOSURE
WINTERROAD
CLOSURE
BishopBishop
I N Y OI N Y O
N A T I O N A LN A T I O N A L
F O R E S TF O R E S T
MAZOURKACANYON
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NO BICYCLESNO MOTORIZED VEHICLES
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5EASTERN CALIFORNIAEASTERN CALIFORNIA
MUSEUMMUSEUM
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BIG PINE CREEKCANYON
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HAIWEERESERVOIR
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MANZANAR
EASTERN CALIFORNIAMUSEUM
BILLY LAKE
MT. WHITNEYFISH HATCHERY
TINEMAHARESERVOIR
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Lone PinePeak
EL. 12,944
OwensPoint
EL. 11,374
WonogaPeak
EL. 10,371
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MAP
E A S T E R N > > S I E R R A
> > L E G E N D < <
TIPS
Please be careful: As a visitor to the Eastern Sierra, you have aresponsibility for your personal safety during activities you mightpursue. Natural hazards exist. It is your responsibility to know thehazards involved and to use the proper safety precautions to minimizethe inherent risks to your activities. Various laws, regulations andrestrictions apply to the activities and areas mentioned on this map,in order to protect natural and cultural resources and for yoursafety and enjoyment. It is your responsibility to learn and followapplicable laws and restrictions. Contact appropriate agencies forspecific information.
Before you go… Tell someone the three Ws: WHERE you aregoing, WHEN you are returning, and WHO you are going with.
Be prepared: When enjoying winter recreation, it is your respon-sibility to be aware of winter safety and be prepared for survival.
Survival Kit: Check your gear, and make sure it is in good shape.A survival kit is a must. The following equipment could make thedifference between adventure and calamity:
• A space blanket, a poncho or two large plastic trash bags for emergency shelter
• Warm clothes for layering (wool or synthetics are best)• Water, sunglasses and sunscreen• An ensolite pad provides insulation from snow and ice• Whistle for emergency signaling (3 blasts mean “help”)• Waterproof matches or lighter in case you need a fire• Carry a map and compass with you, and know how
to use them
Avalanches may occur at any time during the winter. None of theroutes or areas open to winter use are controlled for avalanche, andit is the responsibility of the user to take any necessary precautions.
Avoid mountainous terrain after heavy snowfalls or long periodsof high wind. Avoid crossing steep hillsides and entering narrow,steep-sided canyons. If crossing potentially dangerous areas is un-avoidable, one person in the party at a time should cross the dangerzone with all others watching until that person crosses safely.
Creeks and Lakes: Be aware of snow-covered water courses.Crossing creeks, snow bridges or lakes is dangerous. To assure yoursafety, stay off frozen lakes.
Weather: Be aware of the current conditions. Obtain a weatherreport before your trip and recognize that conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Avoid traveling during heavy storms andwhiteout conditions.
Call 1-800-427-ROAD for Caltrans road conditions.
Hypothermia: Caused by exposure to cold aggravated by wetness,wind and exhaustion, hypothermia is a lowering of the inner temperature of the human body, resulting in rapid and progressivemental and physical collapse. Untreated, hypothermia can result in death. Take proper clothing, eat sensibly and carry quick-energyfoods.
Searches and/or rescues can be difficult and must be timely in awinter environment.
Emergency NumbersInyo County Search and Rescue 760-878-0385 (24 hours)Northern Inyo Hospital (Bishop) 760-873-5811Southern Inyo Hospital (Lone Pine) 760-876-5501911
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WILDLIFES H A R I N G T H E F O R E S T > >
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Bishop Area Chamber of Commerceand Visitors Bureau
690 N. MAIN STREET, BISHOP, CA 93514888-395-3952 760-873-8405
©JA
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ISC
Bishop Area
from
Rock Creek
to Haiwee
Reservoir
This Winter Adventure Map was made possible throughgenerous funding provided by:
U.S.D.A. Forest Service County of Bishop Area Chamber of CommerceInyo National Forest Inyo and Visitors Bureau
©2004 BISHOP AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS BUREAUNo part of this map may be reproduced without written authorization of the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
DESIGN/PRODUCTION: Laura Patterson Design COPYWRITING: Dean Stevens
COVER PHOTOS: Telemark skiing Mt. Tom ©John Dittli, mountain biking ©John Dittli, fishing ©PhotoDisc
The agencies and organizations involved in producing this brochure do not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or familial status.
