Historic Winnedumah Hotel in the Eastern Sierra to Reopen Summer 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Historic Winnedumah Hotel in the Eastern Sierra to Reopen Summer 2025 

Independence, CA – [June 2025] – A landmark of the Eastern Sierra, the historic Winnedumah Hotel in Independence, CA, is set to reopen this summer of 2025, marking its 100-year anniversary with a thoughtful restoration that blends past and present. Originally built in 1925 by Walter Dow as a retreat for members of the film industry, the Winnedumah Hotel has hosted Hollywood legends such as Roy Rogers and appeared in classic Western films like Under Western Stars, and remains the only historic hotel in the region to have retained its architectural integrity. The hotel’s repositioning takes inspiration from WPA-era National Park lodges, Shaker simplicity, and Japanese minimalism, reimagined through a rustic California lens, while carefully preserving its historic character and architectural details.

Nestled in the heart of the Owens Valley, the 24-room boutique hotel offers a one-of-a-kind stay at the convergence of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin. Positioned as the perfect base camp for adventure, Winnedumah Hotel is just over a three-hour drive from Los Angeles, conveniently located along Highway 395 en route to Mammoth Lakes. Its prime location makes it an ideal getaway for travelers exploring Mount Whitney and the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Sierra region.

The restored Winnedumah Hotel will blend historic charm with thoughtful design details, featuring 21 standard queen rooms and three suites. The “Grand Lobby”—with its 16-foot ceilings, native stone fireplace, and curated collection of Eastern Sierra literature and photography—sets the tone for a welcoming and immersive guest experience. The property also boasts an outdoor patio with sweeping views of Mount Williamson, a curated retail selection, and a dining room that doubles as a flexible meeting space. Guests will enjoy complimentary coffee and a limited food and beverage program focused on high-quality, local offerings, including grab-and-go healthy snacks, a breakfast granola and coffee bar, and a selection of regional wines, beers, and non-alcoholic spritzes.

Honoring its 100-year history, several original furnishings—such as writing desks, luggage racks, chairs and mirrors—have been carefully refinished, preserving the character of the landmark property. While the hotel’s footprint remains intimate, its central courtyard opens to stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, while the façade looks out toward the dramatic White Mountains.

“Our vision for Winnedumah is to create an authentic and immersive experience that honors the hotel’s rich history while offering a refined, design-forward stay for today’s travelers,” said Coty Hastie of Black Walnut Partners. “By thoughtfully weaving historic elements with contemporary design and collaborating with esteemed partners like Suay, In Common With, and DUSK, we’re excited to breathe new life into this storied landmark.”

Visit www.winnedumah.com to learn more.

About Black Walnut Partners 

Black Walnut Partners, the firm leading the revitalization of Winnedumah Hotel, specializes in acquiring and repositioning historic and unique lodging assets with a compelling story. As a private investment platform, the firm focuses on value-add hospitality projects, overseeing all aspects from investment and development to asset management. Its principals have led the development of over $200 million in traditional and experiential lodging projects across urban and destination markets.

News Staff