Spring 2023 Road Trip to Alabama Hills, California
Do you enjoy this view? We definitely do! We went up a hill along a dusty road that split from the Movie Road, and there we discovered an incredible sight. It felt like something out of a dream, and even now, it still feels that way.Join us on an exhilarating road trip as we ventured into the captivating landscapes of Alabama Hills and Death Valley in May 2023. While our time was limited to just two nights and three days, the allure of these two destinations had us brimming with excitement. It was our first encounter with these natural wonders, and we couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in their beauty.
Here is some general information about Alabama Hills, California
Where does the name Alabama Hills come from?
Early settlers gave the name "Alabama Hills" to this area, inspired by the famed Confederate warship, the CSS Alabama, during the turbulent Civil War era.
Where is Alabama Hills located and how can I get there by car (from Las Vegas)?
To get to Alabama Hills, we took a straightforward route. We headed west on Route 190, which led us into Death Valley National Park. After driving for about 50 miles, we spotted a turnoff for Route 136, guiding us towards Lone Pine. We took that turn and continued driving for approximately 12 miles until we reached US-395.
At US-395, we made a right turn and continued north for around 3 miles. This brought us to Whitney Portal Road. We took a left onto Whitney Portal Road and drove for about 2 more miles until we finally reached the captivating Alabama Hills.
The entire drive from Las Vegas to Alabama Hills took us around 4 hours. Along the way, we were treated to breathtaking views of Death Valley's unique and mesmerizing landscape. It was a journey that allowed us to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded us at every turn.
Can I fly to Alabama Hills, CA?
If flying is more your style, you have the option to fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is conveniently situated just about an hour's drive north of Alabama Hills.
What is camping like in Alabama Hills, CA?
Nestled in California's Eastern Sierra region, Alabama Hills is a truly breathtaking area that caters to various camping preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of established campgrounds equipped with amenities like fire pits and toilets, or seek solitude in secluded spots through dispersed camping, this place has it all.
For more information about camping in Alabama Hills, be sure to visit these helpful sites:
BLM's official website for Alabama Hills
Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership's camping resources
What lodging options are there in Alabama Hills, CA?
If you're someone who prefers a bit more comfort during your stay, don't worry! There are a few hotels and vacation rentals available in the vicinity of Alabama Hills. And if you're willing to venture a few miles away, the town of Lone Pine has even more lodging options to choose from. So, whether you're seeking a cozy hotel or a comfortable vacation rental, you'll find suitable accommodations nearby to ensure a pleasant stay.
What activities are there to do in Alabama Hills, CA?
Visitors have the wonderful opportunity to explore the magnificent rock formations and arches in Alabama Hills, either on foot or by vehicle. For those who love hiking, there are incredible trails like the Mobius Arch Loop Trail and the Mt. Whitney Trail. These trails offer awe-inspiring views of Mount Whitney and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Rock climbing is another popular activity in Alabama Hills, catering to both beginners and experienced climbers. With a range of routes available, climbers of all skill levels can find their perfect challenge.
But that's not all! Visitors can also indulge in camping, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding amidst the natural beauty of this location.
Check out our experience in Alabama Hills, California
Finding a dispersed campsite on the first day was not too hard.
During our trip, we opted for dispersed camping and spent two nights at different sites. As you take a right on to the Movie Rd from the Whitney Portal Rd, there is the main dispersed camping area in Alabama Hills, There aren’t that many allowed campsites here so one should be diligent in getting here as early as possible, especially in the weekends. We drove around for a bit and were fortunate to find an unclaimed campsite without too much problem.
At first, we planned on staying at that spot for an extra day. However, we started feeling a little uneasy about leaving our gear unattended for a long time while we went hiking and exploring. Also, we figured we would come across plenty of other amazing campsites during our journey. So, we decided to pack up everything and leave early on the second day.
We're all ready for our first night of camping, although we had a little trouble setting up the awning. It was mainly because of the location, not because of the awning itself. The Neso Tent awning has been a fantastic addition to our camping gear.
Wow, check out those gigantic and uniquely shaped rock formations! They look absolutely wild and mind-boggling!Here are some of the surrounding views from our first campsite in Alabama Hills.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Adventurous spirit rewarded us with another great dispersed campsite for the second day
As luck would have it, our decision to explore for a new campsite turned out to be a fantastic one. We stumbled upon another remarkable location for our second night, situated closer to the mountains and at a higher elevation. This new spot offered a breathtaking panoramic view that stretched across Lone Pine and the surrounding areas. We padded ourselves on the back for this one.
