Attractions and Places To See around Chalfant - Top 13

There is a good number of adits up at the high camp. Be careful as some holes are treacherous and steep! One old building and some artifacts can be found in the area. Most of the trail leading up to the high camp is quite easy to follow and not too difficult, BUT there is a tiny section that is VERY steep, slippery and has no obvious path. Keep in mind that you have to hike (slide) down that section again on your way back.

Along an elevation gradient exceeding 10,000’ (3000 m) in the White Mountains of eastern California, White Mountain Research Center (WMRC) comprises three field stations and a research hut on the summit of White Mountain Peak. WMRC is a national laboratory open to qualified researchers and students who need access to facilities at high altitude or in the eastern Sierra regions. The Summit Lab (14,242) atop White Mountain Peak is opened by special arrangement in the summer. More Info: https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/wmrc/

Starting point for White Mountain Peak at an altitude of around 3,550 m. The journey there is not easy, it is about 15 miles (about 24 km) along gravel roads, so off-road tires and a car with ground clearance are a good idea. Overnight stays are permitted in the parking lot.

Chalk Bluff, for which the road is named for, is remarkably a straight, ~5-mile-long, escarpment that forms the south edge of the Volcanic Tableland. Named Chalk Bluff for its light tan-to-white colored, chalk-like rocks, they stand in contrast to the darker, volcanic Bishop tuff boulders that stand atop the escarpment and are popular with rock climbers. The Owens River flows below the Chalk Bluff with the gravel road running between, all making for a truly unique riding experience.

The Grand Army of the Republic Highway runs for over 3,000 miles between California & Massachusetts. The name is in honor of Union Soldiers who fought to keep the Republic together during the Civil War. The stretch to the north-east of Bishop runs along the White Mountains which are home to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Also, on the other side of the highway is the Chidago Canyon Wilderness Study Area that is home to ancient Native American petroglyphs.

The highest University of California research station is not open to the public, but it is helpful to know in case of an emergency that there are probably people and communication options right along the trail just a couple of miles before the peak.

Bikers and pedestrians can continue past the gate. The parking area with a restroom indicates the end of the White Mountain Road up to which the public can drive. From here it is less than a mile on the gravel road to the UC research station, and another 3 miles to the summit. A few steps to the side people camp here, to hike the summit the next morning. Past the research station the road becomes uncomfortable for regular bikes. It's rocky, but mostly gradual, except for the last half mile to the summit, where the road becomes steep and even more rocky.

University of California research station at about 12000 ft elevation, the highest year-round habitable scientific station in the system. Accommodation, food and services for researchers only, no public access or services. Still good to know people are usually here in case of an emergency.