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Alabama Hills

A Californian landscape of film and beauty. This natural masterpiece, sculpted from the same geologic forces that raised the towering Sierra Nevada, offers an escape to nature enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

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Photo @bryandmert

Your guide to Alabama Hills

Journey through the storied landscape of the Alabama Hills, where nature's artistry and Hollywood's history intertwine beneath the boundless California sky. This is the backdrop to numerous westerns and modern day films.

Take a Tour
A starry night sky with the Milky Way visible through a natural rock arch formation in Bishop, California, nestled in the Eastern Sierra. visit bishop
Photo @genebrawn

Discover the wild and unusual backdrop of Alabama Hills

Highlights

  • The Alabama Hills, a fascinating landscape that has shaped the narratives of adventure and exploration and defined the visual lexicon of American cinema for more than 100‑years.
  • On the road to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States at an elevation of 14,505‑feet.
  • Outdoor enthusiasts’ playground, enjoy camping, climbing, biking, hiking, birding, photography, auto touring and so much more among the hills’ unique geological formations.
  • Camp under stars and see and photograph the Milky Way on a moonless night.

Resources

Explore the Alabama Hills

Nestled between the extremes of Death Valley and the grandeur of Yosemite is a place where rugged beauty meets Hollywood history. Welcome to the Alabama Hills. This natural masterpiece, sculpted from the same geologic forces that raised the towering Sierra Nevada, offers an escape to nature enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

In 2019, this mesmerizing tableau earned its rightful status as a National Scenic Area, highlighting its cultural and natural significance. The rolling hills of sculpted rock provide a backdrop to a suite of outdoor activities where you can trace the footsteps of movie legends on historic film sites, challenge yourself with rock climbing, bike along dusty trails, or capture the sun setting through the graceful curve of Mobius Arch.

These rock formations come alive in the golden hues of sunrise or sunset, casting an otherworldly glow that captures the heart of any onlooker. Wander through this labyrinth where reality mingles with the surreal on a tapestry woven by time itself. The region not only serves as a geological curiosity but also an inspiration for avid geologists who study the intricate dance of nature’s forces that crafted this spellbinding landscape.

Your visit aligns with contemporary conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rugged splendor of the Alabama Hills. With each turn of the winding dirt roads, discover a world where the beauty of California’s wild spaces pervades each view, and the legacy of silver-screen icons endures in the silent rocks.

Brochure cover for Alabama Hills Recreation Area with rock formations and distant mountains, features two hikers. visit bishopThe Essence

Scenic Wonderland

The Alabama Hills offer a distinct mix of natural beauty and cinematic history between Yosemite and Death Valley.

Cinematic History

The natural rugged beauty of these hills have provided the perfect canvas for cinematic tales, especially Westerns, for over 100-years.

Geological Significance

Visitors can explore an ancient geologic wonder that offers insights into the earth’s dynamic history.

Diverse Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, climbing, biking, hiking, birding, photography, auto touring and so much more among the hills’ unique geological formations.

Protected Area

The designation as a National Scenic Area underlines the significance and encourages the preservation of the land.

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