Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board The best of the Bama's

Hi When I was running marathons I would run from the Portal to town, meet Earlene for dinner and drive back to the Portal. The area below Lone Pine Campground was non eventful , running along the road getting water out of the creek .

I knew a trail went into the hills to the north but never had the time to search for the parts and see how they linked, these last few years with the help of mountain bike riders, motorcycle riders and the local horse folks and the BLM rangers I was able to see how all the sections make one trail from the Portal to Town and have now added it to the regional transportation plan.

I call the part below Lone Pine Camp ground "In the Shadow of the Giants", then you go into an open expanse of white sage and desert scrub not knowing where or how you will get into the Hills but you now can see the Inyo's and White Mountains starts to come into view , at the base of the western most outcropping of the hills a gateway opens and you climb into the middle of the rocks, the main arch is just to the south and this short section leaves the giants behind and opens the Hills for your full view,losing elevation again you enter the Valley of the hills, no clue how you will join the next section , now one can see the Sierra the Inyo's,White's and the Coso's heading north you travel on a climber's track to one of the outer climbing areas (old jeep road) about a mile you join the single track/ horse trail that joins the famous Arch trail to the south ,now you are in the center of the hills "The Flower Garden" this is the area of the Wild Wild West Marathon and during spring this area is a blanket of color, joining the main road past the Arch Trail. Travel east about 1/2 mile and follow the horse trail into the Land Of Arches.

About 1000' off the road you will drop into a recess that few ever see from the road and this area is filled with arches and outstanding rock formations . Shorty you pass the Lost Canyons of the Alabama's. Off to the south deep canyons wind down into Lone Pine Creek, you now gain elevation, the prize is seeing Cleopatra's rock and the Arch on the ground, past this you drop into the Lost Canyon and first sight of how this all may end on top of the ridge overlooking Lone Pine, you pass several mining claims of years gone by and can take a side run up to the 'LP' high point or drop down into the Valley and take a steep climb up to the lower peak ,this will allow you to follow a trail that joins Whitney Portal Road at the Information Station at the mouth of the canyon , a short distance and you are in Town.

I think the trail distance from the Portal to Town is 15 miles a loss of elevation around 4500' a great walking trail and even better trail run. UP ? would be as hard as the Whitney Hike if not harder. Late May till October watch the heat in the afternoon , I would do my runs around sundown and carry water.


The trail from Lone Pine Campground to town takes about 3 hours at an easy walking pace, Running from the Portal to town is around 2 hours, so the range is for the individual and can adjust the time for training or just a great day out away from the crowds and see some amazing country and wildlife (Snakes, Mountain Lions, Bobcats, rabbits, and birds, or maybe just the tracks).You could also be a short timer in a movie or commercial,or see a jeep or Quad, riders of bikes, motorcycles or horses all sharing the area , we think at least 40 different groups use and take care of this area.

Over the winter I will try to hustle Gigamike to do the trail with his gps and plot it on the board, you should be able to follow the trail from a google printout, I think the hardest part to follow is the first 1000' from Lone Pine Campground area to the main single track that you join, a dirt road just below the Inyo National Forest sign takes you to a dead end at that point the road was graded out to server as a berm to divert water from town many years ago, follow the ditch 750' North'ly and look for a watercourse heading east'ly follow the north side of this drainage and about 1000' you join the single track.


The trail can be broken into sections. Portal to Lone Pine Camp Ground (NRT). Lone Pine Camp Ground to the Arch Trail (Movie Road) . Arch Trail Parking area to Town. Each section has rewards and vistas to photograph. Thanks Doug.

Fascinating! It sounds like an excellent lower elevation workout for the colder months (and lesser cold tolerant folks like me) Perhaps someday you might lead a secret In the Shadaows of the Giants Hike?

I would bee first on the list!

Bee

Sounds like you've got the makings for the next WPSMB Group Hike... When should we do it?

I second that, sounds like a great hike and/or run. Preferably in the cooler weather. When?

Hi I think the 23 of January do the hike in the Alabama's ,climbing in the hills afternoon or hit the Portal for some ice at the Portals fall , just some thoughts Thanks Doug

In!!

I'll put mouse's name down too, since she was hunting for a hike to do that weekend.

Doug,

A 15-mile downhill trail hike through the AH, if you're not pushing for speed, sounds great. If that's what you're thinking of, count me in.

I'm an old geezer who still regularly summits Mt. Baldy (when the trail is clear). I don't do ice, big snow, or technical stuff and I'm not as fast as I used to be. I don't want to be a drag on the group so if you're planning something for the A-list of the WPSBB let me know and I'll stay home on read the TR.

Thanks,
Burt

Hi Burt the way we do the hike's a snail could pass us, most times we have several groups and the rabbits start the food Please join the hike Thanks Doug

Sounds great! I'm in! (If it's all downhill should I bring roller blades?)

BW

Snail's pace sounds just right for hubby and I, as well as a chance to explore the 'bamas with the guide of all guides!!! Trying to talk my son into meeting us there, he'll have to drive down from Bay area. It's on our calendar.

Burt and Nan, I went on a group hike with Doug, Sr. a couple of months ago, and I could not emphasize it enough that Doug, Sr. led his group with the absolute highest level of kindness and consideration for everyone, and when darkness settled in, he took to the back of the larger combined group and was the last one off the mountain. Not to forget, added to the above mentioned compitency is enough mountain lore to fill three books and a movie!

If driving conditions were better this time of year (coming down from the North), I would be the first one on the sign-up sheet!

B