Category: Destination4x4

Sherwin Creek Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Sherwin Creek Campground is a popular, scenic campground in the Inyo National Forest, located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, California (about 2 miles away).

Description

Set at approximately 7,600 feet elevation in a beautiful grove of Jeffrey pines (with some aspens), the campground sits along lower Sherwin Creek. It offers a peaceful, shaded forest setting while remaining convenient to town amenities. The campground features around 85–87 sites organized into three main loops, plus a separate loop of tent-only walk-in sites. Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35–60 feet, depending on the spot.

It’s a favorite for those who want easy access to both wilderness adventures and the services of Mammoth Lakes. The campground typically opens in late May or early June once snow melts and closes in the fall. Bear activity is high in the area, so each site has a bear-proof food locker, and proper food storage is strictly enforced.

Amenities

  • Picnic table and fire ring/grill at each site
  • Bear-proof food storage locker at every site
  • Potable drinking water (spigots throughout the campground + RV water fill station)
  • Vault toilets
  • Trash collection (bear-proof dumpsters)
  • Camp hosts on site
  • Firewood for sale (often available from the host)
  • No hookups (no electric, water, or sewer at sites)
  • No showers or dump station

Activities in the Area

  • Fishing — Excellent stream fishing for trout right along Sherwin Creek.
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Direct access to trails like the Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail, which lead into the John Muir Wilderness (wilderness permit required for overnight stays).
  • Mountain Biking — Easy access to trails; you can even bike into town.
  • Off-Roading / OHV Use — Popular area for off-road vehicle enthusiasts; a motocross park/event is nearby.
  • Photography & Nature Viewing — Beautiful scenery with pines, creek, and mountain views.
  • Other — Horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting (in season). In winter, the area is close to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

Because of its proximity to Mammoth Lakes, campers can easily drive in for groceries, restaurants, shopping, or additional activities like visiting the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Hot Creek, or heading up to Mammoth Mountain for hiking, biking, or gondola rides in summer.

Note: Always check current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability on Recreation.gov, as the campground is reservation-friendly and popular. Bear awareness and proper food storage are essential here.

Bitterbrush Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Bitterbrush Campground is a scenic, year-round campground in the Inyo National Forest, located along Bishop Creek in the Eastern Sierra Nevada near Bishop, California.

Description

Situated at approximately 7,000–7,350 feet elevation, about 13 miles west of Bishop via State Route 168 (Line Street), Bitterbrush sits along the banks of Big Pine Creek/Bishop Creek. It features a single-loop layout with 30 single-family campsites.

The campground is popular in spring and fall because it often remains below the snow line or has only light snow when higher sites are inaccessible. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, snow-capped peaks, and the Owens Valley, with many sites located creekside amid piñon and Jeffrey pines. The setting provides a mix of open and shaded areas (though shade can be limited in some spots).

It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Fees are typically $23–$31 per night during the main season, with an extra vehicle fee. Camping is free but unstaffed from November through March. It accommodates tents, trailers, and small RVs (max length around 25 ft), with some tent-only sites.

Amenities

  • Picnic tables and fire rings/grills at each site
  • Bear-proof food storage lockers (important — this is an active bear area)
  • Vault toilets (generally 2, available seasonally)
  • Potable drinking water (mid-May to mid-October; none in winter)
  • Trash bins (serviced in summer)
  • Pets allowed
  • No showers, hookups, or dump station
  • Some cell service (one of the better spots farther up the canyon)

Activities in the Area

  • Fishing — Bishop Creek offers good trout fishing
  • Hiking & Backpacking — Nearby trailheads access the John Muir Wilderness, including routes toward lakes, peaks like Chocolate Peak, and longer treks
  • Wildlife viewing — Common sightings include birds, deer, and occasional eagles
  • Scenic driving & photography — Bishop Creek Canyon is especially beautiful in fall with changing colors
  • Mountain biking and nature trails
  • Picnicking and relaxing by the creek
  • Stargazing — Excellent dark skies in the Eastern Sierra
  • Winter camping — Possible due to lower elevation
  • Nearby attractions include other Bishop Creek campgrounds, South Lake, Lake Sabrina, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and the town of Bishop for resupply.

