Lone Pine & Alabama Hills: The Heart of the Wild West
Where the rugged Sierra Nevada meets the high desert, Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills provide a striking blend of dramatic rock formations, vast open spaces, and cinematic history. This region is a gateway to adventure, whether you’re hiking to the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. or exploring iconic film locations.
Top Adventures & Outdoor Activities
Hiking & Backpacking
- Mount Whitney Trail – The ultimate bucket-list hike to the highest summit in the Lower 48.
- Mobius Arch Loop – A short but rewarding hike to the famous arch framing Mount Whitney.
- Horseshoe Meadows – A high-altitude escape with multiple trails into the Sierra backcountry.
- Lone Pine Lake – A great day-hike option along the Whitney Trail with stunning alpine views.
Scenic Drives & Off-Roading
- Whitney Portal Road – A breathtaking drive leading to the gateway of Mount Whitney.
- Movie Road – Iconic dirt road winding through the Alabama Hills’ famous rock formations.
- Reward Mine Trail – An off-road adventure leading to an abandoned mining tunnel you can explore.
- Tuttle Creek & Hogback Road – A scenic backroad experience with excellent camping spots.
Rock Climbing & Bouldering
- Alabama Hills – One of the best climbing areas in the Eastern Sierra, with routes for all skill levels.
- Lone Pine Peak – A challenging alpine climbing destination with stunning views.
Fishing & Water Activities
- Diaz Lake – A great spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking just south of Lone Pine.
- Cottonwood Lakes – High-altitude fishing paradise known for golden trout.
Must-See Attractions
- Alabama Hills – Explore the otherworldly rock formations that have served as backdrops for countless Western films.
- Museum of Western Film History – A tribute to Lone Pine’s cinematic legacy.
- Manzanar National Historic Site – A moving historical site reflecting on Japanese-American internment during WWII.
- Whitney Portal – The stunning entryway to the Mount Whitney Trail, featuring waterfalls and picnic areas.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Lone Pine Film Festival (October) – Celebrate the Western film heritage of the region.
- Badwater 135 Ultramarathon (July) – The world’s toughest foot race, from Death Valley to Mount Whitney.
- Wild West Marathon & Ultra (May) – A rugged race through the Alabama Hills.
- Fishing Opener (April) – The official start of the Eastern Sierra fishing season.
Where to Stay
- Hotels & Motels – Comfortable stays in Lone Pine, from historic inns to modern lodges.
- Campgrounds – Whitney Portal, Tuttle Creek, and Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping.
- RV Parks – Great options for road-trippers exploring the 395 corridor.
Travel Tips & Resources
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and fall offer the best weather for hiking and exploring.
- Permits & Regulations – Mount Whitney hikes require a permit; Alabama Hills has camping restrictions.
- Road Conditions – Check updates for Whitney Portal Road and seasonal closures.
Plan Your Trip to Lone Pine & Alabama Hills From high-mountain adventures to cinematic landscapes, Lone Pine and Alabama Hills offer an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re summiting Mount Whitney or chasing golden-hour light through the rock formations, start planning your adventure today!
