Lone Pine may be a small town, but its event calendar punches well above its weight.
Nestled between the Eastern Nevada, the Inyo Mountains, and the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine attracts a unique mix of filmmakers, pilots, runners, cyclists, anglers, musicians, and outdoor adventurers. While you won’t find massive music festivals or sprawling county fairs, you’ll find events that feel authentic to the landscape and the people who call this place home.
Here are some of the biggest annual events in Lone Pine.
Lone Pine Film Festival
If there is one event synonymous with Lone Pine, it’s the Lone Pine Film Festival.
For more than three decades, western film fans have gathered each October to celebrate the hundreds of movies and television shows filmed in the Alabama Hills and Owens Valley. The festival features screenings, guest appearances, presentations, and guided tours to famous filming locations used in classics starring John Wayne, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and countless others.
Even if you’re not a film buff, it’s hard not to appreciate the history. The landscape surrounding Lone Pine has appeared in everything from classic westerns to modern blockbusters.
Wild West Marathon
The Wild West Marathon offers one of the most scenic race courses in California.
Participants run beneath Mount Whitney and alongside the dramatic backdrop of the Alabama Hills while taking in expansive views of the Owens Valley. Distances typically include a full marathon, half marathon, and shorter race options, making it accessible to runners of all levels.
The scenery alone is worth the effort.
Cerro Gordo Trail Run
Part race, part adventure, the Cerro Gordo Trail Run takes participants into the rugged terrain above Owens Valley and toward the historic mining town of Cerro Gordo.
Expect steep climbs, remote landscapes, and big views. This is not a casual fun run. It’s a true Eastern Sierra challenge that rewards runners with a unique look at one of California’s most fascinating historic mining districts.
Lone Pine Trout Derby
For anglers, the fishing opener is practically a holiday.
Each spring, visitors arrive from across California to celebrate the opening of trout season throughout the Eastern Sierra. Lone Pine serves as a popular basecamp for fishing nearby creeks, lakes, and reservoirs.
Hotels fill up, tackle shops get busy, and the entire valley feels energized by the return of fishing season.
Whiskey Tango Fondo
Part gravel race, part social gathering, Whiskey Tango Fondo showcases the vast network of dirt roads, desert landscapes, and mountain scenery that make the Owens Valley a gravel cycling destination.
Riders can expect challenging routes, unforgettable views, and a healthy dose of Eastern Sierra character along the way.
John Wayne Grit Series
Named after one of the most iconic figures in western film history, the John Wayne Grit Series brings mountain bikers to Lone Pine for a weekend of racing and adventure.
Courses weave through the desert terrain surrounding town while offering spectacular views of Mount Whitney and the surrounding peaks. It’s one of the most unique mountain bike events in California.
Lone Pine Fly-In
Every year, pilots from across the West gather beneath the highest peak in the Lower 48 for the Lone Pine Fly-In.
The event brings together aviation enthusiasts, backcountry pilots, vintage aircraft owners, and travelers who appreciate the unique experience of flying into one of the most scenic airports in the country.
Camping, aircraft displays, and an unbeatable setting make it a favorite among the aviation community.
Concert in the Rocks
Few concert venues can compete with the Alabama Hills.
Concert in the Rocks combines live music with one of the most spectacular natural backdrops in the American West. As the sun sets behind the Sierra and the granite formations glow in the evening light, visitors enjoy an intimate outdoor music experience unlike anything you’ll find in a traditional venue.
Plan Your Visit
Many of Lone Pine’s biggest events coincide with some of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Eastern Sierra. Spring brings wildflowers, fishing season, and comfortable temperatures. Summer delivers long days and access to the high country. Fall combines colorful aspens with film festival season and cooler desert weather.
Whether you’re coming for a race, a film festival, a fly-in, or simply an excuse to spend time beneath Mount Whitney, Lone Pine’s annual events offer a perfect reason to explore one of California’s most remarkable mountain towns.
