Alabama Hills: Where Geology Meets Hollywood
Explore the otherworldly landscape of the Alabama Hills, a geological wonder and iconic filming location nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada near Lone Pine, California.
The Alabama Hills, nestled near Lone Pine, California, offer a mesmerizing blend of rugged natural beauty and cinematic history. This unique landscape, characterized by rounded rock formations set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, has served as a backdrop for countless Westerns, sci-fi adventures, and commercials. Explore natural arches, hike among the boulders, and discover why filmmakers have flocked here for over a century. Whether you're a film buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking breathtaking scenery, the Alabama Hills promise an unforgettable experience. Remember to bring your camera to capture the golden light at sunrise or sunset, when the landscape truly comes alive. With its combination of geological wonders and Hollywood allure, the Alabama Hills provide a uniquely Californian experience.
A brief summary to Alabama Hills
- California, US
Local tips
- Obtain a free camping permit online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center if you plan to camp in designated campsites.
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid the midday heat.
- Check road conditions before your visit, as Whitney Portal Road may be closed, requiring an alternate route.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert environment can be harsh.
- Download a map of the area, as signage can be limited, especially on the side roads.
Getting There
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Driving
From Lone Pine, head west on Whitney Portal Road for approximately 2.7 miles. Then, turn right onto Movie Road, a graded dirt road suitable for most passenger vehicles. Continue on Movie Road to access various points of interest within the Alabama Hills. Be aware that some side roads may require 4-wheel drive. Parking is available at designated pullouts and trailheads. Note: Whitney Portal Road may be closed; use Lubken Canyon Road as an alternate route. Drive slowly and carefully on dirt roads.
Discover more about Alabama Hills
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alabama Hills
0.0 km
Explore the otherworldly landscape of the Alabama Hills, a geological wonder and iconic filming location nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada near Lone Pine, California.
Gravesite of the 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake Victims California Historical Landmark #507
2.9 km
Discover the poignant history of the 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake Victims at this historical landmark, set against the stunning backdrop of California's Sierra Nevada.
California Historical Landmark 752: Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace
19.8 km
Explore the Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace, a historical landmark that reveals California's mining legacy amidst stunning natural beauty.
Site of Putnam's Cabin (California Historical Landmark No. 223)
23.2 km
Explore Putnam's Cabin, a California Historical Landmark, and immerse yourself in the rich history of early settlers in Independence, California.
Mt Kaweah
35.1 km
Conquer Mount Kaweah, the Sierra Nevada's challenging giant, for unparalleled panoramic views and a true wilderness experience within Sequoia National Park.
Saline Valley Warm Springs
37.3 km
Experience the tranquility of Saline Valley Warm Springs in Death Valley National Park, a hidden gem with therapeutic hot springs and breathtaking desert views.
Kaweah Gap
40.7 km
Hike through the majestic Kaweah Gap in Sequoia National Park, a gateway to the High Sierra's remote beauty, offering challenging trails and unforgettable panoramic views.
Precipice Lake
41.6 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Precipice Lake in Sequoia National Park: a challenging High Sierra Trail hike to breathtaking alpine scenery and iconic Ansel Adams views.
Upper Monarch Lake
44.9 km
Hike to a stunning alpine lake in Sequoia National Park's Mineral King, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness, for an unforgettable Sierra Nevada experience.
Mineral King Valley
47.5 km
Discover Mineral King Valley: A remote alpine paradise in Sequoia National Park offering stunning scenery, challenging hikes, and a glimpse into California's mining history.
Grandstand
48.4 km
Explore the Grandstand in Death Valley National Park, where stunning geological formations meet breathtaking desert landscapes in a natural wonder.
Mineral King Ranger Station
48.9 km
Discover the rugged beauty of Sequoia's Mineral King Valley: a High Sierra escape offering challenging hikes, pristine alpine lakes, and a glimpse into California's mining and conservation history.