Tips: Bring bear awareness practices, prepare for variable weather (hot days/cool nights), and note that it can get busy on weekends. It’s a great base for exploring the Eastern Sierra while staying relatively close to Bishop. Always check current conditions on the USDA Forest Service website, as details like water availability can change seasonally.

Masonic California – Mono County Ghost Town

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Originally known as Lorena, Masonic California is a ghost town located in the mountains north east of Bridgeport, California.  Masonic was founded in 1860 by masons and therefor the name of the town.  The Masonic District was a natural follower to the excitement is neighboring Aurora and Bodie.  This area was small in scale comparatively and a stamp mill wasn’t onsite until 1907.  The population maxes out at about 1000 people, and about four years later the excitement began to wane.

Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Mill site from the middle section of Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Early Beginnings (1860–1900)

The ghost town of Masonic, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Bridgeport in Mono County, California, emerged in the 1860s when a group of Freemasons discovered gold in the region. Named for the fraternal order, the settlement was initially called Lorena and developed into three distinct sections: Upper Town (originally Lorena), Middle Town, and Lower Town (formerly Caliveda). Situated in a canyon near the Nevada border in the Bodie Hills, Masonic’s early gold claims were overshadowed by larger strikes in nearby Bodie and Aurora, leaving the area largely undeveloped for decades.

In 1900, a 16-year-old prospector from Bodie named Joe Green rediscovered gold, establishing the Jump Up Joe Mine. Unable to finance its development, Green sold the claim, which sparked renewed interest in the Masonic Mining District. This district, spanning roughly 6 by 12 miles, encompassed over 40 claims at its peak and set the stage for Masonic’s brief boom.

Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun
Masonic Mill Site, Masonic, California. Photograph by James L Rathbun

Boom Years (1902–1911)

The discovery that transformed Masonic occurred on July 4, 1902, when partners John Stuart Phillips, Caleb Dorsey, and John M. Bryan struck a rich quartz ledge, founding the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine—named for Phillips’ hometown of Pittsburgh and the Independence Day holiday. Ore from the mine assayed at values between $35 and $800 per ton, with a reported nugget in 1904 valued at $4,000 per ton. This strike triggered a mining boom, and by 1906, Masonic’s population reached approximately 1,000 residents.

Infrastructure developed rapidly to support the growing community. By 1904, new roads linked Masonic to Bridgeport and Bodie, facilitating freight and passenger traffic. Lumber was transported nearly 50 miles from Mono Mills via the Bodie & Benton Railroad and six-horse wagons over Geiger Grade. Stagecoach lines connected Masonic to Wellington, Nevada, and Conway Ranch in the Mono Basin by 1906–1907. Telephone service arrived in 1905, and Middle Town saw the construction of a solid aspen-log cabin for Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Carpenter, notable for its rare glass-paneled door.

Middle Town became the commercial center, hosting a post office (established as Lorena in 1905, renamed Masonic in 1906), a general store, a livery stable, a butcher shop, and a hotel/boarding house. Lower Town featured the Jeffry Hotel, two saloons, and the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, while Upper Town housed mine offices. The Masonic Pioneer newspaper, published by George Montrose of the Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, began in November 1905 but ceased after 2–3 years. Despite its growth, Masonic lacked a formal Masonic lodge, churches, or brothels, and maintained a relatively orderly reputation compared to Bodie, with no recorded shootings. Social life flourished, with dances featuring the Bodie Orchestra attracting large crowds.

In 1907, the Pittsburg-Liberty Mine opened a 10-stamp mill, allowing on-site ore processing. By 1910, the mine had produced approximately $700,000 in gold (equivalent to millions today). However, the ore veins were inconsistent, and production began to decline by 1911.

A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun
A wonderful view of Bodie is available to the travels en route to Masonic. Photography by James L Rathbun

Decline and Abandonment (1911–1930s)

Masonic’s prosperity was fleeting due to shallow and uneven ore deposits. By 1911, mining activity had significantly decreased. A tramway constructed in 1913 to transport ore to the mill provided only temporary relief. The post office closed in 1912, briefly reopened in 1913, and shut permanently in 1927, with services transferred to Bridgeport. By 1920, the population had dwindled to just 12 residents, and mining activity nearly ceased by the 1930s. World War II’s ban on non-essential gold mining delivered the final blow, leaving Masonic abandoned.

