Find Vacation Rentals in Independence, Jackson County

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Independence Information

Independence, a tiny mountain town in Eastern California, is known for its proximity to the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. Many thru-hikers stop here to restock their supplies or send a letter to loved ones. In the 1800s, Independence was a U.S. Army Camp but later became the county seat of Inyo County, a position that it still holds. This 600-person town is bordered to the east by Death Valley National Park and Kings Canyon National Park to the west. At an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, Independence is classified as a high desert with strongly varied weather between the seasons. This small town is an unlikely, yet charming, destination for nature lovers and solace seekers.

Manzanar National Historic Site, a free attraction, showcases the history of Japanese internment camps by telling stories and displaying artifacts from the people who lived there. For another educational experience, stop by the Eastern California Museum. Here, visitors will learn about local history in topics ranging from rock climbers to the Owens Valley Water Project. The Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery is a historic building that also serves as a popular event center. Younger members of your party will enjoy feeding the fish in the pond! However, Independence’s proximity to mountains and national parks make it an outdoor-lover’s dream. Inyo National Forest is a hotspot of activity for adventurers, with opportunities for summiting towering peaks and hiking to sparkling alpine lakes. Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental United States, calls this national forest home.

Death Valley, two hours from Independence, is less menacing than its name suggests. In the spring, wildflowers dot the landscape, and cold and clear nights make it an amazing destination for stargazing. An hour and a half north, Mammoth Lakes offers some of California’s finest skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, visitors have the opportunity to go hiking on innumerable trails and take scenic bike rides. There are also three natural hot springs in the area—Benton, Travertine, and Keough—that are perfect for relaxing your muscles after a full day of adventuring. Lone Pine, a small town only 15 minutes from Independence, is the closest town to Mt. Whitney. Take photos and explore this stunning natural landmark.

Because Independence is so small, there are only a handful of vacation rentals available on Tripping.com. However, travelers can also search for properties in nearby Lone Pine, which is a short drive down CA-395. Many of these vacation homes are simple and inexpensive, allowing travelers to spend more money exploring this naturally beautiful region.

The nearest major airport to Independence is Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is 75 miles away. Many of the best destinations around Independence can be reached by car, though winter travelers should be careful for road closures during the winter. There is also a shuttle system, the East Side Sierra Shuttle, which is an affordable way to travel between the nature areas and trailheads near Independence.