Tar Gap Trailhead
49.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sequoia National Park's Mineral King area from the Tar Gap Trailhead, offering access to alpine hikes and stunning wilderness vistas.
Cold Springs Campground
49.3 km
Escape to the serene heights of Sequoia National Park at Cold Springs Campground, a tent-only haven in Mineral King Valley offering stunning scenery and access to incredible hiking.
Eagle Lake
50.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Eagle Lake, a hidden gem in California perfect for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mobius Arch
2.3 km
Discover Mobius Arch in Alabama Hills: a natural window framing Mount Whitney, a photographer's dream, and a cinematic landscape.
Museum of Western Film History
3.6 km
Explore the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, California, and journey through the iconic legacy of Western cinema with captivating exhibits and memorabilia.
Eastern Sierra Visitor Center
5.3 km
Explore the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center for essential information and breathtaking landscapes in California's stunning natural beauty.
Eastern California Museum
23.3 km
Explore the rich history and culture of the Eastern Sierra at the Eastern California Museum in Independence, California.
Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
28.4 km
Discover the haunting allure of Cerro Gordo Ghost Town, a historic mining relic nestled in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra of California.
Golden Trout Wilderness
38.6 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Golden Trout Wilderness, a must-visit national forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
42.0 km
Explore Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: Home to towering trees, stunning landscapes, and rich wildlife in California's natural paradise.
Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness
43.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness, a nature preserve filled with towering sequoias, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife in California.
Inyo National Forest
45.7 km
Discover California's Eastern Sierra: Home to ancient forests, towering peaks, and pristine alpine lakes in a vast and varied landscape.
Lippincott Pass
46.5 km
Explore the breathtaking Lippincott Pass in Death Valley, California, where stunning desert landscapes and rugged terrain await adventurous travelers.
South Sierra Wilderness
47.4 km
Explore the rugged beauty of California's South Sierra Wilderness: hiking, fishing, and solitude await in this pristine natural escape.
Roaring River Falls
50.2 km
Explore Roaring River Falls: A Stunning Waterfall in California Perfect for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers.
Death Valley National Park Sign
51.1 km
Experience the breathtaking extremes of Death Valley National Park, a stunning landscape of deserts, mountains, and natural wonders in California.
Jennie Lakes Wilderness
51.3 km
Discover alpine beauty in Sequoia National Forest's Jennie Lakes Wilderness: hiking, camping, and stunning Sierra Nevada scenery await!
Cedar Grove Pack Station
54.2 km
Explore Kings Canyon National Park on horseback with guided trail rides and pack trips from Cedar Grove Pack Station. Open seasonally.
Essential places to dine
Lodgepole Campground
55.9 km
Experience the tranquility of Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park – where nature meets adventure in California's Sierra Nevada.
Stony Creek Lodge
66.3 km
Experience rustic charm at Stony Creek Lodge in Sequoia National Park - your perfect retreat into nature's breathtaking beauty.
Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins
67.5 km
Discover tranquility at Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins—your gateway to adventure in beautiful Three Rivers, California.
The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge
67.6 km
Discover the perfect blend of fine dining and cozy lodging at The Gateway Restaurant & Lodge near Sequoia National Park.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
69.6 km
Discover the serenity of Montecito Sequoia Lodge nestled in Sequoia National Park – your gateway to outdoor adventures and natural beauty.
Pierpoint Bar & Grill
70.6 km
Discover delicious grill cuisine at Pierpoint Bar & Grill in Springville – where every meal is an unforgettable experience.
River View Grill & Bar
73.7 km
Discover River View Grill & Bar in Three Rivers: A perfect blend of scenic views and delectable American cuisine awaits you!
Tony's Taverna On Wheels
73.8 km
Discover delicious Mediterranean flavors at Tony's Taverna On Wheels in Three Rivers – a must-visit culinary experience for every traveler.
Rio Sierra Riverhouse
74.1 km
Discover tranquility at Rio Sierra Riverhouse - your gateway to adventure near Sequoia National Park in Three Rivers, California.
