A Guide to the Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills, located in Lone Pine, California is a place like no other. Rock formations, unique arches, and the stunning peaks of the Sierra Nevada make the Alabama Hills a wondrous place to visit. Read on for our guide to visiting this scenic area.
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The Alabama Hills is a place you have to see for yourself. The intricate rocks framed by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada paired with the view of Mt. Whitney makes this place special. It feels untouched and secluded, kind of like you’re in the wilderness…or the middle of nowhere. However, it also feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
Location
The Alabama Hills isn’t too far from major cities-only about 3 hours from Los Angeles and 4 hours from Las Vegas. While it may seem desolate, the town of Lone Pine is minutes away and does have a gas station.
Where to Stay
Lone Pine doesn’t have the greatest places to stay, however, camping within the Alabama Hills is free. The hills are part of BLM land (Bureau of Land Management), so camping is allowed for up to 2 weeks. There are some things to keep in mind when camping on BLM land.
-Camp on hard surfaces or try to find a campsite that is already established.
-Watch for “no camping” zones, and be mindful of local fire regulations.
-Pack out whatever you pack in.
-As always, follow the Leave No Trace principles.
There are a few established campgrounds in the area as well with minimal fees.
If you’re not one for camping…
What to Wear
Depending on when you visit (time of year and time of day), it could be very cold or very hot. We would recommend dressing in layers and avoiding a visit during the summer months altogether. Hiking boots or a hiking shoe would be a good choice if you plan on exploring the trails or doing any rock scrambling.
Outfit Details: Lulu’s Hat (similar), Ottway the Label Rarebird Jacket, Lululemon Align Leggings, My Favorite Sorel Hiking Boots
Additional Tips for Visiting
We recommend downloading a map of the Alabama Hills on Google Maps, as cell reception is non-existent out there. There are a few porta potties scattered around, but there is no water. Make sure you bring a lot of water with you along with snacks if you plan on spending your day hiking and exploring.
Activities
In addition to camping and hiking, the Alabama Hills is a popular spot for rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Hiking in the Alabama Hills
Arch Loop Trail
A .6 mile easy loop that takes you past a couple different arches.
Mobius Arch
A well-known arch located along the Arch Loop Trail.
Shark Fin Loop
A 1.7 mile loop trail that takes you past the rock formation that closely resembles a shark fin. This trail is great for rock climbing and is often empty.
Movie Road
This famous road has appeared in many movies over the years and is one of the most scenic roads in the country. If you’re here to take the Insta-famous photo that made us want to visit the Alabama Hills, plug this into your GPS.
We hope you enjoy your trip! Exploring the Alabama Hills is quite the experience. Check out some more of our California adventures below!
10-Day California Road Trip
The Perfect Day in Yosemite National Park
Visiting Oceano Dunes
