15 Nov Exploring Alabama Hills – One of the Most Beautiful Places in California
When I mention Alabama Hills, most people don’t know what I’m talking about. Not only is the name misleading, but it’s also not a super well known place. So don’t be fooled, this is not a detailed guide to some curvy landscapes in Alabama, but rather to one of the dopest places in California.
And as one of the most picturesque places on the west coast, I had looked forward to visiting Alabama Hills for quite some time. While it’s not a remarkably popular location like Yosemite or Joshua Tree, it is favorite to photographers. And it’s not difficult to understand why.
The rock formations known as the Alabama Hills shape a unique environment complimented by the Sierra Nevada mountain range towering beyond. During sunset and sunrise especially, the depth of the land is contoured through the light creating a pastel scene. Some truly breathtaking shots have been captured here, as well as some legendary cinematic scenes from Iron Man, Django Unchained, Gladiator, and other classics.
This epic landscape is one worth exploring at least once in your lifetime and could be the perfect stop to add to a California road trip itinerary.
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A Note Before Visiting Alabama Hills
Before venturing off to explore this desert wilderness, it’s extremely important that I stress that you respect the land. Desert environments are extremely fragile and the valley is also still home to indigenous people.
Make sure to follow leave no trace ethics and pack out all your trash. Also be sure to stay on designated roads and trails.
Planning Your own visit
Getting There
Alabama Hills sits in between Sequoia National Park and Death Valley in Lone Pine, California.
It’s about a 3 hour drive from LA and 5 hours from San Diego (depending on traffic of course). Once in Lone Pine, you will turn onto Whitney Portal road and follow it for about 2 miles. Then turn right onto Movie Road, this is the entrance to Alabama Hills.
Things to Do in Alabama Hills
1. Hike the Mobius Arch Loop Trail
This is actually not much of a hike, but rather an easy walk. The trail is only 0.6 miles and very easy for all skill levels (although not accessible to wheelchairs, unfortunately). But it’s not famous for the challenge but rather for the scenery. You’ll pass through unique rock structures, get up close to the desert environment and find the famous Mobius Arch.
I suggest doing this trail later in the day, before sunset. The way the light hits the landscape is absolutely stunning during that time.
2. Explore the rocks along designated roads
As mentioned previously, you don’t want to just go off-roading and exploring by foot on your own. But there are many scenic pull offs within the park where you can climb the rocks there to see the views beyond. The most popular one is at the entrance where the rock face is painted like a face.
3. Practice your photography
This is a photographer’s paradise. The depth of the land, the unique rock structures and backdrop of the mountain…it’s perfect whether you’re doing landscape photography or looking to take some cool portraits.
4. Stop at Movie Road’s iconic spot
This scene is probably the one that drove you to wanting to visit Alabama Hills, I know it was for me. This epic view should be your top priority when you visit in my opinion. It’s really just so breathtaking.
To get there, from the Alabama Hills entrance, follow Movie Road for about 2.3 miles. Make sure to track how far you’ve gone and check the map to make sure it corresponds with where you are (there are no signs). When you start to go uphill, this is it! Park in the designated area on the right and the view is the road you just drove on.
5. Do an Adventurous Outdoor Activity
Although I didn’t partake in these myself while there, horseback riding, mountain biking, and rock climbing are some of the adventurous activities you can do while in Alabama Hills.
6. Camp or have a picnic
Sit back and just enjoy the scenery. Tuttle Creek campground has 80 campsites for $8 each on a first come, first serve basis. Whether you camp overnight or just stop for a picnic during the day, make sure to only do so in designated areas and to leave no trace.
Looking for comfortable, supportive hiking boots?
I have some recommendations for you!
As an all-rounder affordable pair of hiking boots that will last, I recommend the Columbia Newton Ridge that are only $75 and have over 13k reviews on Amazon – I absolutely love these boots and wore them all through-out my USA road trip full of hiking and they still feel like new.