Pupusas La Sabrosa Three Rivers
74.3 km
Discover the authentic flavors of El Salvador at Pupusas La Sabrosa in Three Rivers—where every dish tells a story.
Ol Buckaroo
74.4 km
Discover Ol Buckaroo: A delightful New American restaurant in Three Rivers offering unique flavors and unforgettable dining experiences.
Pizza Factory
75.5 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Pizza Factory in Three Rivers – savor delicious pizzas and authentic Italian cuisine near Sequoia National Park.
Casa Mendoza Mexican Restaurant
75.5 km
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine at Casa Mendoza in Three Rivers—where vibrant flavors meet stunning scenery.
Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant
76.5 km
Discover delicious American cuisine at Sequoia Cider Mill Restaurant in Three Rivers – perfect for families and nature lovers alike!
Lazy J Ranch Motel - Three Rivers, CA
77.7 km
Experience serene stays at Lazy J Ranch Motel in Three Rivers, CA - your gateway to Sequoia National Park's natural wonders.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lodgepole Market & Grill
56.3 km
Discover Lodgepole Market & Grill in Sequoia National Park for local snacks, delicious meals, and unique souvenirs amidst stunning natural beauty.
Totem Market & Gifts
69.0 km
Explore Totem Market & Gifts for unique souvenirs, gourmet snacks, and local brews in the heart of California's Sequoia region.
Reimers Candies & Gifts
73.5 km
Discover the sweet side of Three Rivers at Reimers Candies & Gifts, where artisanal treats and delightful gifts await every visitor.
Jerky This!
73.5 km
Discover a gourmet treasure trove of flavors at Jerky This! in Three Rivers, California, where artisanal jerky meets local charm.
Shell
74.4 km
Discover Sierra Drive in Three Rivers: Your go-to gas station with essential amenities, delicious meals, and a gateway to California's natural beauty.
Three Rivers Market
74.4 km
Discover the convenience of Three Rivers Market, your go-to grocery store in Three Rivers, California, offering local goods, snacks, and essentials for your adventures.
Sequoia Coffee Co.
74.4 km
Enjoy exceptional coffee and a cozy atmosphere at Sequoia Coffee Co., the perfect stop for nature lovers near Sequoia National Park.
Sequoia Souveniers
74.5 km
Explore Sequoia Souveniers for unique gifts and keepsakes that celebrate the beauty of California's Sierra Nevada region.
Gathered
74.5 km
Discover unique home goods and artisanal treasures at Gathered in Three Rivers, California - a true reflection of local craftsmanship.
Sierra Subs & Salad
74.5 km
Discover fresh, delicious sandwiches and salads at Sierra Subs & Salad, the perfect stop before your Sequoia National Park adventure.
Three Rivers Mercantile
75.2 km
Explore Three Rivers Mercantile, your go-to stop for home improvement, gardening essentials, and local charm in the heart of California's Sierra Nevada.
Village Market
75.5 km
Discover the Village Market in Three Rivers, CA – your go-to grocery store near Sequoia National Park, offering fresh produce, snacks, and local essentials.
Kaweah General Store
76.2 km
Experience the rustic charm of Kaweah General Store, your go-to spot for local groceries and essentials in Three Rivers, California.
Grant Grove Gift Shop
78.3 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at Grant Grove Gift Shop, your perfect stop in Sequoia National Park for memorable gifts.
Grant Grove Market
78.4 km
Discover the delightful Grant Grove Market, a grocery store nestled in Sequoia National Park, offering local snacks and essentials for every adventurer.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lake Canyon Ranch
62.9 km
Experience the serene beauty of Lake Canyon Ranch, a perfect bar retreat in Three Rivers, CA, surrounded by nature's splendor.
Panamint Springs Restaurant
64.0 km
Discover the charm of Panamint Springs Restaurant, where delicious food meets breathtaking desert views in the heart of California.
Serrano's Mexican Restaurant
75.5 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in Three Rivers, CA, where every dish tells a story.
