Eastern Sierra Hiking
The Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is one of the greatest places to energize your adventurous spirit. Throughout the Sierra you will find awe inspiring streams, lakes and vistas.
To the east of the Sierra you will the White Mountains, home to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Located about twenty miles east and up from Bishop at over 10,000 feet in elevation. Some of the trees are over 4,000 years old.
Type: Loop
Location: East of Bishop, CA
Length: N/A
Terrain: Soft dirt and rocks
Difficulty: Moderate
Adaptive Equipment: everyday wheelchair with FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment
Trailblazer: T. Cleveland, Burbank, CA
Description: The Bristlecone Pine forest should be on everyone's "life list". Some of these amazing trees have been alive for over 4,000 years. These relatively short, gnarled trees are not as big as the coastal redwoods, but there beauty is undeniable. They are located approximately 20 miles east of Bishop, CA at about 10,000 feet in the White Mountains. The long, winding road starts about 12 miles south of Bishop on the northern most edge of the town of Big Pine. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the first grove. The Schulman Grove is not accessible, but the visitors center is. There are a few Bristlecone Pine visible from the visitor center. The visitors center has some great information about these incredible trees. If you are feeling adventurous and want to get a closer look at the trees, you'll have to drive back to the Patriarch Grove. The drive back to the Patriarch Grove is on an unmaintained dirt road. This 12 mile trip back to the grove is rough and you will get shaken up a bit. You do not need 4 wheel drive, but we would suggest that your vehicle should have at least 6 inches of ground clearance. There is a new warning sign that advices you that you could get a flat tire because of sharp rocks and that any roadside assistance is either unavailable or very expensive. Do not travel alone. Always have a good spare tire and someone capable of changing a flat tire if necessary. Once you arrive at the Patriarch Grove you should see ample parking. The trail and the parking area is comprised of soft dirt and rocks. If your wheelchair has narrow tires you will have trouble moving around this area. The Timberline Ancients trail is the best option for wheelchair users, but you will need wide tires. The trail is a quarter mile loop. This trail can be moderate to difficult based on the terrain, the grade of the trail and the altitude (about 11,000 feet). It's a short hike to the Patriarch Tree, the world's largest Bristlecone Pine tree. If you go no further just relax and enjoy the peaceful area. It's one of our favorite places.
Type: Loop
Location: Near Bishop, CA
Length: N/A
Terrain: Paved
Difficulty: Easy
Adaptive Equipment: everyday wheelchair with FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment
Trailblazer: T. Cleveland, Burbank, CA
Description: Rock Creek Lake is on elf the highest drive to lakes in the Eastern Sierra. The Lake is about 35 miles from Bishop, CA. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra range. Drive to the campground area and park. This is really just a walk around the campground. Take your time and make a day out of it. Stroll around the campground and then sit relax by the lake.
Type: Out and Back
Location: 37 miles north of Bishop, CA
Length: N/A
Terrain: Paved
Difficulty: Easy
Adaptive Equipment: everyday wheelchair with FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment
Trailblazer: T. Cleveland, Burbank, CA
Description: Convict Lake is the most beautiful lake in the Eastern Sierra. Handicapped parking is located right by the trailhead. This short hike takes you along the southern edge of this amazing Lake. There ls a handicapped fishing spot about 100 yards from the trailhead. We can't recommend this enough. I
Type: Out and Back
Location: Near Lee Vining, CA
Length: N/A
Terrain: Concrete and sand
Difficulty: Easy
Adaptive Equipment: everyday wheelchair with FreeWheel Wheelchair Attachment
Trailblazer: T. Cleveland, Burbank, CA
Description: Mono Lake is the oldest lake in the western hemisphere. It's an immense 70 square mile inland sea. There is no outlet for the lake which causes high levels of salt in the water. The city of Los Angeles diverted water from the freshwater streams that filled the lake which caused the water level to lower. This lower level revealed very interesting calcium deposits known as Tufa towers. The towers are amazing limestone structures. The easiest trail is right next to the visitors center. It's a paved walkway where you can see this incredible lake. The South Tufa Trail is an easy 1 mile loop trail on packed sand. Some areas can be soft and larger dirt tires will be necessary. The South Tufa Trail takes you close to the Tufa Towers.