Horseback riding and pack trip opportunities abound on the Scenic 395.
Manzanar State Historic Site
Manzanar State Historic Site
What makes this small one-stoplight town special is its rich filming history and proximity to Mt. Whitney, which, at 14,495 ft., is the highest point in the contiguous United States. To reach the peak, you’ll have to hike the last eleven miles from Whitney Portal, but breathtaking views are also available to those less adventurous souls.
Mt. Whitney State Fish Hatchery
You’ll think you’ve arrived at an old European country estate when approaching the hatchery. It’s open to the public daily and hosts about 60,000 visitors annually.
Manzanar State Historic Site
Seven miles north of Lone Pine on Hwy 395, this historic site is the first permanent relocation center for those of Japanese ancestry during WWII. The 10,000 internees lived in wooden barracks within a one-square mile area, although the entire camp encompassed 6,000 acres. What remains today is the camp auditorium, stonework shells of the police post, concrete foundations, and segments of the water and sewer systems. Plans are underway to restore a portion of the camp.
Horseback Riding and Pack Trips
Your step back into time won’t be complete without experiencing the back country in the open air. There are three outfitters to choose from, each offering unique experiences such as half-day rides, hunting trips, wagon rides, cattle and horse drives. Details can be found on the Lone Pine Chamber web site.
Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
How about spending the night in a real ghost town? Now is your chance. You can choose from two restored accommodations: a 1904 bunkhouse or the1865 Belshaw House. The Belshaw House comes complete with kitchen and restroom facilities. (Yes, there is electricity.) Don’t forget to stop at Joseph’s Market in Lone Pine to stock up on groceries, because there are not any food services in Cerro Gordo. If your interests are purely confined to a day visit, you’re welcome, too! Be aware that a high clearance vehicle is recommended to make it up this steep seven and a half mile graded roadway, which begins just outside of Keeler and ends at 8,000 feet in the Inyo Mountains.
Dow Villa Motel
John Wayne slept here, as did Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Robert Mitchum and Errol Flynn. Originally built in the 1920s to accommodate the visiting movie industry, it is constantly being restored to its original charm. You’ll find modern amenities such as a coffee maker, refrigerator, hair dryer, and data ports. Some rooms even have microwave ovens and whirlpool tubs.
Lone Pine Film Festival
If you’re in the area in October, you may want to hang around for the film festival, which is open to the public. You’ll be treated to sights of cowboys and women dressed in period costume. Special tours are offered to Alabama Hills, a location for many movies, and home to unusual rock formations and natural arches. (The Alabama Hills is always open to the public.) A listing of the movies filmed in Lone Pine is available on this web site.
Big Pine
Stop at the Chamber of Commerce or video store and pick up free information including maps of the area.
Rockhounding
Agate, amethyst, gold and turquoise are just a few of the minerals you may discover near Big Pine. Information is available at the Chamber of Commerce.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
At 4,000 years, Bristlecone Pines are the oldest living trees on earth. Located in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest at an elevation between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, they are just forty-five minutes up a paved road from Big Pine. Near the new Visitors Center you can choose from two self-guided trails at the Schulman Grove, or drive another 45 minutes on the unpaved road to visit Patriarch Grove.
Tubing
Stop in at just about any service station in Big Pine and they’ll be happy to send you to some great tubing locations with some used tubes.
Bishop
Bishop is a popular springboard for backpackers who wish to explore the High Sierra on horse or mule. There are many tours to choose from including trail riding, wild mustang and horse driving, fly-fishing, hunting and photography trips. Bishop’s web site provides extensive information on sightseeing, dining and lodging options.
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