Eastern Sierra Visitor Center

Area Status: Open

a view of the Interagecny Visitor Center and parking lot.

At the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center, one can view Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the “lower 48 states” and plan a trip to Badwater Basin, the lowest place in the North America. While you’re here, pick up a wilderness permit, explore a native plant garden, enjoy a picnic lunch, and find out road, campground, and weather conditions. This unique facility provides visitor, wilderness, and highway information for the Eastern Sierra.

Staffed by US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association employees, information is available on public lands in Inyo and Mono Counties and beyond:

The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) operates a bookstore at the visitor center, with a comprehensive selection of books and maps of the region, and bear resistant food containers for rent or sale. Revenue from sales of these items helps support interpretative programs.

Directions:

Located 2 miles south of Lone Pine, CA at the junction of US 395 and CA 136.

Phone Number:

760-876-6200

Parking:

No Overnight Parking

Partner Agencies:

Hours of Operation:

May 1st – Nov 1st: Daily, 8AM – 5PM, last entry at 4:45 PM.*

Nov 2nd – Apr 30th: Daily, 8AM – 4PM, last entry at 3:45 PM.*

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

*Last permit issued and pass sold 15 minutes prior to close.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Open Daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Operational Hours:	Hours of Operation: May 1st – Nov 1st: Daily, 8AM – 5PM, last entry at 4:45 PM.* Nov 2nd – Apr 30th: Daily, 8AM – 4PM, last entry at 3:45 PM.* Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. *Last permit issued and pass sold 15 minutes prior to close.
Rentals & Guides:	Bear Resistant Food Container Rental: Yes
Permit Info:	Permits: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits, California Campfire Permits, Fuelwood Permits, BLM Bishop Long Term Camping Permits
Water:	Water Fountain and Water Spigot. No RV filling.
Restroom:	Yes, During Business Hours
Passes:	Passes & Entrance Fees: Death Valley Natiaonl Park Entrance Fees, America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Access, Military, and Every Kid in a Park Passes, and California Sno-Park Passes are sold here.