A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Independence, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Golden Trout Lake Out-and-Back

Classic Hike Route

Golden Trout Lake Out-and-Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
4.28 mi
+2,390 ft
Sixty Lakes Basin Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Sixty Lakes Basin Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
29.62 mi
+9,023 ft
East Lake from Roads End

Classic Hike Route

East Lake from Roads End

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
24.88 mi
+5,339 ft
High Sierra Trail

Classic Hike Route

High Sierra Trail

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
68.84 mi
+20,641 ft
Mist Falls

Classic Hike Route

Mist Falls

River/Creek
moderate
7.83 mi
+1,120 ft
Copper Creek Trail

Classic Hike Route

Copper Creek Trail

Birding
strenuous
15.14 mi
+5,688 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Eastern California Museum Trail

Hike Route

Eastern California Museum Trail

Views
easy
0.92 mi
+28 ft
Charred Arch / Pass Arch Trail

Hike Route

Charred Arch / Pass Arch Trail

Less Crowded
easy
1.23 mi
+148 ft
Backcountry Arch Loop

Hike Route

Backcountry Arch Loop

Less Crowded
easy
1.36 mi
+97 ft
Mobius Arch

Hike Route

Mobius Arch

Views
easy
0.63 mi
+42 ft
Whitney Arch

Hike Route

Whitney Arch

Less Crowded
easy
1.35 mi
+239 ft
Shark Fin Loop

Hike Route

Shark Fin Loop

Less Crowded
easy
1.63 mi
+249 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Baxter Pass to Baxter Lake

Hike Route

Baxter Pass to Baxter Lake

Lake
extreme
16.45 mi
+7,870 ft
Baxter Pass Trailhead to Onion Valley

Hike Route

Baxter Pass Trailhead to Onion Valley

Lake
extreme
26.02 mi
+9,673 ft
Sawmill Pass to Baxter Pass

Hike Route

Sawmill Pass to Baxter Pass

Dogs Allowed
extreme
30.82 mi
+11,644 ft
Shepherd Pass to Baxter Pass

Hike Route

Shepherd Pass to Baxter Pass

Lake
extreme
47.09 mi
+14,297 ft
Shepherd Pass to Whitney Portal

Hike Route

Shepherd Pass to Whitney Portal

Views
extreme
83.06 mi
+22,707 ft
Split Mountain via Sawmill Pass

Hike Route

Split Mountain via Sawmill Pass

Lake
extreme
55.27 mi
+17,155 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Charlotte Lake

Hike Route

Charlotte Lake

Lake
strenuous
8.7 mi
+3,037 ft
Golden Trout Lake Trail

Hike Route

Golden Trout Lake Trail

Lake
strenuous
5.81 mi
+2,905 ft
Bullfrog Lake

Hike Route

Bullfrog Lake

Lake
moderate
6.58 mi
+2,887 ft
Kearsarge Pass Out and Back

Hike Route

Kearsarge Pass Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
9.37 mi
+3,080 ft
Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Hike Route

Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Views
strenuous
7.91 mi
+2,513 ft
Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail

Hike Route

Lone Pine Lake via Mount Whitney Trail

Lake
moderate
6.08 mi
+1,801 ft