Lone Pine sits at the base of the tallest mountain range in the Lower 48.
It’s a place where hikers can wander among movie-famous rock formations in the morning and stand beside alpine lakes beneath 14,000-foot peaks by afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a short walk, a challenging day hike, or a bucket-list adventure, Lone Pine offers some of the most diverse hiking in the Eastern Sierra.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Lone Pine Lake (~6.1 Miles)
For many visitors, Lone Pine Lake is the perfect Whitney experience.
Located just a few miles from Whitney Portal, the trail climbs through pine forest and granite terrain before reaching a beautiful alpine lake beneath the towering walls of Mount Whitney.
No Whitney permit is required for day hiking to Lone Pine Lake.
Cottonwood Lakes (~16.3 Miles)
One of the most beautiful alpine lake basins in the Sierra Nevada.
The trail begins at Horseshoe Meadow and passes through open forests, meadows, and granite terrain before reaching a collection of stunning lakes near the Sierra crest.
The high starting elevation makes this one of the most accessible alpine hikes in California.
Meysan Lakes (~11.5 Miles)
A classic Lone Pine hike that remains surprisingly uncrowded.
The trail climbs steeply into Meysan Canyon, passing waterfalls and granite walls before reaching a chain of alpine lakes beneath dramatic Sierra peaks.
Expect a workout and outstanding scenery.
Horseshoe Meadows Loop (~10 Miles)
For hikers looking for a quieter route into the Sierra, Trail Pass delivers.
Beginning at Horseshoe Meadow, the trail climbs gradually toward the pass before opening up expansive views into the Golden Trout Wilderness and surrounding mountain ranges.
Mt. Whitney Trail (~21.7)
The most famous trail in California.
Beginning at Whitney Portal, the trail climbs more than 6,000 feet to the summit of Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Even hikers who aren’t attempting the summit often visit the trail simply to experience a piece of mountaineering history.
Whitney Portal Recreation Trail (~6.8 Miles)
Not every great hike requires an all-day commitment.
The Whitney Portal Recreation Trail follows Lone Pine Creek through a shaded forest of pines and aspens, offering waterfalls, creek crossings, and beautiful mountain scenery.
It’s an excellent option for families and visitors adjusting to elevation.
Tuttle Creek Ashram (~4 Miles)
Part hike, part local curiosity.
Located in the Alabama Hills, the trail leads to a historic stone retreat built by followers of philosopher and spiritual teacher Paul Brunton. The route combines history, desert scenery, and impressive views of the Sierra Nevada.
Mobius Arch Loop (~.6 Miles)
Perhaps the most photographed short hike in the Eastern Sierra.
The easy trail winds through the Alabama Hills to a natural granite arch that perfectly frames Mount Whitney. Sunrise and sunset are particularly popular times to visit.
Movie Road & Alabama Hills Exploration
Some of the best hikes in Lone Pine don’t follow a traditional trail.
The Alabama Hills contain miles of informal walking routes through rock formations, arches, narrow passages, and landscapes featured in countless Western films, commercials, and outdoor photography campaigns.
Every turn seems to reveal another view of Mount Whitney.
Horseshoe Meadow Trails
Horseshoe Meadow serves as the starting point for numerous hiking opportunities beyond Cottonwood Lakes and Trail Pass.
Open meadows, lodgepole forests, and high-elevation landscapes make the area one of the best places in California for accessible alpine hiking.
Last But Not Least #LeaveNoTrace
The trails around Lone Pine pass through some of the most iconic public lands in California.
Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid damaging fragile desert and alpine environments. These landscapes have remained special because people have helped protect them.
Let’s keep it that way.
