Lone Pine, California
Lone Pine, California is among the top locations for those seeking an adventure. From stunning hikes to exciting attractions, there's something for everyone. Visit the Alabama Hills, a picturesque landscape of limestone rock formations, or Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. For a more relaxed exploration, trek through the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to the oldest living trees in the world. For a unique experience, visit the Manzanar National Historic Site, a former Japanese internment camp. No matter your preference, Lone Pine has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to explore.
Top Spots in and near Lone Pine
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Fresno County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Pinchot Pass
After the mild, but not negligible, 1000 ft ascent into Pinchot Pass, you'll be ready to rinse off the grime and take a rest. There are a few options for lakeside camping along the trail like Twin Lakes and an unnamed lake on the west side of the trail just beyond.This is a cool area because the ...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop
5.026.5 mi / 10000 ft gainDay 1: A long, rewarding day. Over the course of 11.5 miles you will complete around 10,000ft of elevation change. To start, park the car at the Sawtooth-Monarch Trailhead (7500ft) and begin on the trail, immediately ascending to Timber Gap (9500ft). Once at the gap, the trail makes it's way do...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Crystal Lakes via Timber Gap Trailhead
5.09.47 mi / 3258 ft gainThe trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Hike to Lower Monarch Lake
5.08.4 miThe drive takes about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead from Three Rivers, CA so plan accordingly and make sure you get there early. Lower Mineral Lake is located below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park.Once you're parked and ready to jump on the trail, head to the Sawtooth Trailhead. You'l...Read more -
Sierra, California
Rae Lakes Loop
5.039.08 mi / 7316 ft gainDay one: After checking in with the park ranger and getting your required permits you will start your hike along a 1.8 mile stretch along the south fork of the Kings River. At this point, people typically go clockwise toward Paradise Valley but you can also go counterclockwise along Bubbs Creek. ...Read more -
Sierra, California
Mist Falls
4.77.91 mi / 915 ft gainThe trailhead starts at Roads' End (the end of Hwy 180). Take the Bubbs Creek/Kanawyer Loop Trail and hike east. For the first three miles the trail is relatively flat through an open pine forest. Make sure to look up as there are some great views of the valley. The granite walls on both sides of...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack in Mineral King
5.030 miThe trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin ...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass
11.4 mi / 2500 ft gainFranklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/h...Read more -
Fresno County, California
Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls
4.54.29 mi / 476 ft gainThe Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Trail is a 4.1 mile hike in Kings Canyon National Park. You feel remote, even with a road nearby. The minimal elevation change makes this a scenic hike for all skill levels. Bring bug spray and wear long sleeve hiking clothing in August, as the bugs are ...Read more -
Darwin, California
Father Crowley Overlook
0.5 mi / 150 ft gainFather Crowley Overlook is an easily missed overlook on the western edge of Death Valley National Park off State Highway 190 overlooking Panamint Valley. It is easy to miss because the parking area doesn't appear to have a particularly notable vista, but leading off from the parking area to the s...Read more -
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Lookout Peak via Don Cecil Trail
11.05 mi / 3865 ft gainYou'll want an early start to this hike so consider camping in the park the night before. If you enter the park via CA-180 and follow it for a ways (passing Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Kings Canyon Lodge, and eventually the Cedar Grove Visitor Center) you'll come up to two campsites on the left-...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Tokopah Falls
4.23.77 mi / 617 ft gainThis hike starts from the Lodgepole area of Sequoia National Park. Parking is easy at the easternmost end of the paved road prior to entering the campground. From the south side, the trail starts off by crossing the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to the north side. It then loosely follows the r...Read more -
Inyo County, California
Hike to Darwin Falls
5.02 mi / 275 ft gainYes, you saw this right, it's a waterfall in Death Valley. This magical oasis has water flowing year round and is found in the driest place in North America. Death Valley is full of amazing places, but this should be on everyone's to-do list! It's a short hike that quickly rewards you with a plac...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Mount Silliman
5.011.24 mi / 4449 ft gainThere is available parking at the campgrounds at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Lodgepole's elevation starts at 6720 ft. Twin Lakes Trailhead starts right at the base, which you will be following to get to Mount Silliman. Along Twin Lakes Trail are several campgrounds for your journey, you can go...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park
4.510.4 mi / 2200 ft gainBegin this hike at the Alta Peak Trailhead in the Sequoia National Park. The trail initially takes you east-southeast through a loosely forested area that is stark and arid. Around 1.5 miles in you'll cross a small creek, but this creek may dry up in the late spring/summer. Shortly after the cree...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake
30 mi / 8000 ft gainThis trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...Read more
