hiking rock climbing

24 Pages·2015·3.53 MB·English

The Best of Inyo County’s Four Seasons
Volume: 1 • July 2015
rock
climbing
Inyo County a global climbing Mecca.
hiking
A variety of tailor-made trips await.
birding
cycling
ATV exploration
Courtesy of
2 inside the eastside 2015
contents
“We don’t stop playing because
we grow old; we grow old
because we stop playing.”
– George Bernard Shaw
Jan • Feb • Mar Apr • May • Jun Jul • Aug • Sep Oct • Nov • Dec
04 11 15 20
winter - spring spring - summer summer - fall fall - winter
04 bird watching 12 cycling 16 mountain biking 20 fall colors
Set your sights on the more than One of the best ways to see the How fatbiking is fast becoming scouting
420 bird species found in Inyo Eastside is from a bicycle seat Eastside’s most popular new sport Following the changing foliage is
an autumn ritual for some
by: Michael Prather by: Eastside Velo Club by: Seth Conners
by: Jon Klusmire
10 geocaching
High-tech treasure hunts helping 14 camping 15 hiking 21 rock climbing
visitors discover local wonders
Sleeping under the stars is easy Thousands of day trips await Welcome to the Mecca
by: Darcy Ellis
and comfortable in Inyo County in Inyo’s backcountry of rock climbing
06 rock hounding by: Darcy Ellis by: Darcy Ellis by: Todd Vogel
Area’s geology creates a
rock-hounder’s paradise
by: Darcy Ellis
18 backcountry 23 off-highway
11 wildflower
08 fishing spotting pack trips adventures
Drop a line in Inyo’s lakes, streams Spring brings blankets of color Explore the High Country with Discover why Inyo County is
and rivers 12 months out of the year to Owens and Death valleys the help of a pack crew where the rubber meets the dirt
by: Louis Israel by: Kristina Blüm by: Kristina Blüm by: Mike Johnston
FFrroomm tthhee PPuubblliisshheerr
If you can think of doing it, chances are it can be done in the vast playground we call Inyo County. Narrowing the
long list of available recreation opportunities down to those highlighted here was a difficult task. In addition to the 22 hunting
many activities highlighted here, Inyo County is an ideal locale for horseback riding, world-class photography, lake
and river swimming, sledding, hot springs dipping, backpacking, peakbagging, trail running, winter jogging, model Intrepid sportsmen on the trail
rocket and glider flying, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, pine-nut collecting, ultra-running and much more. of game and fowl
Many of the recreational activities featured in this, our first annual outdoor recreational magazine for Inyo County, can
be enjoyed year round; here, we have guided you to the best times of year to partake in these various adventures.
We hope you find both valuable information and inspiration within these pages – just what you need to plan your next by: Louis Israel
visit or get up off the couch and go explore your very big, very beautiful backyard. Rena Mlodecki
Publisher
Publisher Writers
Rena Mlodecki Kristina Blüm
Editor Seth Conners
Darcy Ellis Darcy Ellis
Composition
Larry Freilich
Julie Garrison
Louis Israel
Distribution Inside the Eastside is a July 2015 publication of Horizon California
Stephanie DeBaptiste Publications, dba The Inyo Register. All contents, including the Mike Johnston
Sales fisheries maps, are the property of The Inyo Register and may not Jon Klusmire
Terry Langdon be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written Mike Prather
Veronica Lee consent of the publisher. Todd Vogel
inside the eastside 2015 3
birds of
a feather
Bird watchers find kindred
spirits, rich diversity in Inyo
Shorebirds take flight from Owens Lake, their pit-stop as they migrate between hemispheres.