Once again, we set up the awning for the day. This time, we were lucky to have the stunning Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains right behind us. It was an amazing sight to have them so close by.And here are some the surrounding views from our second campsite in Alabama Hills, California.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Hiking the Mobius Arch Loop was very enjoyable despite the hot weather
We hiked the Mobius Arch Loop, a beloved hiking trail renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and unique rock formations. The star of the show on this trail is the Mobius Arch, a natural arch that perfectly frames Mount Whitney during sunrise and sunset.
The trail itself is quite manageable, catering to hikers of all skill levels. It presents a fantastic opportunity for photographers, whether they are professionals or amateurs, to capture stunning shots along the way. However, due to the scorching weather, we were unable to complete the entire trail. Nonetheless, we cherished the chance to get up close to the stunning rock formations, vibrant wildflowers, and even catch a glimpse of some wildlife.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, it's essential to come prepared with the right gear. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. With these precautions in place, you'll be ready to embark on a memorable hiking adventure that showcases the natural wonders of this remarkable trail.
The famous Mobius Arch in the Mobius Arch Loop trail in Alabama Hills, California
Right by the Mobius Arch, you can find these incredible rock formations. It's always awe-inspiring to see them from such a close distance.
We spotted a caterpillar while hiking on the Mobius Arch Loop trail. This critter was quite large and moved surprisingly quickly 😲.And here are some wildflowers that we found on the Mobius Arch Loop trail.
Click on any photo below to see it in full size
Doing a scenic drive on the Movie Road is a must in Alabama Hills, CA
If you're a movie buff or simply appreciate the magic of film, then Movie Road in the Alabama Hills, California, is a must-visit destination. This renowned spot has been a favorite location for countless movie productions since the early 1900s, especially for Western films. It's fascinating to see how this area has played a role in bringing stories to life on the big screen.
One of the best ways to experience Movie Road is by taking a scenic drive. As you cruise along, you'll come across iconic filming locations that will transport you into the world of your favorite movies. Alternatively, you can explore the area on foot by following various hiking trails. This allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Alabama Hills and get a closer look at the rock formations that bear a resemblance to Joshua Tree (in my personal opinion), but with the added awe-inspiring presence of the Eastern Sierra mountain range.
Movie Road offers a unique blend of cinematic history and natural wonder, making it a truly special place to visit. Whether you're a film enthusiast or a nature lover, this destination will leave you in awe of its charm and picturesque landscapes.
What we did in the Town of Lone Pine
Getting groceries and other essentials
We visited the Lone Pine Market quite a few times, which you can find on E Mountain View St. It's conveniently located just a block away from Whitney Portal Rd. Now, I have to mention that the prices there were a bit higher than what we're used to, and the selection of items wasn't super extensive. But hey, it's a small town with a small market, so that's something to keep in mind.
Here's a funny story: On our second day, we actually ended up parking at the back of the store to watch an NBA playoff game. Surprisingly, the town had a pretty decent cell signal, so we were able to catch the game without any issues. It's just one of those random things that made our time here even more memorable.
Dining
On our second day, we decided to grab a late lunch at the Bonanza Mexican restaurant, which conveniently sits right across the street from the Lone Pine Market I mentioned earlier. Again, I have to admit that the prices at the restaurant were a bit on the higher side, but the food itself was pretty decent. Plus, the air conditioning inside was such a relief from the heat outside. It was a nice place to sit down, enjoy a meal, and take a break from our adventures.
Visiting the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center
On our way back home, we decided to stop by the visitor center. It was a well-maintained place where you can learn a whole bunch about the geography, history, culture, and wildlife of the region. It's definitely worth spending some time there and soaking up as much knowledge as possible. You might even want to visit as soon as you arrive to make the most of it.
Visiting Museum of Western Film History
We were in a hurry and ended up forgetting (ouch!) to visit the Museum of Film History in Alabama Hills. We've heard that it's a really interesting place, showcasing the incredible history of the film industry and its ties to this stunning region. We'll definitely make it a priority to visit on our next trip to Alabama Hills.
Running into other travelers with awesome rigs
Outside the visitor center in Lone Pine, California, we spotted an awesome Land Cruiser camper rig (see image below). It had a really cool design and caught our attention right away. We noticed that they had their website printed on the side of their vehicle, and it indicated that they were from Germany. It was exciting to see such a unique and stylish rig all the way from another country.
To sum it up, our visit to Alabama Hills, California was absolutely amazing. It was our first time there, and it exceeded all our expectations, leaving us wanting to return again and again. We've decided that we'll make it a tradition to go back every year. We highly recommend exploring this region and creating wonderful memories with your family as well. In our next blog post, I'll share our experiences driving through Death Valley on our way back home. Stay tuned! Thank you!