01
Best desert summit challenge
Owens Peak
Owens Peak Wilderness North Of Pearsonville • High-Desert Peak Hike With Big Views • For Seasoned Hikers After A Workout
A steep, rewarding climb to a rocky summit that surveys the Owens Valley, Sierra crest, and Mojave Desert in one sweep.
From the Indian Wells Canyon trailhead, the route to Owens Peak wastes no time gaining elevation, but every switchback opens up wider views. Expect rough, rocky tread, some route-finding, and a true backcountry feel once you leave the lower canyon. Start early, bring plenty of water, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most expansive vistas anywhere near Pearsonville.
02
Top wildflower canyon
Short Canyon Trail
West Side Of Owens Peak Wilderness • Colorful Spring Canyon And Ridge Walk • Best In Spring Bloom
A classic local hike that trades steep desert slopes for a narrow canyon bursting with color after winter rains.
Short Canyon is where locals head in a good wildflower year, with carpets of goldfields, lupine, and desert candles lining the sandy trail. The route gently follows the wash before climbing toward open ridges, giving you options for a mellow out-and-back or a longer workout. It is exposed and can be hot by midday, so treat it as a morning or late-afternoon outing outside of spring.
03
Classic Sierra crossing
Walker Pass & Pacific Crest Trail
Walker Pass East Of Lake Isabella • Sierra Crest Trail Network • Ideal For Long Day Hikes And Section Hikes
Easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail lets you sample big Sierra scenery without committing to a thru-hike.
From Walker Pass, you can follow the Pacific Crest Trail either north toward higher forests or south along open ridges with huge desert-and-mountain panoramas. The grade is generally moderate, making it a good place to log miles while still feeling remote. Pack for changeable weather, as conditions can shift quickly on the crest compared with the highway below.
04
Quick roadside adventure
Fossil Falls
Along Us-395 North Of Pearsonville • Short Volcanic Badlands Walk • Perfect Leg-Stretch Stop On A Road Trip
A short, family-friendly walk leads across dark lava rock to a dramatic dry waterfall carved by ancient Owens River flows.
Fossil Falls is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it stops that locals know is worth taking. The trail is short but crosses uneven basalt, so sturdy footwear helps as you explore the sculpted chutes, potholes, and ledges around the old falls. Stay back from drop-offs, linger for the views toward the Sierra, and you can be back on the road in under an hour.
05
Most photogenic day trip
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Along Ca-14 South Of Pearsonville • Desert Cliffs, Washes, And Loop Trails • Great All-Day Exploration Spot
Striking red-and-cream badlands hide a web of short hikes through desert washes, slot-like gullies, and sculpted cliffs.
About an hour south of Pearsonville, Red Rock Canyon State Park feels like a movie backdrop, with towering formations right off the highway. Short interpretive loops and informal wash walks let you tailor the day to your group’s energy and the temperature. Bring sun protection, extra water, and a camera—sunrise and late-afternoon light make the colors glow.