Photo by Kerry Wilcox
by: Michael Prather
Birding (bird watching) is a rapidly growing North of Bishop from U.S. Highway 395, turn west mudflat. Seasons: All. Location: Eight miles south of surrounded by huge walls of granite await you.
outdoor activity throughout our country and Inyo onto Pine Creek Road. Turn right in 1.7 miles Big Pine, turn east onto Elna Road. Follow signs Bird around the campgrounds and pond and hike
County is no exception. The number of different onto North Round Valley Road to begin the loop for the wildlife viewpoint at the top of the hill. up the Mt. Whitney trail toward Lone Pine Lake
species of birds that have been seen in Inyo route – road turns to dirt. Turn right onto 4.) Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery – Although no (no permit required). The mix of sunny, brushy
County is around 425. This is a high number for Boundary Road, and right on Sherwin Grade Road/ longer in service, this historic fish hatchery, built in areas and forested habitat might give you sooty
numerous reasons and is notable in that Inyo is Lower Rock Creek Road to connect with the start- 1916, houses a wonderful museum and its grounds grouse, fox sparrow and red-breasted sapsucker.
an inland county away from the coast. Larger than ing point on Pine Creek Road. contain ponds, Oak Creek and nearby desert scrub. Seasons: Spring, summer and fall. Location: Thirteen
the state of Connecticut and with elevations from 2.) COSA (Conservation and Open Space Area) Rare in the Eastern Sierra, native oaks grow here miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road.
-283 feet to 14,495 feet, you would expect rich – This unique habitat of riparian and ponds con- and offer one of the only locations for acorn 6.) Diaz Lake – This Inyo County park is on
diversity due to so many different life zones and tains many species of birds as well as uncommon woodpeckers in the Owens
habitats. And you’d be right! Bristlecone pines to native plants. It was created by the Bishop Paiute Valley. All seasons are good,
desert scrub, riparian habitat to open water and Tribe on their reservation and has 3,000 feet of but spring and fall for
forest, Inyo has it all. walking paths. Location: Park at the NW corner of migrating songbirds are high
Birding in the morning when birds are active the BLM/Forest Service parking lot off of West Line points. Look along Oak Creek
is best. Grab a pair of binoculars and a field Street in Bishop (less than a mile west of U.S. around the buildings, ponds
guide and you’re ready to go. Practice identifying Highway 395). Monthly walks for beginners to and general grounds. Location:
birds with your eyes and ears and a whole new experts are given by Eastern Sierra Audubon Two miles north of
world will open before you. Society (esaudubon.org). Independence on U.S. Highway
Where to go? 3.) Tinnemaha Reservoir – This large, shallow 395. Follow the signs.
1.) Round Valley Loop – Especially good for reservoir has a great variety of water birds and 5.) Whitney Portal and
raptors in winter. Fifteen species of raptors (birds shorebirds depending on the water level. Habitats: Lone Pine Lake trail – Large
Birders at Owens Lake.
of prey) have been reported. Seasons: All. Location: Open water, cottonwood, willow, saltbush scrub, Jeffrey Pines and white fir Photo by Mike Prather
4 inside the eastside 2015
Birding in the morning when birds are active is best. Grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide and you’re
ready to go. Practice identifying birds with your eyes and ears and a whole new world will open before you.
U.S. Highway 395 three miles south of Lone Pine.
The lake is particularly good for birds in the fall,
winter and spring. Bird along the trees at the
south end and in the campground. Scan the open
country habitat for birds like mountain bluebirds
and western meadowlark. Look over the open
water and edges of the lake for waterfowl and
shorebirds.
7.) Owens Lake – Although currently closed
due to construction, three wildlife touring routes
on and around the lake are scheduled to open in
early 2016. Stay tuned for your access to the rich-
est wildlife location in Inyo County. Friends of the
Inyo and partners puts on the first-ever annual
Owens Lake Bird Festival in 2015. Look for the
festival’s 2016 information and dates to go up
Birders on the hunt during migration.
soon (friendsoftheinyo.org).
Photo by Mike Prather
8.) Cartago Springs Wildlife Area – This site
is owned by the California Department of Fish and Cartago on U.S. Highway 395 turn east on located just east of Death Valley National Park For more information, consult the Eastern
Wildlife. It has ponds, mudflats and marsh with Whitney Street and drive two blocks to where the southeast of Shoshone (another great birding spot). Sierra Birding Trail map available at http://www.
each type hosting different species of birds. The road turns to dirt. Keep going down to park at Trails lead through the rich habitats where you easternsierrabirdingtrail.org.
