Much beloved by early settlers in the region, Inyo County began to earn its clout as a major tourist destination and picturesque landscape in the mid nineteenth century. The county and its many cities and outposts were prized for their serenity and connection to nature, as well as their striking visual distinction from the other natural regions of the state. As settlers began to converge on the land to take keen advantage of its plentiful natural resources, a kind of conscientiousness still present in the dwellings of the area today took hold, keeping the beautiful landscape of the Eastern Sierra Nevada range properly framed. Over the years, several protection measures from residents and lawmakers have helped to preserve the lands in Inyo County and ensure they'll be around –and looking great-- for the next generation, as well.
One of the most fascinating things about this land is its role as a study in contrasts. Famously, the county plays home to two distinct and opposing features; both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States can be found in the county. The highest point, an emerald tree-topped mountain called Whitney, stands at a majestic ten thousand feet tall and provides a memorable focal point for visitors and long-term residents alike. Tours of the peak are available via climbing to its top; adventurous guests can take advantage of a hand rail merged into the rocky spaces as the mountain crests towards its final breathtaking views.
Providing the perfect counterpoint to Mount Whitney's swirling peaks and challenging vertical climbs, the Badwater Basin is the lowest point in Inyo County, California, the continental United States, and the Western Hemisphere itself. Composed of a shallow basin that receives a supply of fresh spring water from local sources, Badwater derives its name from the ample salt deposits nearby, creating water that is thoroughly undrinkable. A few especially persevering plants and strange desert creatures make their home in Badwater, and the coral-like salt pinnacles along with great expanses of honeycomb-imprinted dried mud display the beauty and wonder of nature's essential geometry.
Badwater Basin is located in the Death Valley National Park, a preserve which is home to one of the most desolate and harsh regions on the continent. A popular escape for those who love the warmth (or who simply want a souvenir to commemorate their journey into the steaming sands), Death Valley boasts a high temperature average on a yearly basis of 134 degrees Celsius, and has an average of just under two and a half inches of rain every twelve months. The isolated yet rewarding Panamint Ridge is an excellent spot for viewing both the highest and lowest spots in the land in tandem.
For those not too thrilled by the prospects of arduous climbs or record-breaking temperatures, the Bristlecone Pine Forest is an Inyo County gem that plays host to some of the oldest trees in the world. In fact, this forest, situated in the powdery and visually stunning White Mountains, houses Methuselah, the oldest living tree on Earth. Dated at just under five thousand years old, this fascinating plant was alive and doing well during the time in which the very pyramids were built.
Sports enthusiasts are particularly fond of Inyo County for its offerings of terrain and facilities for nearly any activity in any season. From the thrill of skiing and snowboarding on the powdery white peaks of the Eastern Sierra Nevada range to breezy biking routes that wind through some of the best sites Inyo has to offer, this land is a recreational dream come true. For those who like to hunt and fish, Inyo offers a superb diversity of wildlife, and is marked by plenty of idyllic areas for catching salmon or quail.
Fans of off-road vehicles, motorbikes, and other contraptions on wheels will love he extensive availability of secluded dirt roads that stretch throughout the county. A simple sporadic afternoon riding adventure can lead visitors to meet with fascinating historical spots as well as incredible views that sweep over the beauty of the valleys and peaks, lending an almost otherworldly feel to the county.
Several prime resorts offer luxurious golfing facilities and pamper visitors with a customized window onto the world of Inyo County. From horseback riding to specially led tour excursions, spas, and beyond, the sense of service and exclusivity in Inyo County is difficult to match. For the competitive spirit, competitions and special events take place throughout the ear, challenging athletes and intellectuals to bring their experiences to the sands of the area. Special Western-themed events charm locals and visitors alike with their cheer and inherent pride.
Thought it might offer an imposing number of things to do and places to see, Inyo County is worth every exploration and look around the corner. As one of the most naturally and historically interesting places in California -not to mention on Earth itself--, Inyo provides explorers, adventurers, and casual tourists alike with a natural splendor unlike any other.