©JO
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Bird and Wildlife ViewingBirders could spend the entire winter exploring different birdingsites and never see all the species that populate or pass through theOwens Valley. At Billy Lake (southeast of Independence off MazourkaCanyon Road) you can see everything from small sage sparrows tomighty red-tail hawks, golden eagles, and turkey vultures.
TinemahaReservoir, located justoff Hwy. 395 about 8miles south of BigPine, is anotherfavorite birding spot.This large, shallowbody of water hosts avariety of water birds,shore birds and fancygulls. During the win-ter it’s not unusual to spy bald eagles and tundra swans in the vicinity.
At Fish Springs, five miles south of Big Pine, you’ll find bothwinged and non-winged critters. The alfalfa fields there are the winterhome for herds of tule elk. The fields and surrounding area are also a great place to spot raptors working the fields. Sparrows and mountainbluebirds like to winter around Fish Springs. And the stream nearthe fish hatchery is a good place to look for ducks, rails, wrens, andsparrows.
Pick up your free Eastern Sierra Birding Trail Map at BishopVisitor Center or at www.easternbirdingtrail.org
Climbing & BoulderingWhile the Owens RiverGorge north of Bishop canbe a bit on the hot side during the summer, it’s arock climber’s delight duringtemperate winter days.Boulderers will find thatwinter is the best time totake on the world-famousboulders of the Buttermilks,the Happy Boulders, andthe Sad Boulders. TheAlabama Hills outside LonePine offer world-class boul-dering and sport climbing,too. And just because thehigh country is covered withsnow doesn’t mean the endof alpine climbing if you arewilling to make long trekson snowshoes or cross country skis. Find more atwww.BishopVisitor.com
Cross Country Skiing & SnowshoeingCross Country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts have access to someof the most spectacular winter landscapes in the world. You can do therelatively short but beautiful trek from Aspendell to Lake Sabrina ormulti-day snow-camping journeys in the high country wilderness.
Fall ColorsThe fall is a special time in the Owens Valley. The dramatic altitudedifference between the high peaks of the Sierra (including the highestpeak in the 48 contiguous states) and the valley floor makes for anexceptionally long and beautiful fall colors season that typically beginsin September and runs through October and into November.
Whether your fancy leans to quaking aspens at higher altitudeor colorful cottonwoods at lower altitude, the Eastern Sierra is a “leafpeeper’s” paradise. The north fork of Bishop Creek is a popular spot.
Pick up your Fall Color Guide at the Visitor Center in Bishoplocated at the City Park or in Big Pine at the Chamber of Commerce.
Filming LocationsIf you look closely in the background of the 1939 movie classic,Gunga Din, you won’t see the high mountains of India, where themovie was set. What you will see is behind the movie’s stars, DouglasFairbanks Jr. and Cary Grant, the 14,497’ peak of Mt. Whitney.
That movie, like many, many others, was shot in the OwensValley. The Alabama Hills, west of Lone Pine, have been a particularfavorite of filmmakers for decades. Not only can you tour many ofthe old movie locations, but in October Lone Pine hosts an annualfilm festival. It’s three days of movie screenings, tours, and closeencounters with actors who shot on location in the Owens Valley insome of the country’s most memorable movies.
FishingWhether your pleasure is warm water or cold water; flies, lures, orbait, there’s something for everybody in the Owens Valley, even duringthe winter months.
