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Mobius Arch: A Window to the Sierra Nevada

Discover Mobius Arch in Alabama Hills: a natural window framing Mount Whitney, a photographer's dream, and a cinematic landscape.

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Mobius Arch, a natural arch in California's Alabama Hills, frames stunning views of Mount Whitney and the Sierra Nevada. This easily accessible arch is a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the area's unique geology and cinematic history.

A brief summary to Mobius Arch

  • JV7F+CP, Lone Pine, California, US

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid the heat, especially during summer.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the trail is rocky.
  • Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as there is zero shade on the trail.
  • Be patient when taking photos, as Mobius Arch is a popular spot and you may have to wait your turn to get the perfect shot.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Lone Pine, take Highway 395 to Whitney Portal Road (at the town's only stoplight). Drive west for 2.5 miles and turn right onto Movie Road. After 1.5 miles, the road will split; continue to the right. The dirt parking lot for Mobius Arch will be immediately on your left. The road is a bit rough but suitable for most cars. Parking is free. From the parking lot, the Mobius Arch Loop Trail begins. There are no fees to visit Mobius Arch or the Alabama Hills.

  • Walking

    From the Mobius Arch parking area, the trailhead is located on the right end of the lot. Follow the Mobius Arch Loop Trail for a short, easy 0.6-mile hike to the arch. The trail is well-marked. The walk to the arch takes approximately 15 minutes. There are no fees to access the trail.

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Discover more about Mobius Arch

Mobius Arch, located in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area near Lone Pine, California, is a natural wonder sculpted by millennia of wind and erosion. This gracefully curved arch provides a unique window to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, most notably Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The Mobius Arch gets its name from its shape resembling a Möbius strip. The Alabama Hills themselves are a geological wonderland. The rounded, weathered rocks, composed of 82 to 85-million-year-old biotite monzogranite, stand in stark contrast to the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. This landscape results from spheroidal weathering, where layers of rock peel away due to physical and chemical processes, leaving behind the bulbous formations. The beige and black mottled coloring comes from the oxidation of iron minerals in the rock over millions of years. Beyond its geological significance, the Alabama Hills boast a rich cinematic history. Since the early 1920s, Hollywood has used this dramatic landscape as a backdrop for countless Westerns, science fiction films, and commercials. The Lone Ranger and Iron Man are among the many classics filmed nearby. The Mobius Arch Loop Trail is an easy 0.6-mile hike that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Alabama Hills. The trail winds through the boulder-strewn landscape, offering stunning views. Other natural arches, such as Heart Arch and Lathe Arch, can also be found along the trail.

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