Masonic Today

Today, Masonic is a true ghost town with minimal remnants, primarily in Middle Town, including stone cabin ruins, the timbered frame of the Pittsburg-Liberty Mill, and parts of the aerial tram system. Accessible via a 12-mile 2WD road from Bridgeport or an 8-mile 4WD route from Sweetwater Road, the site offers stunning views of the Sweetwater Mountains and Bridgeport Valley. Local lore suggests the ghost of John Phillips haunts the nearby Chemung Mine on Saturday nights, adding to the town’s eerie allure. Unlike the preserved Bodie State Historic Park, Masonic remains a “wild” ghost town, attracting adventurers and historians seeking an unpolished glimpse into California’s gold rush era.

Masonic’s ruins stand as a testament to its brief but vibrant history, reflecting the transient nature of mining towns in the American West. Its remote location and sparse remains preserve its rugged authenticity, making it a compelling destination for those exploring Mono County’s past.

Masonic Trail Map

Upper Sage Flat Campground – Inyo National forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Upper Sage Flat Campground is a scenic, family-friendly campground in Inyo National Forest, located about 9–10 miles west of the small town of Big Pine, California, along Glacier Lodge Road (off US Highway 395).

At an elevation of roughly 7,500–7,600 feet (sources vary slightly), it sits along the banks of Big Pine Creek in a narrow canyon. The campground offers shaded sites beneath mature Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods, providing a peaceful alpine setting with direct creek access. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including trails into the John Muir Wilderness.

The campground typically operates from late April or mid-May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. It features 21 single-family campsites (some sources note around 20), most of which are well-shaded and can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to about 30–40 feet. Sites include paved parking aprons. Reservations are recommended during peak season (late May to mid-September) through Recreation.gov, though some first-come, first-served availability exists outside peak times. Fees are generally around $29–$31 per night.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring (with grill), and bear-proof food storage locker per site. No hook-ups (dry camping).
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets and/or vault toilets (facilities are frequently praised for being exceptionally clean and well-maintained by camp hosts).
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Other: Paved parking aprons (most ~40 feet long), camp hosts on-site during the season, and trash collection. No showers or dump station.
  • Regulations: Active bear country—food and scented items must be stored in provided bear boxes. Maximum stay 14 days. Pets allowed (leashed, max 2 per site). Quiet hours typically 10 PM–6 or 7 AM.

Activities

  • Fishing: Big Pine Creek is stocked annually with rainbow, brown, brook, and alpers trout. Great stream fishing right by many sites; nearby Tinemaha Reservoir offers additional opportunities.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: The 1.5-mile Big Pine Creek Trail leads into the John Muir Wilderness, with access to waterfalls, Lon Chaney’s historic cabin, and the stunning Big Pine Lakes chain. Views of Palisades Glacier (the southernmost glacier in the U.S.) are a highlight. Longer backpacking trips possible with proper permits.
  • Swimming: Cooling off in the creek during summer.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Nature Appreciation: Excellent stargazing due to dark skies and minimal light pollution. Birdwatching and viewing of local animals.
  • Other: Picnicking, photography, horseback riding (nearby pack stations), and exploring the broader Eastern Sierra (including ancient bristlecone pines in the White Mountains). Nearby Glacier Lodge area adds more recreation options.

Wildlife in the Area

This is a rich Eastern Sierra ecosystem. Visitors commonly report:

  • Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is mandatory), mule deer (frequently seen along trails and in the woods), and possibly smaller mammals like squirrels or chipmunks.
  • Birds: Various songbirds, raptors, and migratory species. The area supports good birdwatching opportunities.
  • Fish: Rainbow, brown, brook, and alpers trout in Big Pine Creek.
  • Plants & Trees: Dominant Jeffrey pines and cottonwoods provide shade. Surrounding high-elevation terrain features sagebrush, wildflowers (in season), and other Sierra conifers. The broader Inyo National Forest includes ancient bristlecone pines nearby.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, attentive hosts, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful setting. It’s ideal for nature lovers seeking a mix of relaxation by the creek and access to world-class hiking and wilderness. Always check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, and availability, as mountain weather can change quickly.

