Lone Pine Winter Hiking
While the county closes Whitney Portal Road and Horseshoe Meadows Road after the first major snowstorm, Lone Pine still offers fantastic winter hiking and snow play opportunities. Winter is an incredible time to visit. Lodging is cheap, and our town is sleepy in a wonderful way. We rarely see snow on the desert floor but you can often find snow at the base of portal road closure for the kiddos.
Despite the seasonal closures, there are plenty of trails with stunning views and accessible routes to explore during the snowy months. Here are our Top 3:
The Alabama Hills Super Loop
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Distance: Varies (3-10 miles depending on route)
- Why it’s great: The stunning rock formations and views of the Sierra Nevada make this area perfect for winter hikes. The cooler temperatures make for more enjoyable hiking, as summer can get quite hot. Some popular routes include the Mobius Arch Loop.
Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
- Why it’s great: Starting at Lone Pine Campground, this trail offers amazing views of the Eastern Sierra and leads to Whitney Portal. It’s a lower elevation option during winter when the higher trails are snowed in.
These hikes provide a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Inyo County’s winter landscapes, but always check trail conditions and be prepared for changing weather, especially in the mountains!
Ashram Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.5 miles (round trip)
- Why it’s great: The Ashram Trail leads to a fascinating and serene stone structure known as “The Ashram”.. The trail offers stunning views of the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra as you ascend through desert and rocky terrain. The peaceful and historical nature of the destination, combined with relatively low elevation, makes this trail a great winter hiking option for those looking to explore Inyo County’s hidden gems.Park on X road if you do not have 4×4. It is very costly to have Miller’s tow your car out and it happens all the time.
Pro Tip: Portal Road is often open past Christmas. Locals take a snowy hike to Lone Pine Lake on Christmas Day. Make sure you bring warm clothes, layers, and have proper foot attire. In light snowy conditions micro spikes are recommended.