Lone Pine, CA Road Trips

Lone Pine is in the extreme southern part of the Owens Valley. The tallest mountain in the contiguous United States is Mount Whitney, which is easily seen from Lone Pine by just looking up and to the west. However, don't be fooled by the nearer and apparently taller Lone Pine Peak. Look for the portals, to the south, which lead up to and help identify Mt. Whitney. A unique location with as much cultural and historical significance as natural beauty, the town serves as a launching point for expeditions to the summit of Mt Whitney and the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range as well as the strange depths of Death Valley. Lone Pine is a true 4-season destination.

1 Alabama Hills. Many old westerns and contemporary films have been shot here. (updated Oct 2025) 2 Mount Whitney. The highest point in the Lower 48 United States is at the top of this mountain. (updated Oct 2025) 3 Museum of Western Film History, 701 S. Main St, ☏ +1 760-876-9909. M-W 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Museum of Lone Pine Film History celebrates and preserves the long and varied film history of Lone Pine, Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra. 4 Owens Lake. A dry lake since Los Angeles contentiously acquired most water rights in the Owens Valley. (updated Sep 2018)

You can hike in the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney (see previous section) or at the Cottonwood Lakes.

At least a dozen eating establishments exist in Lone Pine to cater to a variety of food tastes. Generally the restaurants err on the side of American and Italian fare. If you are staying a few days, it is recommended to try several of the establishments to better experience local cuisine. Whitney Portal Store. On top of their retail operation, WPS has a small kitchen serving up breakfast and lunch fare. Recommendations for food are their huge pancakes and burgers — great after a long hike! The kitchen closes whenever the store closes. (updated Sep 2018)

Jake's Saloon, 119 North Main Street, ☏ +1 760-876-5765. Daily noon-2AM. Old school bar. (updated Jun 2022)

Best Western Frontier Motel, 1008 S Main St (on US 395), ☏ +1 760-876-5571. Basic and clean. Fitness center, pool, free breakfast, business center. (updated Jun 2022) Dow Villa Motel, 310 S Main St (on US 395), ☏ +1 760-876-5521. Historic hotel in the middle of town. Contains the older 1920s section (some rooms have no private bath) which played host to several old movie stars and the 1960s motel style addition. Has pool, hot tub, wifi and guest computer access in the lobby. (updated Jun 2022)

You can take US 395 north 215 miles from Los Angeles or US 395 south from Reno (260 miles), Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park. If you are coming from the Death Valley region or Keeler, take California State Route 136. Eastern Sierra Transit has weekday service as far as Reno and Lancaster (transfer from Greyhound or Metrolink train from Los Angeles). Shuttle services can bring you from outside the area, but likely at a premium. http://www.eastsidesierrashuttle.com/. Also try Lone Pine Kurt. Email: [email protected]. Cell: ☏ +1 661-972-9476. Lone Pine is far from major airports. LAX is the nearest large airport, 215 miles south. Bishop, 60 miles north, has limited connecting service on United to SFO, LAX and DEN. Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Ontario or Burbank and renting a car may work depending on your situation.

The town is small and compact and can be easily walked. However, you will need a car, or a pre-arranged shuttle, to visit more distant locations like Whitney Portal or Alabama Hills.

Lone Pine has a desert climate, so expect dry weather and extreme heat in the summertime. Drink lots of water (and eat a bit of food to help absorb it), and make ample use of the shade. If you are stranded on the road outside of Lone Pine, be aware that little to no facilities exist outside of city limits. You may have to walk, flag a passing motorist for assistance (take care with this advice), or use a cell phone to get help. Local law enforcement consists of county sheriffs and Inyo National Forest Rangers. Los Angeles' contentious acquisition of water rights has dried up Owens Lake (south of town), which once was similar in character to Mono Lake. Dust storms now rage during windy times. If the wind is in just the right direction, Lone Pine gets dusted. This alkali dust is not good for your health, though it is worse for the health of the citizens of Lone Pine who must endure it constantly. You can probably safely ignore this warning unless you suffer from conditions like asthma or allergies.