Elias Jackson Baldwin “Lucky Baldwin”

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Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin, was born on April 3, 1828, in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio, the fourth of 14 children in a modest farming family. His parents, Isaac Baldwin and Melinda Jackson, relocated to a farm near New Paris, Indiana, in 1834, where Baldwin spent his childhood. With limited formal education, he developed a sharp, self-reliant character early on. At 18, he eloped with Sarah Ann Unruh, and the couple had a daughter, Clara, in 1847. By his early twenties, Baldwin demonstrated entrepreneurial flair, operating a general store in Valparaiso, Indiana, and later a hotel, which laid the foundation for his business acumen.

Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as "Lucky" Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909
Elias Jackson Baldwin, known as “Lucky” Baldwin. April 3, 1828- April 3, 1828 – March 1, 1909

Journey to California and Early Ventures (1853–1860s)

In 1853, drawn by the California Gold Rush, Baldwin joined a wagon train from Indiana to San Francisco, a perilous six-month journey across the continent. Rather than prospecting for gold, he capitalized on the journey by trading goods like brandy, cigars, and tobacco, turning a profit before even reaching California. He narrowly escaped attacks by Native Americans, showcasing his resilience. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Baldwin avoided mining, instead investing in more stable ventures: a livery stable, a brick manufacturing business, and hotel properties. His foresight in focusing on infrastructure and services during the Gold Rush boom set him apart from speculative miners.

By the early 1860s, Baldwin’s investments expanded into the stock market, particularly shares in Nevada’s Comstock Lode, a major silver mining region. His nickname “Lucky” was cemented during this period due to a fortuitous incident. While traveling abroad, he instructed his broker to sell his Norcross mining stock if it fell below $800 per foot. Unable to access his safe due to a forgotten key, the sale was delayed, and the stock rebounded dramatically, earning Baldwin millions—equivalent to approximately $87 million in 2024. This windfall transformed him into one of San Francisco’s wealthiest figures.

Rise to Prominence in San Francisco (1860s–1875)

Using his mining wealth, Baldwin diversified his portfolio in San Francisco. He acquired the Montgomery Block, a prominent commercial building, and built the luxurious Baldwin Hotel and Theatre in 1876, which became a social hub until it burned down in 1898. His business ventures included real estate, shipping, and speculative investments, establishing him as a leading figure in California’s post-Gold Rush economy. Baldwin’s charisma and bold decision-making earned him both admiration and notoriety, as he navigated the city’s competitive business landscape.

Acquisition and Initial Development (1873–1874)

In 1873, Baldwin acquired a promising gold claim from brothers Barney and Charley Carter, who had discovered a gold-bearing quartz ledge on what they called “Carters’ Quartz Hill” (later Gold Mountain) near Baldwin Lake. Baldwin purchased the claim for $30,000 (approximately $750,000 in 2024), renaming it the Gold Mountain Mine. His investment sparked a second gold rush in the Big Bear area, fueled by exaggerated reports, such as one in The Guardian (September 12, 1874), which hailed the site as a “mineralogical miracle.” To support operations, Baldwin’s company built a road from Cactus Flats to Big Bear and began transporting heavy machinery.

Gold Mountain Mine and Bairdstown (1874–1875)

Baldwin invested $250,000 (about $6.5 million in 2024) to construct a 40-stamp mill at the base of Gold Mountain, designed to process 100 tons of ore daily. This steam-powered mill was a significant engineering feat for the remote region. By late 1874, a boomtown called Bairdstown emerged near Baldwin Lake to support the mine, boasting saloons, a blacksmith, boarding houses, and, by 1875, additional amenities like stores, hotels, a bakery, and a Chinese wash house.

The mill began operations on March 6, 1875, employing 180 workers. However, the ore proved low-grade, yielding insufficient gold to cover costs. After two months, Baldwin reduced operations to 20 stamps, and by October 1875, he shut down the mill entirely, just eight months after its launch. A fire destroyed the mill in August 1876, and Bairdstown was abandoned, becoming a ghost town.

Later Attempt with J.R. DeLaMar (1899–1900s)

In 1899, J.R. DeLaMar, a mining entrepreneur, proposed reviving the Gold Mountain Mine using the cyanide process to extract gold from low-grade ore. Baldwin, still owning the claim, agreed, and a new 40-stamp mill was built higher on Gold Mountain. Despite optimism, the operation again yielded poor results, and mining ceased after limited activity. The site saw sporadic efforts by other companies into the 1940s but never achieved significant production.

