MT. WHITNEY
Located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the continental United States. This is a "must-do" for any serious hiker. With the peak being 14, 505 ft. (4,421 meters.) it is quite the sight and well worth the challenge. Hiking Mt. Whitney can only be hiked between May 1st and November 1st. Hiking the mountain requires a permit.
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445860
You can fill out an application for the "lottery" to hike Mt. Whitney online.
Applications are accepted February 1 through March 15. This lovely picture was taken during sunrise, in the backyard of our park
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm
MOUNT WHITNEY TRAIL- WHITNEY PORTAL
You must obtain a permit and train for the high altitude, but it is one of the best hikes to check off a bucket list. Do your homework and be prepared beforehand.
www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm
DIAZ LAKE
An 80 acre lake just 3 miles south of Lone pine on the U.S 395. Diaz Lake is great for fishing, day hikes, swimming, water skiing, picnicking, boating, grilling and any other family friendly activities you can think of. There are even Fire Rings, Tables, and Restrooms located around the lake.
ALABAMA HILLS RECREATION AREA
Drive the Whitney Portal Road to get to the Arch Loop Trail in the Alabama Hills. You can walk from the trail head to see the Mobius Arch. Mount Whitney is visible when you look through the arch. The trail is about a half-mile to the arch and continues another half-mile back to the parking area. It is a well marked trail. The east end is a bit more difficult than any of the rest of the trial. There are blogs which give good directions to the trail head. Movie Road is a must see.
FOSSIL FALLS
Cinder Rd & HWY 395, Little Lake, CA 93542
Just south of the Coso rest area south of Lone Pine. Stop and take a half hour and you will be glad. It is a short hike after a dirt road to old lava flow from 400,000 years old. Really cool trek.
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Start early since everywhere is a way in Death Valley. Stop at the Visitor’s Center just north of the Lone Pine Mobile Oasis and pick up all your needed information and maps. There are many spots of interest. If you hike to Mosaic Canyon know that the real good stuff is in the first ½ mile and unless you just feel like hiking there isn’t much a few miles up except a dead end. BRING WATER and FOOD!!! And make sure your car is running well. Some of the dirt roads are very long in the valley so make sure you have the right vehicle or else you will be calling Miller’s Towing for a very expensive tow.
THE MUSEUM OF WESTERN FILM HISTORY
701 S Main St., Lone Pine, CA
This museum is a family experience featuring the history, props, and paraphernalia of the myriad of films that were shot around Lone Pine over the years. All genres are included even aliens and Marvel action heroes. There is a film shown during your tour, then head out to the Alabama hills to spot locations that were used in the shows. During the Lone Pine Film Festival each year the museum is integral to the viewing of famous films from the past. 760-876-9909 check hours and price of admission.
CERRO GORDO MINES
Keeler, CA 760-876-5030
A rocky 4-wheel drive 9 miles up to the ghost town of Cerro Gordo. Recently purchased this historical gold mining town is a look into the past. Take a delightful tour by purchasing online. Always bring food and water and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Be sure to call before you go.
MOUNT WHITNEY FISH HATCHERY
1 Golden Trout Circle, Independence, CA
(760)878-2272
Volunteers man this beautiful hatchery once funded by the state of California. Call for openings, but even when closed the location with a beautiful pond and fish you can feed is an ideal location for a shady picnic.
Hours: Thursday - Monday 10:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m. (closed Tuesday, Wednesday)
HORSESHOE MEADOWS
Mt. Whitney is the target for most hikers who come to this area, but it is too much for a day hiker and otherwise requires backpacking to a campsite at a higher altitude before attempting that hike. Mt. Langley can be reached in a day hike, and the wild ride up Horseshoe Meadow Road in itself is worth a diversion from Lone Pine. The views, the ride, and the scenery are stunning. Then the walk upward, which is not difficult but still requires a strenuous and lengthy hike, provides superb vistas. You will likely find not many others doing this, which is also in sharp contrast to the Mt. Whitney trail which can be like a superhighway of hikers at times.
MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN
Mammoth Mountain skiing is just 90 minutes from Lone Pine Mobile Oasis. If you get up early you can hit the slopes in the am, spend the day carving the mountain then head back for a snuggly night in Lone Pine at a fraction of the price. Stop in Bishop on the way home and get great food at Vons Deli and save on food if you are too tired to cook. Some years the mountain has been open for skiing almost all Summer and if snow is scarce there are all sorts of warm weather activities on the slopes.
WHITMORE HOT SPRINGS
Just outside of Mammoth are awesome hot springs. Instead of turning into Mammoth go the opposite way. Follow the signs then trek down to the river. Beware of hot zones and areas that are marked as dangerous.
ONION VALLEY
Take the road west out of Independence to Onion Valley. Onion Valley Campground is the start of three trailheads for great day hikes up to the John Muir trail and higher into the Sierras. Many PCT hikers use this access to come down to town for supplies and mail. Take Water and snacks and enjoy the views.