Inyo National Forest

Inyo National Forest is one of the marquee hiking destinations in California. The Trail Compass directory currently lists 5 trails inside the park boundary, totalling roughly 21 trail miles when added together. Whether you are visiting for an afternoon or a long weekend, the network includes options for nearly every fitness level.

By difficulty, the indexed trails here break down to about 2 easy, 3 moderate, 0 hard, and 0 expert routes. That mix makes Inyo National Forest a good fit for groups with varied stamina — a stronger party can take on a longer ridge or canyon route while companions enjoy a shorter loop near the visitor center, then meet up in the afternoon.

Inyo National Forest sits within the California coast and Sierra foothills. The hiking season is typically October through May for the coast; Sierra trails open June through October depending on snow year. Shoulder-season visits can be spectacular but require more flexibility: trailhead access roads in California may close after early-season storms, and high-elevation routes can hold snow well past the end of spring. Always check the official park website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and any permit requirements before you go.

Wildlife you can expect on Inyo National Forest trails reflects the surrounding California coast and Sierra foothills: sea otters and harbor seals offshore, mule deer in the chaparral, brush rabbits, scrub jays, and California condors recovering in select corridors. Give every animal real space, store food properly, and never feed wildlife — habituation gets animals killed.

Arrive early to secure parking at popular trailheads, especially on weekends and holidays. Carry more water than you think you need, even on shorter hikes — California weather can swing from cool morning shade to hot afternoon sun within a couple of hours. Cell service is limited inside the park boundary, so download offline maps in advance. Leave No Trace principles apply on every trail: stay on the established tread, pack out all food scraps, and give wildlife the space they need.

Use the trail listing below to compare distances, difficulty ratings, and elevation gain. Each trail page goes deeper with route notes, suggested timing, wildlife expectations, parking guidance, and nearby attractions drawn from publicly available park data.