Tuttle Creek Spring

## Overview Tuttle Creek Spring is a natural spring located in the eastern Sierra Nevada region of California, near the small community of Lone Pine in Inyo County. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet along the base of the Sierra Nevada range, this spring sits in the dramatic landscape between the towering peaks of the Sierra crest — including nearby Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States — and the arid expanse of the Owens Valley. The GPS coordinates place the spring in the vicinity of Tuttle Creek, a seasonal waterway that flows eastward from the Sierra Nevada into the Alabama Hills area, a landscape famous for its striking weathered granite formations. The Tuttle Creek drainage has long been valued by travelers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts as a water source in this otherwise dry high-desert environment. The surrounding area is managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Inyo National Forest, offering dispersed camping and access to numerous trails leading into the Sierra backcountry. The spring is considered a public drinking spring, and visitors have historically used it as a water source, though water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Lone Pine, CA**, head west on **Whitney Portal Road**. 2. After approximately 3.5 miles, turn left (south) onto **Horseshoe Meadow Road**. 3. In roughly 1.5 miles, look for the turnoff to **Tuttle Creek Road** on the left (a signed dirt road). 4. Follow Tuttle Creek Road as it winds along the creek drainage. The spring is located near the coordinates **36.5422, -118.1933**. 5. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, as the road can be rough and rutted, especially after storms. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Road conditions and signage may vary — a GPS device or offline map is highly recommended for navigating this area.* ## What to Expect Tuttle Creek Spring is set in the rugged, scenic terrain of the eastern Sierra foothills. Visitors can expect a relatively remote, undeveloped site surrounded by sagebrush, granite boulders, and scattered pinyon pines. The Tuttle Creek area is popular with dispersed campers and climbers heading into the Alabama Hills or the Sierra backcountry, so you may encounter other outdoor enthusiasts nearby. The spring's flow may vary seasonally — it is typically strongest during spring snowmelt and may diminish in late summer and fall. The water has been historically used as a drinking source by visitors, though conditions can change and no formal water quality testing results are available for this site. The surrounding area offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east. Nearby attractions include the **Alabama Hills National Scenic Area**, the **Mount Whitney Trail**, and the **Tuttle Creek Campground** (a BLM campground with basic amenities). Summers can be hot at this elevation, while winters may bring freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Visitors should come prepared for variable weather and limited cell service.