Overview
Lone Pine is in the Eastern Sierra region of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.
4 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lone Pine
Alabama Hills
Many old westerns and contemporary films have been shot here.
Mount Whitney
The highest point in the Lower 48 United States is at the top of this mountain.
Owens Lake
A dry lake since Los Angeles contentiously acquired most water rights in the Owens Valley.
Museum of Western Film History
Museum of Lone Pine Film History celebrates and preserves the long and varied film history of Lone Pine, Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Independence)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BIH Eastern Sierra Regional Airport, Bishop — 56 mi away. Directions
- MMH Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Lakes — 83 mi away. Directions
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno — 92 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Alabama Hills, Museum of Western Film History
- Lunch Whitney Portal Store
- Afternoon Owens Lake, Mount Whitney
- Evening Jake's Saloon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
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.
Get in
By car
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.
By bus
Eastern Sierra Transit has weekday service as far as Reno and Lancaster (transfer from Greyhound or Metrolink train from Los Angeles).
By shuttle
Shuttle services can bring you from outside the area, but likely at a premium. http://www.eastsidesierrashuttle.com/. Also try Lone Pine Kurt. Email: lonepinekurt@aol.com. Cell: +1 661-972-9476.
By plane
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.
Get around
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.
See
See Owens Lake
A dry lake since Los Angeles contentiously acquired most water rights in the Owens Valley.
Do
You can hike in the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney (see previous section) or at the Cottonwood Lakes.
Buy
Shop Lone Pine Film History Museum gift shop (Eastern Sierra Film History Museum)
- Several other gift shops in town are fun to explore, with camping/outdoor/Whitney themed memorabilia.
Eat
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.
Eat 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.
Drink
Sleep
Stay safe
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.
Go next
- Death Valley (southeast on CA 136, then east on CA 190) Death Valley N.P. is close enough that it can be visited in a long day trip, though there is enough to see there that an overnight stay within the park or east outside of park in Beatty, NV, might be worth it.
- Fossil Falls Campground (south on US 395) is about an hour away.
Nearby
Mount Whitney
Park · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Independence
City / town · 7 listings · 16 mi away
Olancha-Cartago
City / town · 2 listings · 23 mi away
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Park · 39 listings · 40 mi away
Big Pine
City / town · 2 listings · 41 mi away
Sequoia National Forest
Park · 11 listings · 46 mi away
Three Rivers
City / town · 20 listings · 47 mi away
Death Valley National Park
Park · 61 listings · 55 mi away
My experience
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