Cities and Towns in Inyo County, California

Founded in 1866, Inyo County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. Historically, Inyo County was formed from Mono and Tulare. The city of Independence is the county seat. With FIPS code of 27, Inyo County has a population of 18,970 and area of 10,192 square miles (26,397 km²).

List of all cities in Inyo County, CA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Aberdeen, CA	93526	760
Alabama Hills, CA	93545	760
Big Pine, CA	93513	760
Bishop, CA	93514	760
Bishop, CA	93515	760
Cartago, CA	93549	760
Chalfant, CA	93514	760
Chalfant Valley, CA	93514	760
Darwin, CA	93522	760
Death Valley, CA	92328	760
Death Valley Junction, CA	92328	760
Dolomite, CA	93545	760
Hammil Valley, CA	93514	760
Independence, CA	93526	760
Keeler, CA	93530	760
Laws, CA	93514	760
Little Lake, CA	93542	760
Lone Pine, CA	93545	760
Olancha, CA	93549	760
Panamint Springs, CA	93545	760
Round Valley, CA	93514	760
Rovana, CA	93514	760
Shoshone, CA	92384	760
Stove Pipe Wells, CA	92328	760
Swall Meadows, CA	93514	760
Swansea, CA	93545	760
Tecopa, CA	92389	760
Tecopa Hot Springs, CA	92389	760

Major Cities and Towns in Inyo County, California

Bishop

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 1.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 3,879 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 93514, 93515
• Latitude: 37.3635° N
• Longitude: 118.3959° W

Location and History

Bishop is the only incorporated city in Inyo County, located in the Owens Valley along U.S. Route 395. The city is nestled between the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east, making it a gateway to some of California’s most stunning natural landscapes. Bishop was originally founded in the late 19th century and named after Samuel A. Bishop, who established a cattle ranch in the area in 1861. The city developed as an agricultural and trading center, serving the needs of the surrounding ranching and farming communities. Over the years, Bishop has grown into a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to world-class hiking, climbing, fishing, and skiing in the nearby mountains. The city’s annual Mule Days celebration, which honors the region’s pack mule heritage, attracts visitors from around the country.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bishop is served by the Bishop Unified School District, with Bishop Union High School and Home Street Middle School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Bishop include the Laws Railroad Museum, which preserves the history of the Owens Valley’s railroad era, and the Bishop City Park, a popular spot for community events and outdoor recreation. The nearby Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the oldest living trees in the world, is a key natural attraction, as is the Owens River, which offers opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. Bishop’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and access to natural beauty makes it a central part of Inyo County.

Lone Pine

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 19.4 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,855 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 93545
• Latitude: 36.6069° N
• Longitude: 118.0628° W

Location and History

Lone Pine is a small town located in the southern part of Inyo County, along U.S. Route 395, at the base of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The town was founded in the 1860s as a supply center for nearby mining operations and quickly developed into a key stop for travelers and adventurers heading into the Sierra Nevada. Lone Pine is known for its dramatic scenery, including the nearby Alabama Hills, which have served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films and television shows. The town’s location near Mount Whitney makes it a popular base for climbers and hikers aiming to reach the summit. Lone Pine’s rich history and stunning landscapes have made it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Eastern Sierra.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lone Pine is served by the Lone Pine Unified School District, with Lone Pine High School and Lo-Inyo Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Lone Pine include the Museum of Western Film History, which showcases the town’s long association with the movie industry, and the Lone Pine Film Festival, an annual event that celebrates the town’s cinematic heritage. The nearby Whitney Portal, the starting point for the trail to Mount Whitney, is a major attraction for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Alabama Hills offer unique rock formations and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Lone Pine’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and proximity to natural wonders makes it an important community in Inyo County.

Independence

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 4.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 669 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 93526
• Latitude: 36.8027° N
• Longitude: 118.2001° W

Location and History

Independence is a small, historic town located in the Owens Valley, along U.S. Route 395. It serves as the county seat of Inyo County and was originally established as a military outpost in 1862 during the Owens Valley Indian War. The town was named after the Fourth of July, when the camp was first established, and has served as the administrative center of the county ever since. Independence developed as a farming and ranching community, with its economy historically based on agriculture. The town is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and its role as a gateway to the Eastern Sierra’s outdoor attractions. Despite its small size, Independence has played a significant role in the history of Inyo County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Independence is served by the Owens Valley Unified School District, with Owens Valley High School and Independence Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Independence include the Eastern California Museum, which houses exhibits on the history, culture, and natural environment of the Owens Valley and the surrounding region. The nearby Manzanar National Historic Site, located just north of Independence, preserves the history of one of the ten internment camps where Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II. The Inyo National Forest, with its vast wilderness areas and scenic landscapes, offers numerous opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Independence’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and access to outdoor recreation makes it an important town in Inyo County.

Big Pine

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 12.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,707 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 93513
• Latitude: 37.1647° N
• Longitude: 118.2893° W

Location and History

Big Pine is a small town located in the Owens Valley, just south of Bishop, along U.S. Route 395. The town was founded in the late 19th century and developed as an agricultural and ranching community. Big Pine is named after the large pine trees that grow in the area, and the town has maintained its rural character over the years. The nearby Big Pine Creek and the Sierra Nevada mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the town, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Big Pine serves as a gateway to the John Muir Wilderness and the Palisade Glacier, the southernmost glacier in North America. The town’s rich natural environment and proximity to some of the Eastern Sierra’s most beautiful landscapes make it a key community in Inyo County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Big Pine is served by the Big Pine Unified School District, with Big Pine High School and Big Pine Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Big Pine include the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the world’s oldest living trees, and the Big Pine Creek Campground, which offers access to hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada. The Owens River, known for its excellent fishing and birdwatching opportunities, is another key attraction in the area. Big Pine’s combination of rural charm, educational institutions, and access to some of California’s most iconic natural features makes it an important part of Inyo County.

Shoshone

Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates

• Area: 28.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 31 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 92384
• Latitude: 35.9739° N
• Longitude: 116.2711° W

Location and History

Shoshone is a small, unincorporated community located in the southeastern corner of Inyo County, near the Nevada border and Death Valley National Park. The town was established in the early 20th century as a mining camp and later developed as a stopover for travelers heading to Death Valley. Shoshone is named after the Shoshone Native American tribe, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The town’s history is closely tied to the mining and railroad industries, with the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad once running through the area. Today, Shoshone serves as a gateway to Death Valley and is known for its unique desert landscapes, hot springs, and rich history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shoshone is part of the Death Valley Unified School District, with students typically attending school in nearby communities. The town’s major landmarks include the Shoshone Museum, which offers exhibits on the history, geology, and ecology of the region, and the Shoshone Hot Springs, a natural hot spring that has been a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and healing. The nearby Amargosa River, one of the few free-flowing rivers in the desert, provides a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plant and animal species. Shoshone’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and proximity to Death Valley makes it a unique and important community in Inyo County.

Map of Cities in Inyo County, CA