Lone Pine [1] is in the Eastern Sierra region of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

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.

Get in

US 395 north from Los Angeles.

US 395 south from Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park.

Get around

See

• Alabama Hills -- Many old westerns were filmed here.
• Mount Whitney
• Owens Lake -- a dry lake since Los Angeles acquired most water rights in the Owens Valley.

Do

Hike

• Alabama Hills
• Mount Whitney

Buy

• Elevation: Sierra Adventure Essentials

For all your climbing, camping and hiking needs. 125 N. Main St., Lone Pine. 760-876-4560

Eat

Drink

Sleep

• Best Western Frontier Motel, 1008 S Main Street (on US 395), (760) 876-5571. Basic and clean. http://www.bestwestern.com
• Dow Villa Motel, 310 S Main Street (on US 395), (760) 876-5521. http://www.dowvillamotel.com

Stay safe

Los Angeles' acquisition of water rights has dried up Owens Lake, 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.

Get out

• Death Valley is close enough that it can be visited in a long day trip.