Mt Williamson Motel and Basecamp's Eastern Sierra Guide

Emmaleigh
Mt Williamson Motel and Basecamp's Eastern Sierra Guide

Shopping

If you need any new gear for climbing, backpacking, or mountaineering Blair at Big Willi is the place to go. He also is known to have great beta on climbing and hiking throughout the region and provides the best banter you can find in Lone Pine.
Big Willi Mountaineering Company
120 South Main Street
If you need any new gear for climbing, backpacking, or mountaineering Blair at Big Willi is the place to go. He also is known to have great beta on climbing and hiking throughout the region and provides the best banter you can find in Lone Pine.
Extremally cute, unique and affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Soon to be operating a coffee shop. A must visit on weekends in Independence
Indie Cat Vintage
Extremally cute, unique and affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Soon to be operating a coffee shop. A must visit on weekends in Independence
Adorable vintage and new items. Some handcrafted or upcycled by the owner. A must stop when they are open.
395 Flaire
Adorable vintage and new items. Some handcrafted or upcycled by the owner. A must stop when they are open.

Sightseeing

Must see stops that don't require walking
This is one of the coolest museums I've ever been too. It is filled with history and artifacts from the Eastern Sierra. My favorite sections are the gem and mineral and mountaineering history.
Eastern California Museum
155 N Grant St
This is one of the coolest museums I've ever been too. It is filled with history and artifacts from the Eastern Sierra. My favorite sections are the gem and mineral and mountaineering history.
Onion Valley Road is said to be one of the steepest roads in California with a 8% grade. Many Visitors see this challenge and attempt to bike up it. The drive offers panoramic views of the Owen's valley and leads you to the trailhead for Kearsarge Pass.
Onion Valley Road
Onion Valley Road
Onion Valley Road is said to be one of the steepest roads in California with a 8% grade. Many Visitors see this challenge and attempt to bike up it. The drive offers panoramic views of the Owen's valley and leads you to the trailhead for Kearsarge Pass.
Manzanar is what remains of a World War II Japanese Interment camp. This is an important part of USA history that is often left out of text books.
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Manzanar National Historic Site Visitor Center
5001 US-395
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Manzanar is what remains of a World War II Japanese Interment camp. This is an important part of USA history that is often left out of text books.
Take a drive up Whitney Portal Road for breathtaking views. There is a restaurant at the top. Please note that even day hiking in this area requires a permit
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Whitney Portal
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Take a drive up Whitney Portal Road for breathtaking views. There is a restaurant at the top. Please note that even day hiking in this area requires a permit

City/town information

Welcome to our little town! The least populated town on the east side creates a warming atmosphere with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains with the second tallest peak in California as the centerpiece. Close access to the Onion Valley and Shepherd Pass trailheads make our little town worth stopping in. Hiking/climbing not your thing? stay for the hunting, fishing and endless 4x4 roads.
Independence
Welcome to our little town! The least populated town on the east side creates a warming atmosphere with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and Inyo mountains with the second tallest peak in California as the centerpiece. Close access to the Onion Valley and Shepherd Pass trailheads make our little town worth stopping in. Hiking/climbing not your thing? stay for the hunting, fishing and endless 4x4 roads.

Food scene

Our favorite spot to eat in Independence. They offer delicious affordable Mexican food with options for for everyone. ( Vegan, Gluten free, kid friendly)
Glenn's Taqueria
305 South Edwards Street
Our favorite spot to eat in Independence. They offer delicious affordable Mexican food with options for for everyone. ( Vegan, Gluten free, kid friendly)
Incredible Chinese/American fusion that tastes like you are in a big city. They have GF, vegan, and kid options. One of my favorite restaurants in the entire Eastern Sierra.
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Merry Go Round
212 S Main St
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Incredible Chinese/American fusion that tastes like you are in a big city. They have GF, vegan, and kid options. One of my favorite restaurants in the entire Eastern Sierra.
Our favorite breakfast spot in the winter when we are not serving breakfast. Options for everyone, even the picky eaters.
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Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery
111 W Post St
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Our favorite breakfast spot in the winter when we are not serving breakfast. Options for everyone, even the picky eaters.
This locally owned and made Ice Cream will be among THE BEST you have ever eaten. They have vegan/dairy free options.
Eastern Sierra Ice Cream Company
251 North Edwards Street
This locally owned and made Ice Cream will be among THE BEST you have ever eaten. They have vegan/dairy free options.

Hiking

A couple of our favorite day hikes in the area that are accessible to all skill levels.
Kearsarge pass should be on every hikers bucket list. The alpine lakes and scenery of this trail make each step up to the 11,709ft pass picturesque.
Kearsarge Pass
Kearsarge pass should be on every hikers bucket list. The alpine lakes and scenery of this trail make each step up to the 11,709ft pass picturesque.
The Robinson Lake Trail begins at the east end of Onion Valley Campground, near Site #8.
Robinson Lake
The Robinson Lake Trail begins at the east end of Onion Valley Campground, near Site #8.
The Mobius Arch is one of the most photographed rocks in the Eastern Sierra and is well worth a visit. The trail has next to no elevation gain and accessible to all ages.
The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead
Movie Flat Road
The Mobius Arch is one of the most photographed rocks in the Eastern Sierra and is well worth a visit. The trail has next to no elevation gain and accessible to all ages.
Golden Trout Lake trail is less maintained than the other trails out of Onion Valley. It is less crowded than the popular lakes up the Kearsarge pass trail but does require a couple of class 2 moves over boulders. A great hike if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge
Golden Trout Lake
Golden Trout Lake trail is less maintained than the other trails out of Onion Valley. It is less crowded than the popular lakes up the Kearsarge pass trail but does require a couple of class 2 moves over boulders. A great hike if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge

Peak Bagging

The second tallest peak in California is a lot more challenging than Mt. Whitney. An overnight trip is recommended ( permits required) There is nothing easy about climbing this peak. Route navigation, advance outdoor skills are necessary for a successful ascent. The most common route is a class 3- class 4 exposed scramble.
Mount Williamson
The second tallest peak in California is a lot more challenging than Mt. Whitney. An overnight trip is recommended ( permits required) There is nothing easy about climbing this peak. Route navigation, advance outdoor skills are necessary for a successful ascent. The most common route is a class 3- class 4 exposed scramble.
Another California 14er to tackle outside of Independence. Overnight trip recommended ( permits required). I recommend the North Rib ( exposed class 3 scramble). Do not attempt this peak without knowing what you are getting into. Advance navigation skills are required.
Mount Tyndall
Another California 14er to tackle outside of Independence. Overnight trip recommended ( permits required). I recommend the North Rib ( exposed class 3 scramble). Do not attempt this peak without knowing what you are getting into. Advance navigation skills are required.