As a second option, I also love my pair of Adidas Terrex GoreTEX. This line is great if you’re looking for light weight boots (great if traveling internationally) that are tasteful and good quality. I wore these throughout all of my South America travels which included a LOT of trekking in Peru.
When to Visit
Alabama Hills is best enjoyed during Spring or Fall. During these times it’s not too hot and you can catch snow on the top of the Sierra’s.
I went at the very beginning of October and it was still very hot during the day, but enjoyable in the afternoon.
Where to Stay & For How Long
Camping:
Tuttle Creek campground has 80 sites for $8 each on a first come, first serve basis. If you decide to camp, make sure to only camp in designated areas, follow no trace laws, and have the proper gear & clothing (it can get chilly at night).
Airbnbs:
Lone Pine has many Airbnb’s ranging from about $70-150 on average. I didn’t stay in an Airbnb while visiting Alabama Hills, but only because my trip was too last minute and most were already booked. However, there are a few places that I would love to stay in next time. Like this tiny home or this modern cabin. And if I was traveling with a group of friend’s I would definitely book this large cabin among the rocks.
Hotels:
If you’re like I was, and are booking last minute, hotels might be your only option. Or perhaps you just prefer hotels. Either way, Lone Pine has a few. I stayed in the Quality Inn and it was comfortable and a good budget option.
How long should you stay in Lone Pine?
From the list of things to do in Alabama Hills that I provided, you might notice that most could be done within a day. And that’s correct. A trip to Alabama Hills does not need to be long, I would recommend staying a day and half. You really just need some time to explore, capture photos, and take in the scenery. Plus allow time to enjoy sunset or sunrise there, that’s key.
Things to Know Before Visiting & Tips
1. Food choices are limited in Lone Pine.
I suggest bringing some food from home not only for snacks in the car, but also while in Lone Pine. Additionally, if you have any food limitations, it would be a good idea to pack some meals for your stay. Food options are sub stops, American-classic restaurants, and pizza.
2. Bring plenty of water with you into Alabama Hills.
Depending on the time of day and season, it can be really, really hot in the park area. Make sure to bring plenty of water. The gas stations in Lone Pine sell the larger gallons.
3. Protect yourself from the sun.
Sunscreen is always a good idea, especially if out in the middle of the day.
4. Visit Alabama Hills for either sunrise or sunset.
This is when the lighting is perfect and you’ll get some amazing shots (I did sunset). Also around these times it’s much more enjoyable to explore because the sun is not directly above you so it’s not as hot.
5. The park is not marked well.
While there’s only one main road to follow within Alabama Hills, it branches off many times to campsites. I got pretty confused trying to find the scenic portion of Movie Road, and basically had to start over at the entrance and track how many miles I went to make sure I turned the right way.
Because it’s not marked well, having a map is helpful. There’s the Eastern Sierra visitor center in Lone Pine, but you can also download the map online before coming here.
6. Be prepared for dirt roads.
Many blogs recommend you have 4 wheel drive on these roads. That’s probably the best idea, but I went in my sister’s Honda civic and we were perfectly fine. It would probably be good if you know how to change a tire just in case though, you never know!
More About Alabama Hills
History & Science
I’m not a history or geology expert, but I was interested in this stuff regarding Alabama Hills when I visited. Afterall, travel is the best way to learn!
The Name Alabama Hills
I found this article interesting regarding the name of Alabama Hills. According to this article by LA Times, “It was named by Southern sympathizers in the Owens Valley after the Confederate warship Alabama had sunk the Union man-of-war Hatteras off the coast of Texas on Jan. 11, 1863.” I found that pretty shocking…but apparently several people are now working to rename it so that everyone feels welcome.
This article by National Geographic says this name change might be a chance for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe to tell their history and name it themselves.
Geology
To figure out how these rock formations even came to be, I wiki’ed that. Basically, there was an earthquake and these rocks eroded. But don’t quote me, read for yourself.
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