You can fish for trout, bass, and catfish at Diaz Lake andHaiwee Reservoir, and the Owens River south of Bishop. The Owensfrom just below Bishop north to Pleasant Valley Reservoir is afavorite wintertime destination for trout fishers, particularly the WildTrout section just below Pleasant Valley reservoir. And the PleasantValley reservoir is open to shore fishing and float tubing year-round.Remember that fishing regulations are subject to change. Currentfishing reports are available at www.BishopVisitor.com. Check forcurrent regulations.
HikingWarm days and cool nights makes winter day hiking in the OwensValley extra enjoyable. And there is no shortage of places to hike andthings to see along the way. Day hiking is a wonderful way to do someof the other activities listed on this map. Even in the dead of winter,the warm weather in the valley makes day hiking comfortable. Andthe stunning beauty of the Owens Valley makes it worthwhile.
ACTIVITIES
Hot SpringsWith all this winter activity you might really need a good, hot soak in a natural hot spring. The unique geology of the Owens Valley (it’s thedeepest valley in the United States) created many geothermal hot springsthroughout the valley. One of the more popular is a set of public poolsis located just west of Hwy. 395 on Keough’s Hot Springs Road (about 5 miles south of Bishop).
HuntingThe Owens Valley has a little bit of everything for hunters. Deerseason runs through October and into November in some parts of thevalley. The Pine Creek area and portions of the White Mountains holdgood populations of deer during those months. And fall and earlywinter brings migrations of waterfowl. The Owens River and its asso-ciated lakes and reservoirs are important stopping points for south-bound ducks (including pintails and canvasbacks) and geese. And thesame period is the season for hunting upland game birds, includingmountain quail, chukers, and doves. Remember to check local andstate regulations.
Motor TouringDo you enjoy pleasant, afternoonrides through the country on pavedroads? Or are 4WD tracks moreyour cup of tea? There’s a roadadventure waiting for you in theOwens Valley—a chance to get adifferent look at the geology,wildlife, and beauty that makes theOwens Valley such a special place.
A favorite drive in the southpart of the county is the 12.1 miletrek though Movie Flats in theAlabama Hills. Or you might enjoy the 16 mile trek from Lone Pinenorth on Owenyo Lone Pine Road past the remnants of the old LonePine train Station and narrow gauge train line, ending at ManzanarNational Historic Site, which is now a national landmark. Outside ofBishop take the 33-mile loop through Fish Slough, Red Rock Canyon,and Chidago Canyon to petroglyphs that date back thousands of years.
You can pick up a motor touring guide at the Visitor Center locatedat the City Park in Bishop, or download at www.BishopVisitor.com
Mountain BikingTemperate winter daytime temperatures makes mountain biking anatural sport in the Owens Valley. Trails run the gamut from bonejarring, curving single tracks to easy and enjoyable wider tracks andtrails through gentler terrain.
For gentle rides head to the Alabama Hills or ButtermilkBoulders. Single track enthusiasts will enjoy the Rock Creek biketrail, just north of Bishop.
Museums and GalleriesIf you’re in the mood for some indoor adventuring, there’s a lot to seeand do in the Owens Valley. The Eastern California Museum inIndependence features the artistry of local Paiute and ShoshoneIndians, relics from the nearby Manzanar Relocation Center, andother artifacts that tell the fascinating story of the History of theOwens Valley. In Bishop you can take an Art Walk and visit no fewerthat eight art galleries. Highlights of the walk include Mountain LightGallery and the Inyo Council For the Arts (ICA). Mountain Light,located in the historic Bank Building, houses the life works of the latelegendary photographer, Galen Rowell. And the ICA gallery showcasesthe dynamic art of Owens Valley residents. Five miles north ofBishop, just off Hwy. 6, you can explore another aspect of local histo-ry At the Laws Railroad Museum. Here you’ll find 11 acres of won-derful exhibits, including the original narrow-gauge railroad depot thatserved the area between 1883 and 1959.
PhotographyConsidering the natural beauty of the region, it’s no wonder that somany world-class photographers visit—and live in—the Owens Valley.You can make stunning photographs here, ranging from sweepinglandscapes to intimate wildlife portraits. Most any of the locationsmarked on this map are an outdoor photographer’s studio.
