Whether you’re climbing Mount Whitney, exploring the Alabama Hills, road-tripping Highway 395, or heading into Death Valley, Lone Pine offers a variety of lodging options ranging from historic hotels and modern motels to campgrounds beneath the Sierra Nevada.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Lone Pine.
Dow Villa Motel
A Lone Pine landmark since 1927, the Dow Villa combines historic character with a prime downtown location.
The property has hosted everyone from Hollywood film crews to travelers exploring the Eastern Sierra. Guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and local attractions while enjoying one of the town’s most recognizable historic buildings.
Best Western Frontier Motel
Conveniently located along Highway 395, the Best Western Frontier Motel offers comfortable accommodations, mountain views, and easy access to Lone Pine’s restaurants and attractions.
Its central location makes it a popular choice for visitors exploring both Mount Whitney and Death Valley National Park.
Whitney Portal Hostel & Hotel
Popular with hikers attempting Mount Whitney and backpackers exploring the High Sierra, Whitney Portal Hostel offers a budget-friendly option with a social atmosphere and easy access to local trailheads.
Short Term Rentals
Lone Pine offers a growing collection of vacation rentals, cabins, guest houses, and unique desert retreats throughout the Owens Valley. Many properties feature private outdoor space, mountain views, full kitchens, and convenient access to the Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal, and Death Valley National Park.
Vacation rentals can be an excellent option for families, groups, anglers, climbers, and travelers planning an extended stay in the Eastern Sierra.
Classic Roadside Motels
Lone Pine is home to a collection of classic roadside motels that have served travelers along Highway 395 for generations. Properties like Mount Whitney Motel, Trails Motel, Lone Pine Budget Inn, Lone Pine Crestview Motel, Timberline Motel, Portal Motel, and Lone Pine Motel offer simple, comfortable accommodations and easy access to the Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal, and downtown Lone Pine. These independent properties may not offer luxury amenities, but they provide something increasingly rare in California: affordable lodging, mountain views, and a genuine sense of place. For many visitors, staying in one of Lone Pine’s vintage motor lodges is part of the Eastern Sierra experience itself.
Camping in Lone Pine
Camping remains one of the best ways to experience the landscapes surrounding Lone Pine.
Popular options include Whitney Portal Campground, Tuttle Creek Campground, Portuguese Joe Campground, and numerous developed campgrounds throughout the Inyo National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. Campers can choose between high-elevation forest settings, desert landscapes, and front-row views of Mount Whitney.
Plan Your Stay
Lone Pine serves as one of California’s great adventure basecamps. Whether you’re looking for a historic hotel, a budget-friendly motel, or a campsite beneath the stars, you’ll find convenient access to Mount Whitney, the Alabama Hills, Death Valley National Park, and countless Eastern Sierra adventures.
Book early during peak seasons, especially during the Mount Whitney permit season, Lone Pine Film Festival, fishing opener, and spring and fall weekends when visitation is at its highest.
