Bureau of Land Management California
Hikes abound and they are all worth exploring.
Words by Jennifer Leigh Hill
You may have never visited the Alabama Hills, but chances are likely you’ve seen pictures or footage of the area. The region has been the centre stage of more than 400 movies and TV series, which have been filmed here since the early 1920s. It’s also a popular RV destination for those visiting this region of the Golden State.
Located between the peaks of the stunning Sierra Nevada to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east, the unique rock formations are a result of tumultuous uplifting that occurred millions of years ago. Over time, these massive granite boulders were eroded by the elements. Today, there are countless rock outcroppings and unique arches that dominate the landscape, which are explored and photographed by countless visitors every year.
One of the best-known rock formations is Mobius Arch, accessible via the easy 1 km (.6 mi) Mobius Arch Loop Trail. The area - as well as the nearby community of Lone Pine that’s approximately 8 km (5 mi) to the east near Death Valley National Park - sits at an elevation of 1,136 m (3,727 ft) so snow is possible from late September to May. Not surprisingly, the town was named after a pine tree that stood alone at the mouth of the Lone Pine Canyon.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
Dispersed camping (boondocking) is designated through the area if you’re looking for some seclusion.
The story behind Alabama Hills is quite interesting and traces back to the Civil War. In 1864, a group of California miners were sympathetic to the Confederate’s cause and when they discovered gold in the area, they named the hills after a Confederate warship, the CSS Alabama, which was sunk off the coast of France by the Union man-of-war, the USS Kearsarge.
In a form of retaliation, those supporting the Union near Independence, CA, named a nearby mine, mountain pass, mountain peak and even a town after that ship. The mine is long gone and Kearsarge is now a ghost town.
Popular Attractions
To start exploring the area, visit the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce or the Museum of Western Film History to pick up the Movie Road Tour Brochure (it can also be downloaded at www.inyocountyvisitor.com). The map allows you to find the locations of where Gunga Din was filmed in the late 1930s or see the famous scene where the wagon from Hell Bent for Leather capsized into the ravine in 1960.
John Schnick
There’s no shortage to camp with your RV and many sites make for a great home base.
The area has also been in the spotlight for many movies and TV series including Django Unchained (2012), Iron Man (2008), and Godzilla (2014), to name just a few. Every fall on Columbus Day weekend, the museum hosts a four-day film festival that includes screenings of some of the greatest movies ever made. It consists of more than 30 guided tours of actual movie locations and the event is so popular that hotel rooms and campgrounds become fully booked.
If you want to save seeing famous movie locations for another day, birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and rock climbing are popular in the region as well. The best way to learn about all of your choices is by visiting the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center. This is where the more adventurous can obtain information about climbing Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous US with an elevation of 4,421 m (14,505 ft) or details on popular hikes such as the easy 3.0 km (2 mi) Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail near Death Valley or the moderate-rated 6 km (4 mi) Desolation Canyon Trail. Both are in Death Valley and worthwhile visiting.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
More rock formations with the Sierra Nevada in the background.
Boondock or Enjoy a Private Campground
Camping opportunities in the area are phenomenal. A portion of the Alabama Hills is designated for dispersed camping (e.g. no facilities, no fees) and be sure to visit www.blm.gov before planning your trip to determine exact locations.
There are also three RV parks to consider including Tuttle Creek Campground ($8 USD per site; 83 RV/tent sites; 9 m (30 ft) maximum length); Portuguese Joe Campground ($14 USD per site; 20 sites; 9 m (30 ft) maximum length); and Lone Pine Campground ($26 USD per site; 44 sites; 12 m (40 ft) maximum length). Once you’re settled in and darkness falls, the Eastern Sierra is incredible for stargazing and photography.
Lone Pine: A Rural Community in ‘Big Country’
The community of Lone Pine has many essential services as well as a number of excellent restaurants. Not only do they serve good food, but most are filled with movie memorabilia including photographs and autographs of famous actors and actresses who have dined in the area.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
These sculpted attractions are found throughout the area.
I would recommend the Alabama Hills Café and Bakery, which opens at 6 am and is popular for breakfast. I also enjoyed the burgers at Mt. Whitney restaurant for lunch and there are several choices for dinner. Perhaps try Seasons, which attracts the crowds for its prime steaks, or The Merry Go Round that serves Szechwan cuisine.
Lone Pine also has several accommodations. By far the most interesting is the historic Dow Villa Motel, which was built in the early 1920s to accommodate visiting movie stars, directors and producers. Like the local restaurants, it’s filled with movie memorabilia and reminiscent of Hollywood in its heyday.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to see the Manzanar National Historic Site.
Located on Hwy US-395, approximately 10 minutes from Lone Pine, the site honours the thousands of Japanese American citizens (and those Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship) who were forced and detained into internment camps during World War II. It showcases a variety of exhibits, including the famous white obelisk, known as the Soul Consoling Tower. It memorializes the Japanese Americans that were confined and those who died at the camp. A pilgrimage is held annually on the last Saturday of April that includes cultural performances, an interfaith service, speakers, and Ondo dancing.
Stephen Leonardi
The magnificent Mobius Arch.
Why Visit Lone Pine and The Alabama Hills?
When you think of California, you may envision its scenic coast and large cities. However, upon arriving in Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills region you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to a place that is reminiscent of the Wild West. In reality, however, the area is not only a relaxing destination for RVers but an exciting one that will enhance any trip while travelling through the Golden State.
Local Area Campgrounds
US Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
Portuguese Joe Campground
For location details visit: https://www.inyocounty.us/
Lone Pine Campground
For location details https://www.recreation.gov/
Tuttle Creek Campground
For location details visit www.blm.gov
More Resources When Visiting Alabama Hills and Lone Pine
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center
The intersection of US-395/CA-136 www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20698
Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
120 South Main St.
Manzanar National Historic Site
5001 Highway 395
Museum of Western Film History
701 S. Main St.