Spring WildflowersThe Owens Valley comes alive in the spring, and in good years thereis a bumper-crop of wildflowers. Division Creek, southwest of Aberdeenat the very base of the Sierra, there are tremendous fields of beautifullupines. On the outskirts of Bishop, east of Hwy 395 on BrockmanLane, gigantic fieldsof wild iris make anannual appearance.And on the rim of theOwens George, about13 miles north ofBishop and just westof Hwy. 395, are alter-nating fields of desertpaintbrush, whitelayia, and eveningsnow, resulting inbreathtaking splashesof color across analready breathtakinglandscape.
1 North and South Haiwee ReservoirsNorth Haiwee Reservoir has a surface area of approximately
600 acres. South Haiwee Reservoir is slightly larger, with a water surface area of approximately 800 acres. Black bass, rainbow trout,brown trout, bluegill, carp and channel catfish populate both reservoirs,and many animals, including mule deer, bobcat and coyote, use themas watering holes. These large bodies of water also attract scores ofdifferent species of birds.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing
j Fishing w Hiking
Directions: There are a number of routes heading east off Hwy. 395to North and South Haiwee. The two most obvious are to take NorthHawiee Road to reach the north reservoir and South Haiwee Road toget to the south reservoir.
2 Diaz LakeA massive earthquake rocked the Owens Valley, the area
surrounding Lone Pine in particular, in 1872. A happy byproduct ofthis calamity is Diaz Lake, which formed when the earthquakeopened a depression in the earth, which subsequently filled withwater. Today Diaz Lake is a popular day use area. There’s also a nicecampground on the western shore.
Activities: . Birding a Camping
j Fishing w Hiking
Directions: Diaz Lake is on the west side of Hwy. 395, 3 miles south of Lone Pine.
3 Alabama HillsSome people have mistakenly called these rounded, weath-
ered hills the oldest mountains in the United States. They are actuallythe same age as the sharp and jagged Sierra Nevada mountain range.Both were formed 100 million years ago by a violent uplifting of theearth. But the Alabamas were buried for millions of years. Water seepedinto fissures and caused the granite blocks to disintegrate. The resultis the beautiful rounded landscape that lies just west of Lone Pine.
Today the Alabamas are a popular winter playground, offering avariety of recreational opportunities. Dozens of movies, televisionshows, and commercials have been filmed in the Alabama Hills.
Activities: ? Climbing V Photography
& Hunting 9 Motor Touring
w Hiking . Visiting Film Locations
- Mountain Biking
Directions: There are many ways to access the Alabama Hills. Themost obvious starting point is the in the middle of Lone Pine at theintersection of Hwy. 395 and Whitney Portal Road. Go west on WhitneyPortal Road. From there you have your choice of a number of routes.
4 Manzanar National Historic SiteManzanar has a long and varied history. Paiute and Shoshone
peoples called the area home for centuries. A cattle ranching homesteadlocated there in the late nineteenth century. Soon a small town sproutedat the site. By the early 1900s the town of Manzanar became a thriving,albeit short-lived, community—the Los Angeles Department of Waterand Power’s land-purchasing program spelled the end of the tiny village.The land remained vacant until the outbreak of World War II whenit became one of ten relocation centers where people of Japanesedescent were held. Today it’s an 814-acre National Historic Siteadministered by the National Park Service. Efforts are underway torestore much of the camp buildings and area.
At the camp entrance you can pick up a tour map for a three-mile self-guided auto tour of the camp. Be sure to visit the interpre-tive center located in the camp’s historic gym.
On the last Saturday of April former internees, their descendants,friends, and the general public hold a pilgrimage near the cemeterymonument. There are also educational presentations and ceremonieson that day.
Activities: w Hiking 9 Motor Touring
V Photography
Directions: Manzanar is 7 miles north of Lone Pine on the west sideof Hwy. 395. Call 760-878-2932 for more information.
