Explore Historic Inyo County
Surrounded by towering Sierra peaks, desert valleys, alpine trailheads, and deep California history, Independence offers one of the most unique combinations of outdoor recreation and cultural heritage in the Eastern Sierra.
Located along Highway 395 between Lone Pine and Big Pine, Independence serves as a gateway to major backcountry routes, historic landmarks, museums, and some of the region’s most important historical sites.
Whether you are visiting for hiking, history, road trips, or exploring the Owens Valley, these are some of the top things to do in Independence.
1. Kearsarge Pass
One of the Eastern Sierra’s most iconic hikes, Kearsarge Pass offers alpine lakes, granite peaks, sweeping mountain views, and access to vast Sierra backcountry terrain.
The trail climbs through forests, lakes, and rugged alpine scenery before reaching the high mountain pass overlooking Kings Canyon National Park and the Sierra crest beyond.
Summer and early fall remain the most popular seasons for hiking and backpacking throughout the area.
2. Manzanar National Historic Site
Located just south of Independence, Manzanar National Historic Site preserves one of the most important and difficult chapters in American history.
During World War II, more than 10,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated here after being forcibly removed from their homes along the West Coast.
Today, visitors can explore exhibits, restored buildings, interpretive trails, and historical displays that help tell the story of incarceration, civil liberties, resilience, and life within the camp beneath the Eastern Sierra.
3. Eastern California Museum
Located in downtown Independence, the Eastern California Museum showcases the rich cultural, geological, mining, and frontier history of the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley.
Exhibits cover Native history, mining, ranching, transportation, photography, and regional life throughout Inyo and Mono counties, making it one of the region’s most important historical museums.
4. Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery
Set beneath the Sierra crest near Independence, the historic Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery combines mountain scenery, history, architecture, and outdoor recreation into one of the Owens Valley’s most scenic historic sites.
Originally built in the early 1900s, the hatchery remains known for its dramatic stone architecture, open grounds, flowing water, and mountain backdrop.
The area also provides picnic space, short walks, and easy access for families exploring the valley.
5. Mary Austin House
The Mary Austin House preserves the former home of writer Mary Austin, whose work helped shape early understanding of the landscapes, cultures, and communities of the Owens Valley and Eastern Sierra.
Austin’s influential writing focused on desert environments, Indigenous communities, water issues, and life throughout the American West.
Today, the small historic home remains an important cultural landmark within Independence.
6. Winnedumah Hotel
The historic Winnedumah Hotel stands as one of Independence’s most recognizable landmarks and a reminder of the town’s deep Highway 395 and railroad-era history.
Originally built in the 1920s, the hotel reflects the classic Owens Valley atmosphere that still defines much of Independence today.
Its historic architecture and central location continue making it a notable stop while exploring the town.
Plan Ahead for Your Visit
Independence experiences dramatic elevation changes between the Owens Valley floor and surrounding mountain recreation areas.
Summer temperatures can become extremely hot at lower elevations, while weather in the Sierra backcountry can change rapidly throughout the year. Visitors heading into the mountains should carry extra water, prepare for changing conditions, and check trail access before traveling.
Recreate Responsibly
Help protect the Eastern Sierra by respecting historical sites, staying on designated trails and roads, packing out all trash, and following Leave No Trace principles throughout the region.
Before your trip, check current trail, campground, and road conditions with local land management agencies.
