INYO COUNTY, California. Eastern Sierra communities and Death Valley’s great desert basins deliver some of California’s most varied landscapes. This California58 guide introduces destinations that show the region’s culture, landscape and community life rather than recycling the same statewide list.

Editorial selection: these attractions have not yet been ranked by California58 voters. No advertiser can buy a place or influence readers’ votes. Double-check admission, accessibility, safety and operating schedules.

9 places to explore across Inyo County

  1. Badwater Basin

    See extraordinary low-elevation salt flats in Death Valley.

  2. Alabama Hills

    Explore scenic granite formations below the Sierra.

  3. Manzanar National Historic Site

    Learn the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.

  4. Bishop

    Discover the community and its galleries, dining and mountain culture.

  5. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

    See ancient high-altitude trees with seasonal road access.

  6. Whitney Portal

    Explore a spectacular Sierra trailhead setting with permit rules.

  7. Lone Pine Museum of Western Film History

    Discover the region’s filmmaking history.

  8. Zabriskie Point

    View layered desert badlands.

  9. Owens Lake public viewpoints

    Learn about the valley’s water and environmental history.

Plan your time carefully

Plan for great differences in desert and mountain climates; check heat, altitude, park access and permits. For a short visit, choose Badwater Basin as a starting point and add Alabama Hills if it fits your route; consider another day for Manzanar National Historic Site and smaller local stops.

Useful for county residents

Visit our Inyo County reference profile to find local government, cities, services and county updates. The California Reports and Permits and emergency guide connect residents with additional practical resources.

Community choice: which place deserves the top spot?

California58 already has a registered-reader voting system for statewide contests. County-specific voting will let readers influence an independently labeled community ranking, while our editorial guide remains separate.

Your next trip starts here. Organize destinations with OptionTrip, discover more on California58 Travel, and advertise on California58 to reach travelers and residents.

Official information

Consult Visit California, California State Parks and the attraction’s operating agency. Trail conditions, seasonal access and public-service notices can change.

Inyo County seasonal events and Halloween 2026

Looking for things to do with children this October? Explore our Inyo County Halloween 2026 family guide, or browse the statewide Halloween-by-county collection. Event dates and admission can change; verify details with the organizer before traveling. These 2026 listings are time-specific and remain labeled by year.

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