LOCATIONSE A S T E R N S I E R R A > >
10 Laws Railroad MuseumIn the late 1800s the Carson and Colorado Railroad
Company built a railroad from Mound House, Nevada to Keeler,California. One of its stops was Laws. In 1961 the railroad ceasedoperation. Of the many buildings that had sprung up around the railroad, only the depot, agent's house, oil and water tanks, and theturntable survived. Today those artifacts stand with other buildingsand exhibits on the grounds of this 11-acre museum. Other buildingsinclude an old time doctor's office, an agent's house and a carriagehouse.
Open 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily except New Years, Thanksgivingand Christmas. There is no charge for admission, but donations areaccepted. Call 760-873-5950 for more information.
Activities: . Museums and Art Galleries
Directions: From Bishop take Hwy. 6 north. After 4.5 miles turnright onto Silver Canyon Road. The museum is on the right.
11 Chalk Bluffs and the Volcanic TablelandsThe Volcanic Tablelands formed 750,000 years ago by
enormous eruptions of glowing volcanic ash. Today the tablelands,and the area known as chalk bluffs at their southern edge, is anoutdoor enthusiast’s delight. Fishing, hiking, birding, photography,climbing—you’ll find all that and more in this area.
The Happy and Sad Boulders have become popular with climbers(if you visit these ecologically sensitive areas use only existing accesstrails and avoid damaged or eroding slopes).
The Owens River, running along the base of the tablelands,is open year-round to fishing. A portion of this section of the river is designated as a Wild Trout area with special regulations. It’s a 3.3-mile stretch running from the footbridge in the Pleasant ValleyCampground to the redwood sport fishing regulations sign. Fishinghere is limited to artificial lures with barbless hooks only, and no takeis permitted. The California Department of Fish and Game estimatesa density of 2,000-5,000 fish per mile in the Wild Trout area, makingit one of the state’s more productive fisheries.
Activities: ? Climbing and Bouldering
j Fishing w Hiking
& Hunting 9 Motor Touring
V Photography - Mountain Biking
Directions: From Bishop take Highway 395 north. Turn right onPleasant Valley Road and proceed to Chalk Bluffs Road. Turn right.
12 Pleasant Valley ReservoirIf you prefer still water fishing, Pleasant Valley Reservoir is
the place for you (there’s actually good stream fishing in the channelbetween the power plant at the west end of Pleasant Valley and thereservoir). This body of water is open to shore fishing and float tubesall year. The Blake Jones Trout Derby is held here every March.Contestants have a chance to win over $10,000 in prizes. The reservoir is also a popular birding site.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing
j Fishing w Hiking
& Hunting . Star Gazing
Directions: From Bishop take Highway 395 north. Turn right onPleasant Valley Road intersection, turn right and proceed to theparking lot at the base of the dam.
13 Owens River GorgeClimbers will find routes of all description in the Owens
River Gorge. In the spring the rim of the gorge is teeming with wildflowers. And fishermen will find feisty trout in the OwensRiver—open all year in this section—in the bottom of the gorge.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing
? Climbing j Fishing
w Hiking 9 Motor Touring
V Photography - Mountain Biking
Directions: From Bishop, drive approximately 14 miles north onHwy. 395. Take the Gorge Road east, turn left (north) on the GorgeParallel Road.
5 Eastern California MuseumThe museum was founded in 1928. Its exhibits include art by
local Owens Valley Paiute and Shoshone Native Americans. You can alsolearn more about the history of Manzanar. There is also a collection ofhistoric agricultural and mining implements, including examples of theequipment used in the building of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Themuseum gift shop offers a wide selection of educational material regardingInyo County and the Eastern Sierra. The museum is open Wednesdaythrough Monday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. There is no admission fee, butdonations are accepted. Call 760-878- 0258 for more information.
Activities: . Museums and Art Galleries
Directions: Three blocks west of Hwy. 395 at 155 N. Grant Street.
