Inspiration Point Botanical Area

It is with sadness that I finally write this narrative of the Inspiration Point Botanical Area. On June 30th 2008 the entire area was devastated by a human set fire.

This botanical area in the Piute Mountains is/was one of the most unusual botanical areas in the southern Sierra. At only 270-acres it is the smallest BA in the Sequoia National Forest, but due to the magnificent diversity of geology the flora is/was unparalleled in the whole of the Sierra Nevada. Although the most common rock type in the Sierra Nevada is granite - the western half of the botanical area is mostly metamorphic rock known as roof pendant and the eastern half is an arcing limestone dike that cuts through the Piute Mountains toward the Scodie Mountains and Kern Plateau.

The common rock types are metamorphic in the SE ¼ section 7 and a unique limestone ridge dominating the SW ¼ of section 8.

The spectacular view from the point offers views of Isabella Reservoir, the Kern River Valley, the Greenhorn Mountains and Kern Plateau. The steep slope from the point looks down Erskine Creek Canyon. This rugged canyon was quite pristine with a mature stands of conifers. Due to the steep rocky slopes and different rock types in such a small area, the plants able to adapt to this environment are impressive. Several Sierran plants are at the most southern part of their range at Inspiration Point, while others, make their northernmost station in the mountains farther south.

The occurrence of limber pine on the steep limestone canyon is the southernmost location in the Sierra. What is more impressive is to see these subalpine pines growing along pinyon pines and giant mountain mahogany trees.

Access to Inspiration Point is restricted due to the defunct Moreland Mine a dangerous mining operation.

Photos From Inspiration Point

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