The Manzanar Visitor Center is open Friday to Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and it is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and December 25th.
There is no entrance fee to visit Manzanar National Historic Site. Admission is free year-round.
From Lone Pine, take Highway 395 north for 9 miles to reach this poignant historic site, immersed in the stark beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
The parking lot at Manzanar National Historic Site has five accessible parking spaces, including two van-accessible spots. It is located near the Visitor Center. There are no specific designations for RVs or motorcycles, and parking is free. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Tucked away in California’s Owens Valley, at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, lies the Manzanar National Historic Site, a place where history and nature converge in a poignant tapestry. This site, once the Manzanar War Relocation Center, is a somber reminder of the incarceration of over 10,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
The landscape here is striking, with the Sierra Nevada’s rugged beauty serving as a backdrop to the vast, arid expanse of the Owens Valley. The site itself spans 814 acres, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who were confined here. The stark white obelisk in the Manzanar cemetery, inscribed with characters meaning “soul consoling tower,” stands as a poignant memorial.
While there are no lakes or hiking trails in the traditional sense, the site is rich in historical significance and natural beauty. The surrounding area is home to early Owens Valley Paiute settlements and the remnants of 19th-century homesteading miners and ranchers. Seasonal changes bring subtle shifts in the desert landscape, from the blooming of desert wildflowers in spring to the golden hues of autumn.
Each year, the Manzanar Committee organizes an annual pilgrimage to the site, a powerful event of healing and remembrance. For travelers, this is an opportunity to delve into a chapter of American history that is both heartbreaking and enlightening. Nearby, the charming towns of Independence and Lone Pine offer a glimpse into rural California life, complete with artisan shops and local eateries.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider visiting during one of the annual events or taking a guided tour led by park rangers. The site’s interpretive center provides a detailed look at the lives of the interned, while the surrounding landscape invites contemplation and reflection. This is a place where the past and present intertwine, offering a unique and profoundly moving experience for those who seek to understand and honor the history that has shaped America.
- Area (mi²)
- 1.3
- Annual visitors
- 80 000
- Established year
- 1992
Top 3 Facts about Manzanar National Historic Site
The site preserves a Buddhist cemetery and remnants of orchards, with a 3.2-mile loop trail allowing visitors to explore the historical structures and landscapes, including two reconstructed barracks and a mess hall with a large-scale model crafted by former internees.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, sagebrush, saltbush, and rabbitbrush dominate the desertscrub, while creosote bush thrives in the southern reaches. The intermittent Bairs Creek, flowing from the Sierra Nevada, supports a diverse array of life, including reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for the elusive side-blotched lizard and the Great Basin spadefoot toad, which emerge on warm, rainy nights. This unique ecosystem, a transition zone between the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts, offers a rare glimpse into the resilient natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this site sprawls across an easterly sloping alluvial fan, just 5 miles east of the Sierra Nevada Front escarpment. The landscape is dominated by Holocene alluvium, with temperatures soaring above 100°F in summer and dropping to around 40°F in winter. The arid Owens Valley receives barely five inches of annual precipitation, accentuating the harsh yet majestic beauty of this high-desert terrain.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demons
- Scavenger Hunts.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Start at the visitor center, then take the self-guided driving tour. Plan for a half-day to full day, wearing comfortable shoes for walking. Bring water and snacks, as options are limited. Attend the annual Pilgrimage event for a deeper experience.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for extreme temperature swings, sturdy hiking boots, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and ample water. Bring a first-aid kit and GPS for longer stays. Check the season for specific gear needs.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the arid landscape by staying on designated paths, avoiding disturbance of native flora, and bringing ample water to minimize waste. Be mindful of extreme temperatures and seasonal wildlife habitats. Leave the area as you found it, taking all trash with you.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water, and check weather and fire alerts. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 760-878-2194. Be informed, stay safe.
Seasons
In spring, from March to May, with mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and clear skies, experience the poignant history through interactive exhibits and a self-guided driving tour. Attend the annual Pilgrimage event in April to honor the past. Ideal time for outdoor reflection and historical immersion.
Visit in summer for the 56th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage in April, with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F. Hot and dry, but rich in history and cultural performances. Ideal for immersive outdoor exploration.
Visit in fall, when crisp temperatures (50s-70s°F) and clear skies enhance the somber beauty. Attend the annual Manzanar Pilgrimage in April, though fall visits avoid crowds. Reflect on history amidst golden landscapes and serene gardens. Ideal for a contemplative autumn getaway.
Visit from November to March for a serene winter experience. Temperatures range from mild to chilly, with occasional snow and strong winds. Wear warm layers and sturdy footwear to explore the historic site’s tranquil landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Manzanar National Historic Site has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Manzanar is Lone Pine, which is located about 10 miles to the south. Manzanar is also near the town of Independence to the north, in California’s Owens Valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Dogs are allowed in most external areas, including the Block 14 exhibits and along paved roads, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not permitted in the visitor center, the cemetery, or other buildings. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
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There is no entrance fee or parking fee to visit the site. You can park your vehicle, including campers, trailers, or motorhomes, without any additional cost.
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Manzanar was an internment camp that operated from March 1942 to November 1945, located in California’s Owens Valley, where over 10,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated following President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066. The first inmates arrived on March 21, 1942, to prepare the camp, and by 1945, the camp was closed with the last inmate leaving on November 21, 1945. It is now a National Historic Site, established in 1992, to preserve the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.