6 Billy LakeLike Diaz Lake, the 1872 Lone Pine earthquake created this
lake. It is now a wildlife wetland, and winter home to a dazzling varietyof wildlife and birds. And it’s a popular warm-water fishing hole.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing
j Fishing w Hiking
& Hunting V Photography
Directions: From Hwy. 395 in Independence, turn east on MazourkaValley road. Go approximately 3.2 miles. Turn left on unsigned dirtroad. Continue .8 miles to Billy Lake.
7 Mt. Whitney Fish HatcheryThis unlikely French Tudor-style building was built in 1916.
It was the result of an order from a California Fish and Game Commissioner:“A building that would match the mountains, would last forever, and bea show place for all time.” The facility originally produced trout fingerlingfor planting throughout the state. It’s now used for brood stock, producing15 million golden, brown, and rainbow trout eggs annually. It is opendaily from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. You can also feed the trout!
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing a Camping
w Hiking 9 Motor Touring
V Photography - Mountain Biking
Directions: Two miles north of Independence on Hwy. 395, turn weston Fish Hatchery Road. The hatchery is up one mile on the right.
8 Tinemaha ReservoirThis reservoir was formed when the Los Angeles Department
of Water and Power built a small earthen dam across the in the OwensRiver at the Poverty Hills. Today the reservoir holds up to 16,300 acre-feet of water.
Many people think that this is Inyo County's best location to seewaterfowl and shorebirds. You can see large numbers of ducks, geese,and American white pelicans during migration. Bald eagles usually winterhere. You might also see tule elk in the fields west of the reservoir.
Tinemaha is also a popular fishing spot. The California Departmentof Fish and Game plants more than 5,000 rainbow trout in the OwensRiver below the dam each year. This section is also home to warmwater species such as largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing
j Fishing w Hiking
& Hunting V Photography
Directions: Turn east on Elna Road, 8 miles south of Big Pine. Follow the sign to the parking area.
9 Bishop Creek Recreation AreaThe Bishop Creek canyon is a collection of sloping canyons,
moraines, cirques and knife-sharp ridges and is also known for its won-drous cross country skiing. And although it’s a short drive from downtownBishop, it’s vegetation and climate is dramatically different from theOwens Valley floor. Here you’ll find an alpine paradise of pine andaspen forests, cascading streams, and jagged mountains peaks.
The waters of Bishop Creek (as well as South Lake, Intake Two,Lake Sabrina, and North Lake) are prime fishing spots in the fall (thecreek and all four lakes are closed to fishing during winter months).
The stands of aspen found throughout the canyon offer dramaticcolor changes in the fall, too. During the winter the area is a popularone for all sorts of winter sports. During the spring you can find gorgeous fields of wildflowers. While the creek is often too high forgood fishing in the springtime, the lakes offer wonderful fishing opportunities. The small community of Aspendell is a popular year-round birding area.
Activities: . Birding v Wildlife Viewing j Fishing
. Fall Colors ? Bouldering or Rock Climbing
w Hiking 9 Motor Touring
V Photography . Spring wildflowers
1 Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Directions: Take West Line Street (SR 168) west out of Bishop.Chains are often required during snowstorms. Even in clear weatherbeware of ice on the roads. Portions of the roads in Bishop creek arenot cleared of snow during the winter, so South Lake, Lake Sabrina,and North Lake are not accessible by car during the winter.
W I N T E R A N D F A L L > >
Snowshoe adventure©PHOTODISC
North Lake fall color©JOHN DITTLI
Sage grouse©ROB HENDERSON
Columbine and lupine©ROB HENDERSON
Mountain biking along Coyote Ridge©JOHN DITTLI
Owens River Gorge©MARTY HORNICK
Eastern Sierra fall fly fishing©JOHN DITTLI
Manzanar National Historic Site©JOHN DITTLI
Mt. Whitney and the Alabama Hills©STEPHEN INGRAM
Laws Museum©LONDIE G. PADELSKY
Bishop Creek Canyon©ROB HENDERSON
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