Geological and Historical Context

The Gold Mountain Mine, located in the Baldwin Lake District at approximately 7,251 feet elevation, featured gold-bearing quartz veins in quartzite and schist. San Bernardino County hosted over 3,000 mines, with gold as a primary commodity in 1,585. Baldwin’s venture was part of a shift from placer to corporate quartz mining, often employing diverse labor, including Chinese workers. The region’s challenges—limited water and low ore quality—hindered profitability.

Horse Racing and Santa Anita Park (1870s–1909)

Baldwin’s passion for thoroughbred horse racing defined much of his legacy. In the 1870s, he began breeding and racing horses, establishing the Santa Anita Stable. He developed the original Santa Anita Park racetrack on his rancho, which became a premier venue for horse racing in California. His horses, including stars like Volante, Emperor of Norfolk, and Los Angeles, won major races, including the American Derby in 1885, 1886, 1888, and 1894. Baldwin’s dedication to the sport earned him a posthumous induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2018 as a Pillar of the Turf.

His racing ventures were not without controversy. Baldwin’s competitive nature and willingness to bet heavily on his horses drew scrutiny, and he faced accusations of manipulating races. Nevertheless, his contributions elevated California’s status in national racing circles, and his legacy inspired the modern Santa Anita Park, reestablished by his daughter Anita in 1934.

Personal Life and Scandals

Baldwin’s personal life was as colorful as his business ventures. He married four times: Sarah Ann Unruh (1846–1865), Mary Cochran (1865–1876), Jane Virginia “Jennie” Dexter (1876–1881), and Lillie Bennett (1884–1909). His marriages were often tumultuous, and he faced multiple lawsuits from women alleging breach of promise or seduction. In 1876, 16-year-old Louise Perkins sued him for $75,000, claiming he reneged on a marriage promise; the case was settled out of court. In 1883, Baldwin survived a shooting at his Baldwin Hotel by Lillian Ashley, who accused him of misconduct. A decade later, her sister Vinnie Ashley shot at him again, seeking revenge, but Baldwin escaped unharmed.

Despite these controversies, Baldwin remained a charismatic figure, known for his charm, poker-playing prowess, and lavish lifestyle. He was a regular at San Francisco’s elite social clubs and maintained a reputation as a shrewd yet approachable magnate.

Later Years and Financial Decline (1890s–1909)

By the 1890s, Baldwin’s fortune began to wane due to economic downturns, poor investments, and the costs of maintaining his vast properties. The Panic of 1893 and the destruction of his Baldwin Hotel in 1898 further strained his finances. Nevertheless, he remained active in horse racing and continued to manage his rancho, often spending evenings playing poker with friends. His health declined in the early 1900s, and he contracted pneumonia in early 1909. Baldwin died on March 1, 1909, at his Santa Anita ranch, leaving an estate valued at approximately $25 million (about $750 million in 2024).

Legacy and Impact

Baldwin’s estate was divided primarily between his daughters, Clara Baldwin Stocker and Anita Baldwin McClaughry. Anita used her inheritance to reestablish Santa Anita Park in 1934, cementing the family’s racing legacy. Baldwin’s land subdivisions spurred the growth of Los Angeles County, and his agricultural innovations boosted California’s citrus and wine industries. Place names like Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Park, Baldwin Avenue, and the city of Arcadia reflect his enduring influence.

Baldwin’s life embodied the spirit of the American West: bold, opportunistic, and resilient. His ability to navigate the Gold Rush, mining booms, and California’s land development made him a transformative figure. Despite personal scandals and financial setbacks, his contributions to real estate, agriculture, and horse racing left a lasting mark on California’s history.

Key Achievements

  • Mining Wealth: Amassed millions through Comstock Lode investments, earning the “Lucky” nickname.
  • Land Development: Acquired and developed over 63,000 acres, founding Arcadia and Monrovia.
  • Horse Racing: Established the original Santa Anita Park and won multiple American Derbies, earning a 2018 Hall of Fame induction.
  • Agricultural Innovation: Developed Rancho Santa Anita into a model for citrus and wine production.

Sources

  • San Francisco Chronicle archives (1870s–1909)
  • National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame records
  • Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden historical documents
  • California State Historical Society records on Rancho Santa Anita
  • Biographical accounts from “Arcadia: City of the Santa Anita” by Robert F. Walsh