Independence - Nature and Wildlife There is an abundance of nature and wildlife in the area. For more information contact the Mount Whitney Ranger District. Inyo National Forest Mt. Whitney Ranger District 640 S. Main Street P.O. Box 8 Lone Pine, CA 93545 (760) 876-6200 www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo

With over two million acres, the Inyo National Forest is home to many natural wonders, including Mt. Whitney, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes Basin, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, as well as seven Congressionally-designated Wildernesses, comprising over 650,000 acres of land. Recreational opportunities include camping, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, equestrian use, and off-highway vehicle use.

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 581,143 acres.

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.