Alabama Hills : The Coolest Place You’ve Never Heard Of

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The Alabama Hills : The Coolest Place You’ve Never Heard Of *

Spoiler Alert – It is not in Alabama

When we were planning our Summer 2013 National Parks Road Trip, some adventurous cousins told us about a place we had never heard of: The Alabama Hills.  You would be wrong to assume that this place is anywhere near Alabama.  It is actually in California.  I know that we are not the only ones who had never heard of this place, because everyone who has heard us talk about it has said “wow, I didn’t know you went to Alabama.”  So you see my point.  After seeing the cousins’ photos, we knew this was a place we needed to see for ourselves, and we are so glad that we did.  Seriously one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.

Sierra Nevadas – On our way to Alabama Hills, CA

 

We were driving from Mammoth Lakes, CA to Death Valley National Park, and Alabama Hills was a perfect pit-stop along the way. It is in or near Lone Pine, CA.  Apparently more than 400 movies have been filmed around here because it is just so visually amazing. Hard to imagine that we hadn’t heard of it, but I will also admit that I haven’t seen Gunga Din or How the West Was Won, which were among the 400 movies. I’m not sure if this warrants shame or not, like the way I also have not seen The Godfather (which was not one of the 400).

We drove around to some different sites, and got out to hike in a few places.

A lone cactus in The Alabama Hills

This is one of the spots where some of the films were made

 

Mobius Arch –  A Hike to My Favorite View

One of my favorite views in all of the world (that I have seen so far) is this one.  And those who got one of our Christmas cards (you’re welcome) will recognize it & now be able to put it in context.  The arch has a perfect view of Mt. Whitney right through it. Here are the official directions for how to get to the Mobius Arch Loop Trail:

  • Take Hwy 395 to Lone Pine.
  • Turn west (at the stop light) onto Whitney Portal Road, drive 2.5 miles to Movie Road, turn right.
  • After 1.5 miles you will come to a “Y” in the road.
  • Go right and pull into the dirt parking area immediately on your left.
  • You will see markers on both on the left and right sides of this parking area. You can begin your arch walk at either trail head.
The loop hike takes approximately 20 minutes roundtrip.  There are some hills, but it is not too rough.  Two little kids were able to do this.

 

Alabama Hills Mobius Arch with Mt. Whitney view

* if you’ve heard of Alabama Hills and you are from the East Coast, 10 points for you.  If you are from California, you should go there right now.