Recreational Activities - Wilderness
"A wilderness, in contrast
with those areas where man and his
works dominate the landscape, is hereby
recognized as an
area where the earth and its community
of life are untrammeled by man, where
man himself is a visitor who does not
remain...an area
of undeveloped Federal land retaining
its primeval character and influence...protected
and managed so as to preserve its natural
conditions..."
Wilderness Act of 1964 - Section 2(c)
Wilderness Permits and Reservations
Mount Whitney | Regulations and Safety
Your Fees at Work | Trip Planning
Management News
WILDERNESS AREAS...
The Inyo National Forest currently
shares in managing seven wildernesses.
First established as a Primitive area in 1931, then a Wild area in 1957,
the Hoover Wilderness was one of the original members
of the National Wilderness Preservation System. At 48,601 acres, it is a
fairly small wilderness area, accessible from Yosemite National Park,
Humboldt/Toiyabe and the Inyo National ForestsWith it's extremely
rugged terrain, magnificent scenery and well-maintained trail system,
the Hoover sees heavy visitation, especially in the popular 20 Lakes
Basin area. Visitors can expect to see black bears, rainbow, brook and
golden trout, and harsh, varied weather systems.
The Ansel Adams Wilderness was designated with
the Wilderness Act of 1964. Extending from Highway 120 in the north
to Lake Thomas Edison in the south it contains 228,500 acres of
wilderness, including much of the John Muir Trail. In addition,
Devils Postpile National Monument, though not wilderness, is centered
in the Ansel Adams. Its name was changed from Minarets Wilderness
in 1984 to honor the famous photographer and environmentalist Ansel
Adams.
The John Muir Wilderness encompasses a 100-mile
stretch of typical Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys, including the
tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney (14,496 feet).
It is one of the most heavily visited wildernesses in the nation.
The John Muir was also established with the Wilderness Act of 1964
and enlarged by the California Wilderness Act of 1984, now totaling
584,000 acres.
Named after the brightly colored California state fish, the
Golden Trout Wilderness extends from Lone Pine below the
John Muir Wilderness, south and west, encompassing 306,000 acres.
Designated a wilderness in 1978 by the United States Congress, the
Golden Trout sees heavy visitor use and attracts anglers, horse
packers, backpackers, and water adventurers alike.
With the Golden Trout Wilderness on its northern boundary, the
South Sierra Wilderness straddles the Sierra crest
at the southern end of the range. Elevations range from 6,100 feet
near Kennedy Meadows to 12,123 feet at Olancha Peak. Visitors will
find fragile meadow ecosystems, forested hills, rugged peaks, and
outstanding opportunities for solitude in this 62,700 acre wilderness.
Boundary Peak Wilderness lies entirely in Nevada
and makes up the smallest wilderness area in the state with 10,700
acres. Named for the highest point in Nevada, Boundary Peak attracts
climbers and hikers to its lonely summit at 13,140 feet. From here,
views extend across the drainages of many dramatic desert ranges
including the Inyo and White Mountains.
Separating the Owens Valley from the Saline Valley and its surrounding
ranges lie the isolated Inyo Mountains. The Wilderness
bearing their name covers most of the range with its 205,020 acres
of mostly unmaintained, rugged land. Hikers desiring a trip high
in solitude with rich historical value will find adventure and unrestricted
recreation here.
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