High Sierra
Along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Inyo National Forest sprawls in a long, narrow band, encompassing nearly 3,000 square miles of mountain forest, canyons, glaciers, lakes, and meadows. Camping at high elevation in the remote region of Big Pine Canyon, I enjoyed being awakened at dawn each day by the cackling, chattering voices of Steller's jays and acorn woodpeckers outside my tent. Hiking the trails, following streams, and at times just wandering at random, I was endlessly in awe of the beauty of the region.
Hiking at elevations above 8000 feet, with zigzag switchbacks up and down mountain slopes, the air was noticeably thinner, and I had to stop often to catch my breath. But I didn't mind those rest stops, because I was in no hurry, and the views were spectacular. Inyo was one of the most remote and isolated places I camped, and I seldom saw other people, so it felt as if I had the mountains all to myself. After a steep climb over a ridge and a sharp descent to a valley strewn with shrubs and pines, I stopped for water and a snack, and stared in amazement at the jagged, snow-covered peaks. I felt incredibly lucky to be there, surrounded by such beauty.