[2024 Inyo County Attraction] Travel Guide for Alabama Hills (Updated Dec)
Mountains
Address:
California, USA
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 day
Phone:
+1 888-361-3731
A weekend at Alabama Hills, California
#magicalxmastrip #Alabamahills #usa
Looking for a quick escape with stunning views and adventure? Alabama Hills, just outside Lone Pine, California, offers the perfect weekend retreat!
Day 1: Arrive & Set Up Camp
Drive into Alabama Hills and set up camp in the free BLM-managed areas. Choose a spot with epic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If camping’s not your thing, you can stay at a nearby motel in Lone Pine.
Day 1 Afternoon: Explore & Snap Photos
Explore the famous Arch Rock and the Movie Road, where over 400 films were shot. Don’t miss the views of Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the U.S. Outside, you’ll find stunning rock formations perfect for climbing or just relaxing.
Day 1 Evening: Stargazing
As the sun sets, settle in for stargazing in the Dark Sky area. With minimal light pollution, this is one of the best places to see the Milky Way.
Day 2: Hike & Explore More
Start your morning with a hike on the Horseshoe Meadows Trail or take the more challenging Mount Whitney hike. Both offer incredible mountain views.
Day 2 Afternoon: Lone Pine Film Museum
Before you leave, visit the Lone Pine Film History Museum to learn about the Hollywood films shot in the area.
Wrap up your weekend with unforgettable views, history, and adventure—Alabama Hills is a hidden gem perfect for a quick getaway!
Siggy17
Your Ultimate Weekend Getaway to Alabama Hills, California
#northamericatrip
Looking for a quick and unforgettable weekend escape? Head to Alabama Hills, a stunning spot just outside of Lone Pine, California, nestled at the foot of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Whether you’re into epic photo ops, stargazing, or outdoor adventures, this is the perfect place to recharge and explore.
Day 1: Arrive & Set Up Camp
Start your weekend by driving into Alabama Hills—about 2 hours from the nearest major city, Bishop, California. This natural wonderland is known for its massive rock formations, perfect for climbing, hiking, or simply taking in the views. Camping is free (yay!) in the BLM-managed areas, so find a spot that gives you a front-row seat to the Sierra Nevada peaks and set up camp. If you’re not into camping, check into nearby motels in Lone Pine.
Day 1 Afternoon: Explore & Take Photos
After setting up camp, it’s time to explore the Arch Rock—a natural stone arch that’s perfect for photos! You can take a short walk through the rock formations to discover other cool geological features. Make sure to snap a shot at Movie Road, where over 400 films have been shot (including Western classics like Gunga Din). The views of Mount Whitney from here are just breathtaking, so get your camera ready!
Day 1 Evening: Stargazing
As the sun sets, the Alabama Hills sky turns into a canvas of brilliant colors. Settle in and enjoy stargazing in the Dark Sky area—this is one of the best spots for it. You’ll get an incredible view of the Milky Way and the star-studded sky. Bring a blanket, lay back, and let the universe do its magic.
Day 2: Hike & Explore More
Wake up early and hit the Horseshoe Meadows Trail or Lone Pine Lake trail for an easy-to-moderate hike, offering fantastic views of the Alabama Hills and the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling more adventurous, tackle Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. (but be warned, it’s a full day of hiking, so pack plenty of snacks and water).
Day 2 Afternoon: Visit the Lone Pine Film Museum
Before you leave, make sure to check out the Lone Pine Film History Museum, where you can learn all about the history of Alabama Hills and its role in Hollywood film history. The museum showcases memorabilia from the many movies filmed in the area, adding an extra bit of magic to your adventure.
Head Home with Memories
After a weekend full of stunning landscapes, fun hikes, and a dash of Hollywood history, you’ll be heading home with memories (and photos) that’ll last a lifetime. Alabama Hills is a hidden gem that packs a lot of punch into a short weekend trip!
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience one of California’s most unique outdoor destinations!
#northamericatrip
Tucked at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Eastern California, the Alabama Hills is a stunning and unique landscape that beckons adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Known for its striking rock formations, expansive desert scenery, and panoramic mountain views, the Alabama Hills offer a rare combination of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
The Alabama Hills are perhaps best known for their iconic rock arches and boulders, which have been featured in countless movies and TV shows, earning them the nickname “Hollywood’s Backyard.” The most famous formation, Mobius Arch, offers a perfect framing of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. It’s a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light creates dramatic shadows and colors across the landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the Alabama Hills. Hiking and rock climbing are top activities, with trails like the Alabama Hills Trail providing easy access to some of the area’s most iconic formations. For more adventurous climbers, the towering boulders offer ample opportunities for scrambling and bouldering.
Camping in the area is a treat, with dispersed campsites available for those who want to enjoy the quiet desert nights under the stars. The Alabama Hills are a short drive from the town of Lone Pine, making it easy to combine a day of exploration with a visit to the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center. Whether you’re exploring, hiking, or simply soaking in the views, the Alabama Hills offer a spectacular, one-of-a-kind experience.
Siggy17
alabama hills
#USATravel
Alabama Hills is a picturesque natural area located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The area features unique sandstone and granite rock formations with strange and majestic shapes, along with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountain peaks. The area is a popular destination for campers and photographers who come to explore this incredible landscape and interact with the wild beauty of nature.