pond and mudflats are where you’ll see ducks and the metal storage building. Walk east through a might see phainopeplas (silky flycatchers) or (Michael Prather has been actively bird-
ing and participating in citizen science since
shorebirds like American avocets, black-necked stilts cattle gate out between the two ponds and marsh. Gambel’s quail. Make sure to visit the gift shop
coming to Inyo County in 1972. He is past
and cinnamon teal. The marsh has the more 9.) China Ranch – China Ranch is a desert and have a fresh date shake after your morning
president of Eastern Sierra Audubon, is on
secretive birds like rails, but also quite obvious oasis of date groves and riparian habitat that is of birding. Search chinaranch.com for directions the Board of Friends of the Inyo and lives in
and loud yellow-headed blackbirds. Location: In home to amazing wildlife – especially birds. It is and trails. Seasons: spring and fall. Lone Pine.)
inside the eastside 2015 5
A resident holds up a piece of a large fulgarite discovered and dug from the valley floor east of
Bishop in January 2014. Fulgarites are rare formations created by lightning strikes and are prized by
rock and mineral collectors.
digging
in the dirt
Geological treasures await those
with a keen eye and deft hand
by: Darcy Ellis
Volcanic activity some 80 to 120 million these mountains, the Sierra to the west and
years ago that sent magma flowing through bed- White and Inyo ranges to the east, yielding some
rock, followed by seismic activity along two verti- of the most beautiful, unusual and valuable gems
cal faults over the last three million years, formed and minerals the world has ever seen.
the mountains ranges that frame the Owens Valley Much of these riches have long since been
we know today. harvested – evidenced by hillsides pockmarked
Eons of geological activity have resulted in with mines and abandoned mining equipment –
One of two display cases belonging to the Lone Pine Gem and Mineral Society that showcases miner-
als found in Inyo County by club members.
Photo by Darcy Ellis
6 inside the eastside 2015
but from a purely geological standpoint, Inyo series of abandoned mines in the Inyo Mountains,
County is home to an abundance of wonders and Cerro Gordo is home to “many, many different
treasures just waiting to be discovered. minerals that might not be found anywhere else,”
“This is the rock-hounder’s paradise,” a the spokesperson said. One such mineral, a strik-
spokesperson for the Lone Pine Gem & Mineral ing turquoise-colored calcite called Smithsonite, is
Society said, noting Inyo County is home to no only found in one other area in the world, in
less than 150 different kinds of minerals and New Mexico.
more than 50 specific areas that are known for • Coso Range, south of Owens Lake. This is
harboring different types of collectible rocks, gems a good area to hunt for different types of jasper
and minerals. as well as small geodes, some of which contain
Geodes, crystals, obsidian, clear quartz, smoky amethyst.
quartz, rose quartz, dolomite (marble), • The Inyos. Home to gold and silver.
Hedenbergite, topaz, limestone, borax, copper, gyp- • Talc City, southeast of Lone Pine on State
sum, lead, marble, molybdenum, pumice, tungsten, Route 190 just before Darwin. As its name
zinc, shale, slate, mica, aquamarine, psalomane – implies, Talc City is home to a lot of talc, “some
it’s all there if you know where to look and of it very carvable.”
what to look for, according to the LPGMS. • Alabama Hills, west of Lone Pine. According
Sleuthing – hunting for certain types of to the LPGMS, there is gold in them thar hills.
stones, looking for tell-tale clues – is a large • Crystal Ridge, east of Blackrock, north of
part of the appeal of rock-hounding. Being out- Independence. The aptly named area, despite pop-
doors is another big draw, as is the appeal of ular opinion, still has plenty to offer. “It’s not
being able to collect tangible rewards, which dug-out,” the spokesperson said. “I don’t care
serve as reminders of different trips and adven- what anybody says.”
tures. • Deep Springs, east of Big Pine off of State
Rock hounds will find themselves anywhere Route 168. Another good spot for hunting for
from the valley floor to backcountry peaks. High- gold, along with various crystal specimens.
clearance vehicles and sturdy walking shoes are • Coyote front range, including Tungsten City
recommended for any excursions as you never Hills, west of Bishop. Look for quartz crystals, epi-
know where it might lead. dote and garnets – lots of garnets. A word of
The LPGMS also recommends gloves, a hat, caution, though: according to the LPGMS, people
sunscreen and plenty of water – and letting have been out there with microblasters and leav-
someone know where you’re going, how long you ing undetonated chargers, which can easily
plan to be gone and when they should get wor- explode and cause serious injury or death if hit
ried if you haven’t returned yet. with a rock or hammer.
