ABOUT WINNEDUMAH HOTEL

Nestled in the heart of California’s Owens Valley, beneath the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains, Winnedumah Hotel offers a reimagined Western retreat. This iconic landmark, built in 1925, has long been a sanctuary for adventurers, naturalists, filmmakers, and photographers drawn to the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Once a backdrop for classic Western films like Under the Western Sky and a haven for Old Hollywood legends like Roy Rogers, Winnedumah Hotel continues to inspire those seeking both adventure and tranquility. 

Thoughtfully restored to honor its storied past, Winnedumah Hotel combines timeless craftsmanship with modern comforts. Harmonized woodwork, curated vintage décor, and custom-made amenities reflect the hotel’s deep connection to the land and its rich history. Every design detail evokes the beauty of the surrounding terrain, and the result is a refined atmosphere that captures the grandeur and intimacy of the American West. 

With twenty-four rooms, including three suites, Winnedumah invites guests to immerse themselves in the landscape. The central courtyard offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, while the façade faces the dramatic White Mountains. The hotel’s location makes it the perfect base camp for exploring Mount Whitney, Alabama Hills, and the otherworldly beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Whether hiking, fishing, climbing, or simply relaxing in the quiet beauty of this historic valley, Winnedumah Hotel is an ideal setting for those seeking a deeper connection to nature, history, and the spirit of adventure. 

Winnedumah, a Paiute Indian rock monument 80-feet high, east side of Owens Valley, California, ca.1900
Courtesy of University of Southern California Libraries and California Historical Society. Digitally reproduced by the USC Digital Library.

LEGEND

Long ago, in what is now known as Owens Valley, two tribes—the Paiutes and the Waucobas—lived on opposite sides of the valley. After the Great Spirit sent a terrible earthquake that shook the mountains for days, the tribes were at war. One day, a Waucoba warrior, watching from the peak of Mt. Williamson, spotted two Paiute brothers climbing the Inyo Range. With a single shot from his bow, he struck one of the brothers, whose body turned to stone, lying across the crest of the mountain. The surviving brother fled, but the warrior called out “Winnedumah!” meaning “Stay right where you are,” and the fleeing brother also became a stone, forever waiting to be released by the Great Spirit. This stone, which remains visible from the hotel’s front porch, is the Paiute Monument, known as Winnedumah. 

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