There are many small towns which dot Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra and Big Pine may be the smallest. There is a real small town atmosphere in Big Pine and the locals will steer you in the right direction no matter where you stop in. The nearby Owens River holds HUGE Trout and also some warm water species. There are numerous dirt roads leading to nowhere just begging to be explored. Big Pine is the Gateway to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. In this forest, high up in the White Mountains, you will find trees that are thousands of years old and are considered to be the oldest living things on earth. The views from the White Mountains will have you wishing you brought more film.

Big Pine is perhaps best known as the home of the Palisades, a part of the Sierra Crest that has 6 peaks over 14,000 FT and is considered the most rugged and dramatic. Beneath the peaks, is the Palisade Glacier. The largest glacier in California. Numerous lakes also dot the region allowing great fishing. The many trails in the area include many that rise over 6,000 FT. and provide direct access to the most scenic and rugged region of the Sierra Crest.