Tools of the trade include a paleo pick There are dozens of other areas worth
(which resembles a very small pick axe), a squirt checking out and hundreds of other gems and
bottle so you can see what it is you’ve found, a minerals that can be found. The LPGMS recom-
gad and a trowel. mends the following books for more information:
The best times of year for rock-hounding are “National Audubon Society: Rocks and Minerals”
when the weather is most mild, such as spring and “Simon and Schuster’s Guide to Rocks and
and fall. But some of the desert areas are perfect Minerals.” Other good sources are your closest
in winter, the spokesperson said. Summertime trips gem and mineral club and gem and mineral
are best when they’re short or at high elevations. shows, where participants are more than happy
Specific areas to visit in Inyo County include: to share what they know. The LPGMS can be
• Cerro Gordo, southeast of Lone Pine – A reached at [phone] or www.lpgms.org.
inside the eastside 2015 7
reel in adventure
Variety of angling opportunities
available for all ability levels, from
valley floor to backcountry
by: Louis Israel
The clear mountain waters of the Eastern fishing in the Eastern Sierra and wants to give it
Sierra are home to a lot of different fish. Water a try can get started easily. Every sporting goods
teeming with bass, bluegill, carp, Sacramento perch, store in the area is loaded with fishing gear and
even catfish are found from Diaz Lake in Lone most sell fishing licences as well. Everyone 16 and
Pine to the Owens River near Laws Railroad older needs a licence to fish. California residents
Museum north of Bishop. These are healthy, hun- and non-residents alike pay just $15 for a day
gry fish, growing and ready to chomp the bait, pass or $23 for a two-day pass; $47 buys a non-
an angler’s delight. resident a 10-day pass; a year-long for a resident
Above all on the Eastside, trout is king. is the same price.
Browns, rainbows, cutthroats, even the elusive The fishing season runs from the last
golden trout all thrive in these waters. More than Saturday in April to Nov. 15 every year, and on
any fish, trout need pristine water to thrive, and two special days, the first Saturdays in July and
these mountains provide it. Trout in the Eastern September, fishing is open to everyone, even with-
Sierra are both wild and hatchery-grown. Lakes out a license.
are stocked throughout the fishing season, and Diaz Lake, the Owens River and Pleasant
every day skilled anglers fill their stringers with Valley Reservoir are open year round, and some
keepers, while trophy-sized trout worth a full sea- say the fishing is even better in winter than in
son of bragging rights also get pulled out of the the spring and summer.
water. Once you’ve dropped into a shop and picked
Jim Lamb caught this 6-pounder at North Lake earlier this summer – his first catch using a fly rod.
Photo courtesy Pat Rake The novice who’s heard about the legendary up a license, rod and reel, you’re just about ready
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It’s important to ask at you can drive right up and it’s purple mountains
reel in adventure the shops what’s working majesty all around as far as the eye can see.
for the area and for the If you’re feeling adventurous, just a few miles
away is North Lake. The drive is steep and the
fish you’re going for.
shoulder is a sheer drop, but up at the lake, the
Don’t be shy about it.
seclusion and beauty will amaze. Or if you just
There’s a saying that 10
want to make sure you pull in a trout, Intake II
percent of anglers catch is a super angler-friendly reservoir, perfect for
90 percent of the fish. It teaching kids to fish, as well as landing the big
pays to find someone in one.
Many of the lakes in the Bishop Creek
that 10 percent and get
Canyon area host trailheads to a myriad of back-
some information. These
country lakes filled with brook trout.
anglers know a lot about
Big Pine offers a slew of backcountry lakes
these waters, they study as well, along with more family-friendly fishing
what works – and they spots at Glacier Pond, Baker Creek Campground
can help you. and Big Pine Creek.
