Alabama Hills
Explore an otherworldly landscape of unique rock formations and natural arches with dramatic views of Mt. Whitney.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Alabama Hills
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore an otherworldly landscape of unique rock formations and natural arches with dramatic views of Mt. Whitney.
"Truly an otherworldly vista and experience, Alabama Hills is a must-visit for its unique beauty."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Many dirt roads are rough; a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle helps explore deeper.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mobius Arch
Near Movie Road
The most famous natural arch, offering iconic framed views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Whitney Portal Road
West of Lone Pine
A scenic drive with stunning vistas of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S.
Unique Rock Formations
Throughout the area
Explore otherworldly granite boulders and arches, sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Navigating the Hills
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Many dirt roads are rough; a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle helps explore deeper.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes.
🏕️ Free Dispersed Camping
Camp almost anywhere on BLM land for free! Weekdays are best for securing spots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a desert environment; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
Many dirt roads are rough; a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle helps explore deeper.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes.
🏕️ Free Dispersed Camping
Camp almost anywhere on BLM land for free! Weekdays are best for securing spots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a desert environment; stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and scrambling over rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Alabama Hills' otherworldly beauty, unique rock formations, and stunning views of Mt. Whitney. The free dispersed camping and incredible stargazing are major highlights. Some find the lack of clear signage and difficult-to-access roads a minor drawback, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"On our way to Whitney Portal, we stopped by the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, located just a mile west of Lone Pine, California. The road is accessible by any car. The loop hike is only 0.75 miles but worth the drive. This time of year, the temperature in Southern California goes over 38C (above 100F), so morning or evening is the best time to visit it.
The Alabama Hills are known for their natural arches and beautiful granitic formations. Mt. Whitney and many other peaks in the Sierra Nevada provide a stunning backdrop to this high desert landscape. The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set between the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the geologically complex Inyo Mountains. Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting that occurred 100 million years ago.
The Alabama Hills is a great place for photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. If you are visiting that location, add it to your bucket list."
Galina
"One of the best public lands to explore, i took a short trip into Alabama Hills 05/11/23. Blooming flowers, bugs everywhere it wasn’t a problem. It’s best to visit on weekdays, you will get clear and stunning views of Mt. Whitney along side other high sierra peaks. Alabama Hills is managed by Bureau Of Land Management, permits are free for dispersed camping (you can camp pretty much anywhere here)"
Bradley Binder
"Any park that I visit three times is going to be absolutely amazing, and that includes Alabama hills. This is truly an otherworldly vista and experience. The hikes to find various arches will always include the discovery of interesting flora and fauna. There are porta potties at the day use areas. I visited mid-May and it does get into the '80s F during the day. Strangely most of the winds seem to be coming at night, out of the North. There were plenty of spots to be found for camping any given day of the week we were there. My last visit a year ago was mid-April and it was absolutely packed."
Harry Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Los Angeles, take US-395 North for about 3.5-4 hours. The turnoff for the Alabama Hills is just west of Lone Pine, California. You'll see signs for Movie Road.
The main roads like Movie Road are generally accessible by most cars, especially when dry. However, for deeper exploration and rougher terrain, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Many visitors drive Movie Road and stop at key points like Mobius Arch. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking or car camping overnight.
No, Alabama Hills is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is free to enter and explore. Dispersed camping permits are also free.
The closest town is Lone Pine, California, which offers amenities like lodging, restaurants, and gas stations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for Alabama Hills. It's a public land managed by the BLM and is free to visit.
Alabama Hills is open 24/7, year-round. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed and free on BLM land within the Alabama Hills. You can camp almost anywhere, but be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles.
There are porta-potties available at some day-use areas, but they are limited. It's best to be prepared and bring your own supplies.
Absolutely! A day trip is perfect for exploring the main arches and scenic viewpoints. Many visitors combine it with a visit to nearby Lone Pine or Whitney Portal.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Mobius Arch is a must for framed shots of Mt. Whitney. Other popular spots include the 'Cyclops' rock formation and various unique boulder clusters. Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting.
The Alabama Hills are composed of rounded hills and eroded granite boulders, formed by millions of years of fracturing, uplift, and weathering. They sit between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains.
Yes, Mt. Whitney and other Sierra Nevada peaks provide a stunning backdrop, especially when viewed through natural arches like Mobius Arch.
With minimal light pollution, Alabama Hills is an excellent location for astrophotography, offering clear views of the night sky.
You might spot lizards, various birds, and small desert mammals. During spring, wildflowers can also be abundant.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Mobius Arch is short and rewarding (about 0.75 miles roundtrip). Many visitors also enjoy exploring the various rock formations and scrambling opportunities throughout the area.
Yes, the unique rock formations make Alabama Hills a popular spot for bouldering and rock climbing.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change quickly. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential.
You can see the main highlights in a few hours, but to truly appreciate the landscape, camp overnight or spend a full day exploring.
While there aren't many official guided tours, local photography workshops or adventure guides may operate in the area. It's also easy to explore independently.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Alabama Hills itself. The nearest dining options are in Lone Pine, which offers various cafes and eateries.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash and practice Leave No Trace principles.
The closest place to buy groceries is in Lone Pine, where you'll find a supermarket. It's advisable to stock up before heading into the hills.
Potable water is not readily available within Alabama Hills. Bring all the water you'll need for drinking and cooking.
Lone Pine has several options, including diners and casual restaurants. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a bite after exploring the hills.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the desert environment can be harsh. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The interplay of light during sunrise and sunset creates stunning opportunities for capturing the Sierra Nevada mountains, especially when framed by natural arches like Mobius Arch. +1 Drone photography is also popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the vast, sculpted terrain. For the best shots and fewer crowds, plan your visit for weekdays and during the 'golden hours.' 🚗 Road Trippers & Adventure Seekers
The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, with opportunities for hiking, rock scrambling, and exploring off-road. Many visitors opt for car camping to fully immerse themselves in the landscape and enjoy the incredible stargazing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Filming Location History
The area's otherworldly appearance makes it a versatile setting for everything from alien planets to rugged frontier towns. Many visitors enjoy seeking out specific filming sites, though signage can be limited. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains some of the more popular spots. The accessibility and dramatic scenery continue to draw filmmakers and tourists alike, making it a significant cultural landmark in California.
Geology and Formation
The uplift of the Sierra Nevada, which occurred about 100 million years ago, played a significant role in shaping this region. Over time, erosion from wind, water, and temperature fluctuations has sculpted the granite into the unique formations seen today. This process of fracturing, uplift, and weathering has created over 100 natural rock arches within the Alabama Hills, making it a fascinating destination for geology enthusiasts and photographers.
The contrast between the smooth, rounded boulders and the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the distance creates a visually stunning and unique environment. Camping and Stargazing
The remote location and minimal light pollution make the Alabama Hills an exceptional spot for stargazing. On clear nights, the sky is filled with an incredible display of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way.
Many visitors choose to camp overnight specifically to witness the breathtaking night sky, often describing it as an otherworldly experience. It's recommended to check the weather forecast and be prepared for potential wind, especially at night. 
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