Outdoor Science and Learning

Outdoor learning interpretive sites on the Inyo National Forest are varied, and each offers a unique insight to the National Forest. During winter months some locations may be inaccessible due to snow or closed; check with the closest Ranger Station for updated conditions.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

All visitor centers offer interpretive displays, staff to answer your questions and bookstores teeming with area information and maps provided by Sierra Forever, who also offer interpretive programs depending on staffing availability.

Viewing Plants

Wildflowers start to bloom in the desert and continue throughout the summer months, slowly marching up the Sierra Nevada slopes. Check out "Wildflower Hotspots of the Eastern Sierra."

Visitor Centers

We have five visitor centers on the Inyo National Forest! Check our locations and hours on our Offices page.

Visitor Programs

Visitor programs depend on staffing availability. Please check the Sierra Forever website to check for the latest programs!

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Recreation Opportunities

Cultural Sites/Exhibits (1)

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (17)

Viewing Plants (10)

Viewing Scenery (25)

Viewing Wildlife (9)

Visitor Centers (5)

Visitor Programs (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 35 results

Agnew Meadow Wildflower Trailhead

Site Open

Limited access due to construction. See the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page.This short nature trail through meadow habitat gives the opportunity to see many plant species.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Site Open

Visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is an enjoyable way to spend a day learning about the oldest trees in the world. Living trees exceed 4000 years of age with weathered, twisted, and…

Big Pine Area

Camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking draw many visitors to the Big Pine Creek Area every year.  Beautiful First Falls is a short walk from the picnic area. Longer hikes up the north fork…

Convict Lake

Site Open

Convict Lake is located south of Mammoth Lakes and north of Crowley Lake.  This scenic area is popular for picnics, fishing, hiking, and boating, and includes a boat ramp, campground, store,…

Earthquake Fault

Site Open

A more appropriate name for the nearly straight fracture would be "Earthquake Fissure."  Because the rocks on both sides have not moved much vertically of laterally relative to one another, it is…

Hayden Cabin Interpretive Site

Site Open

Hayden Cabin is on Mammoth Creek, built in the 1920's by Emmet Hayden. Hayden Cabin was stabilized and restored as a joint project between the Forest Service and Southern Mono Historical Society. The…

Hot Creek Geologic Site

Site Open

Hot Creek is a place to marvel at geology in action. Boiling water bubbling up from the creek bed, fumaroles and periodic geyser eruptions at Hot Creek attest to the chamber of hot magma which lies…

Inyo Craters

Site Open

The Inyo Craters are three north-south-aligned phreatic (steam) explosion craters on the summit and south flank of Deer Mountain.  Deer Mountain is an approximately 115,000-year-old rhyolite dome in…

Inyo Craters Trailhead

Site Open

 There are several multi-use trails near Deer Mountain and Inyo Craters. Link to additional area information for Inyo Craters

June Lake Beach

Site Open

Idyllic alpine lake with a picturesque beach.