Farther south, Independence hosts warm-water
An angler gets his feet wet on a hot summer’s day at Lake Sabrina. fisheries like Billy Pond east of U.S. Highway 395,
Photo by Darcy Ellis noon along the Owens River or want to go in and excellent creek fishing at Georges, Shepherd,
to go. One last thing – don’t forget bait! Picking the fish. It pays to find someone in that 10 per- search of seclusion and high-mountain scenery as Symmes and Independence creeks.
out bait is fun: PowerBait, mice tails, salmon eggs, cent and get some information. As angler and well as fish, local guides and tackle shops can Lone Pine, in addition to numerous back-
jigs and lures are all fair game in these waters. guide Fred Rowe explains it, if you ask most peo- point you in the right direction for a short drive country waters, offers warm-water fishing via
Everyone has a favorite trick and there is no one ple what “a lot” of fishing is, the answers come or day hike. the Lower Owens River and creek fishing in
right way – but grabbing a cup of nightcrawlers back 10, 12, 15 days out of the year. Ask an And there’s more good news. Even if you’ve Lone Pine and Tuttle creeks.
before you check out is just about universal. Eastern Sierra angler and the answer comes back, never caught a fish and wouldn’t know what to For maps, advice and various other informa-
It’s important to ask at the shops what’s “More than 16 days a month.” These anglers are do if you did, you’re still going to have a great tion, visit a local sporting goods store or the
working for the area and for the fish you’re experienced, they know a lot about these waters, time. Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce at 690 N.
going for. Don’t be shy about it. There’s a saying they study what works – and they can help you. A good starting point is Bishop Creek Main St. or the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
that 10 percent of anglers catch 90 percent of Whether you’re looking for a leisurely after- Canyon. Check out Lake Sabrina. Parking is simple, at 120 S. Main St.
inside the eastside 2015 9
by: Darcy Ellis
hi-
With its many valleys and hills, canyons Inyo.
and crevices, nooks, crannies and thousands of He wrote on the site: “Over the past five
square miles of desert floor, Inyo County is an years now I have traveled throughout the
tech ideal location for geocaching. state with a new perspective. Not like I used
Played around the world by adventure- to … before I would fly through little burgs
seekers equipped with GPS devices and apps and towns without taking a second look. I
hide- for their mobile phones, geocaching is essen- have always traveled for work but never took
tially a high-tech treasure hunt that can be the time to ‘see’ where I was going. I would
played anywhere at anytime. hit a town, do my work and go back to the
The main resource for the pastime, hotel and sit in my room clicking the clicker
and-
Geocaching.com, boasts more than 10 million until the wee hours of the morning.
registered users – more than 800,000 in the “Now, every new town I pass through is
U.S. alone – tracking more than 2.5 million an awakening. I thrive on the new treasures I
seek
geocaches in 180-plus countries. see … monuments I have whizzed by a
The concept is simple: a geocacher hides hundred times in my life are now new nug-
a geocache, lists it on Geocaching.com and gets of knowledge, vista points I passed with-
challenges other geocachers to find it. out a blink are postcard images burned in
More than 800 of these geocaches are my mind, and side streets of towns are secret
Inyo County a located in Inyo County, hidden packages and treasures that only non-tourists find.
popular geocaching other “treasures” waiting to be uncovered by Geocaching has made me stop and smell the
clever adventurers. roses.”
destination as
One of the main benefits of geocaching is For anyone interested in getting involved
practitioners exposure to places and attractions that ’cach- locally, Laws Railroad Museum hosts a geo-
ers otherwise would never have had a chance caching festival every May to introduce resi-
discover new
to see or appreciate – such as Inyo County dents to the popular pastime.
Visitors from all over the world in search of the
landscapes, famous more than 800 geocaches hidden throughout Inyo itself, tucked away at the eastern base of the “Geocaching is a great way to bring
County are discovering the area’s many attractions, Sierra Nevada between Los Angeles and Reno. friends and family together while having fun
attractions and local
such as the historic Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, in
Geocaching.com member HazMatter is one outdoors and learning about our local histo-
the process.
history
Register file photo of many who has led treasure hunters to ry,” organizer Susan Cullen said.
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10 inside the eastside 2015