Tucked between the Owens Valley and the towering Eastern Sierra, these hills are a dream destination for photographers, campers, climbers, and road trippers. This BLM-managed recreation area is famous for its stunning granite rock formations, wide-open desert scenery, and front-row views of Mount Whitney—the tallest mountain in the contiguous U.S. It’s also one of California’s most accessible and scenic backcountry landscapes.

What Makes Alabama Hills Special

• Iconic Rock Formations
  The area is filled with unique, rounded granite boulders sculpted by time and erosion—Mobius Arch being the most famous of them all. It perfectly frames Mount Whitney and is a must-visit at sunrise. Other arches include Lathe Arch, Eye of Alabama, and Boot Arch, all within easy walking distance.

• Movie History
  Dozens of classic Westerns and films like Gladiator, Iron Man, and Django Unchained were shot here. The Movie Road, the most popular drive through the hills, offers cinematic views and leads to filming locations marked by informational signs.

• Adventure Access
  Alabama Hills is also a gateway to the Sierra Nevada, especially for hikers aiming to summit Mount Whitney or explore nearby trails in Inyo National Forest. There's also world-class bouldering and scrambling for climbers of all skill levels.

Access & Navigation

• Main Access Road: Turn off Highway 395 just north of Lone Pine onto Whitney Portal Road, then left onto Movie Road. The dirt road is usually passable by any vehicle, though high clearance is helpful for some of the rougher spurs.

• Mobius Arch Trailhead Coordinates:
  36.6062°N, 118.1129°W

Camping Info

Alabama Hills is home to some of the most scenic dispersed camping in the country, with no fees or reservations required. Campers can choose from dozens of pull-off spots scattered across the landscape. There are no facilities, so you'll need to pack in/out all waste, bring your own water, and follow Leave No Trace practices.

Camping Tips:

• Camp only in pre-disturbed sites (usually marked by rock fire rings)

• No fires unless fire restrictions are lifted — check current conditions with the Bishop BLM office

• RVs and trailers are welcome, though the road can get narrow and rocky in spots

• Quiet hours and respectful camping are expected — this is a shared natural space

Pet Friendly

Alabama Hills is very dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed off-leash in most of the area, though you’ll want to keep them under voice control. The terrain is mostly rocky and open, so make sure to bring water for your pup and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring and Fall offer the best weather—clear skies and mild temps.

• Winter brings snow to the Sierras, which makes for stunning backdrops, though nights get cold.

• Summer can be brutally hot during the day, but it's still great for stargazing and early-morning photography.

Don’t Miss

• Sunrise at Mobius Arch – frame Mount Whitney through the arch for a classic shot

• Stargazing – low light pollution means spectacular night skies

• Sunset on the Sierras – the mountains turn pink and gold as the sun sets behind you

• Movie Road Drive – short and scenic, with multiple pull-offs and trails to explore