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"Independence" by Ruby Garza in Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery

Independence is a tiny town along Hwy 395. Most people pass through without stopping because they have much bigger destinations to reach...Mammoth, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe...

My Friend's Mexican Bird of Paradise Plant 

 If not for a dear friend who lives in this quaint, quiet town, we never would have discovered it!

We've stayed at Winnedumah Hotel a few times and it continues to draw us back! I love it's historic charm. Spending a night or two here encourages you to slow down the journey. Celia and Frank Montoya continue to welcome guests. On the most recent trip, we discovered that Frank is quite a storyteller with treasure hunting adventures to share!

The lobby and dining room are quite comfortable and inviting. 

We opted to stay in the room John Wayne resided while filming nearby. Lots of cowboy actors made there way here since westerns and other movies were filmed in and around Alabama Hills.

A short walking distance from the hotel, you can step back in time walking around a garden dedicated to Mary DeDecker, an early botanist in the area or Mary Austin's home, author of The Land of Little Rain (1903). Once you've seen the town, there's plenty of great hiking trails including the John Muir Trail and other places to explore like Manzanar, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery all within a short driving distance.

Few of us have positive, lasting memories staying in chain motels. Staying at the Winnedumah Hotel with Celia and Frank is a memorable experience, indeed! Best wishes to you both! Look forward to returning in the future!



Click on photos to enlarge.
Content and photos by Robin Roberts.