Lone Pine

Lone Pine is a settlement in Owens Valley, California, nestled between the Sierra Nevada range to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east. The small community sits at 3727 feet (1136 meters) elevation and serves as a gateway for hikers and travelers exploring the high mountains and desert valleys nearby.

An earthquake in 1872 destroyed most buildings in the young settlement and killed 27 people. The community rebuilt afterward and grew into a supply point for miners and ranchers working throughout Owens Valley.

The Lone Pine Film History Museum displays movie props, costumes and set photos from westerns and science fiction films shot in the nearby Alabama Hills. Visitors see memorabilia from productions that used the rocks and valleys as backdrops throughout the 20th century.

The main street runs parallel to US Route 395 and offers lodging, fuel stations and grocery stores for travelers passing through. The settlement lies about an hour and a half drive north of Ridgecrest and two hours south of Bishop.

The name comes from a single pine tree that stood at the entrance to Lone Pine Canyon and served as a landmark for travelers. The tree was later cut down, but the name remained for the settlement.

Location: Inyo County

GPS coordinates: 36.60611,-118.06278

Latest update: December 15, 2025 04:52