The Alabama Hills! Nope, they’re not in Alabama. They’re in California, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. And they’re the perfect place to find dispersed camping.
You’ve probably seen this view of the snow-capped Sierra before, because they’ve been featured in dozens of car commercials and at least 400 movies.
The rock formations in the foreground are called the Alabama Hills, and they’re one of the best places on the planet to car camp.
(Even better? Camping in the Alabama Hills is completely free!)
Where to Camp in the Alabama Hills
Most of the Alabama Hills are Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which means you’re free to camp almost anywhere.
There are dozens of campsites hidden among the rocks, most accessible by passenger car. The road is rough and unpaved, but passable unless there’s been a recent snow.
(If you have a 4WD, even better! You’ll be able to reach some of the more rugged sites.)
Use existing campsites, aka flat pullouts along the road, instead of disturbing any plant life with a brand new site. Many of the sites also have fire rings, which you’re free to use unless California is under a burn ban. (Check before you go!)
If you do camp in the Alabama Hills, be sure to Leave No Trace!
Things to Do in the Alabama Hills
- Practice your landscape and astrophotography
The Alabama Hills face Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Each morning at sunrise, the faces of the peaks light up with a glorious peach alpenglow. Don’t miss it!
Far from any major city, the Alabama Hills are also a great place to see the stars, even the Milky Way, on a clear night.
2. Hike to Mobius Arch
Mobius Arch is an easy, 0.6 mile “hike” (more like a walk) with a beautiful frame of Mount Whitney. It’s another great place for photography. (Be careful — it’s a scorcher in the summer!)
3. Explore more notable arches
Other notable arches in the Alabama Hills include:
– Boot Arch
– Lathe Arch
– Heart Arch
– Eye of the Alabama Hills
And then there’s Miss Alabama: not an arch, but a graffitied rock at the entrance to the Alabama Hills. You can’t miss her! (Please don’t add any more graffiti to the rocks — Miss Alabama has been there for decades.)
4. Drive or bike Movie Road
The BLM still issues 30-40 film permits a year for the Alabama Hills, especially along iconic movie road. Check out some of the 400+ movies filmed in the area —including Gladiator, Star Trek, and The Lone Ranger— and see if you can spot any scenes on your drive!
5. Drive or bike Whitney Portal Road
The Alabama Hills have the best view of Mount Whitney, but the paved Whitney Portal Road gives you the best view of Lone Pine and the Owens Valley below.
Drive all the way up to Whitney Portal, the starting point for climbing Mount Whitney, and grab a burger and souvenir at the Whitney Portal Store.
6. Hike to Lone Pine Lake
If you’re not quite ready to summit Mount Whitney, Lone Pine Lake is a beautiful option just 2 miles up the Mount Whitney Trail.
Warning, though: these 2 miles are steep!
If you’re hiking in summer, get an early start and bring at least 2 liters of water per person. In winter, Whitney Portal Road closes due to snow, so your best best for weather is spring or autumn.
7. Get breakfast at the Alabama Hills Cafe
After a sunrise photoshoot, you’ll be ready for an omelette, hash browns, and cinnamon roll at the local greasy spoon, the Alabama Hills Cafe. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of adventure.
Questions about camping in the Alabama Hills, or about car camping in general? Let me know below!
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