There is much to do in this area of the Eastern Sierra and the abundance of isolated dirt roads leading to seldom visited drainages of The High Sierra makes this the best spot to really get away from it all.

Independence is the main point of entry into the spectacular back country of King Canyon National Park and the Kern divide. This is the most isolated of all Eastern Sierra areas. For years the only trail that crossed this area was an old sheep route. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, snow shoeing, climbing and back country skiing.

In the early 1860's, many of the miners en route to the gold rush town of Aurora stayed to try their luck in the Owens Valley. By 1865 water diverted from the Owens River worked stamp mills in the Inyo Mountains. Arrastras crushed the ore of rich veins from mines at 12,000 feet in the Sierra. By 1883 a narrow gauge railroad served the area. Gradually more settlers arrived, giving birth to a prosperous farming community by the turn of the century. Water wars with the City of Los Angeles and the arrival of Hollywood movie makers changed the character of the town by the 1920's. A glimpse into the exciting and rich history of Independence can be viewed at many sites. The Inyo County Courthouse is the fourth courthouse built on this site. The first was destroyed by the 1872 earthquake; the second by fire in 1886. After using the third building for thirty-four years, it was determined to be too small. The current building was constructed in 1921. The unusual rock in front of the courthouse is of sandstone and tuff formation. It was located in Mono County, and the move was made possible through a fund raising project of the Independence Lions Club. Locomotive #18, now known as the Slim Princess, ran on the narrow gauge Carson and Colorado Railroad serving the Eastern Sierra from 1883-1955 when the Southern Pacific Railway closed the Lone Pine to Laws railroad. It is now the property of the Eastern California Museum and located at Dehy Park. Spending time to explore here is rewarding and enjoyable. Welcome to Independence!