Alabama Hills National Scenic Area

Winding through the rugged and picturesque Alabama Hills, Movie Road is an iconic route that takes travelers through a cinematic landscape of weathered rock formations and stunning Sierra Nevada backdrops. Known for its role in classic Westerns and Hollywood blockbusters, this scenic backcountry drive offers breathtaking views, endless photo opportunities, and access to recognizable filming locations in movie history. Whether you're an overlander, a film buff, or a road trip adventurer, Movie Road is a must-visit destination for its blend of natural beauty and Hollywood magic.

Alabama Hills draws people from all over for the interesting views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the endless outdoor activities that can be found in this area. This loop, at one time, was known for world-class camping and now is a day-use only area. If you are looking for a spot to pop the sunshade for a day, relax or go for a hike, this is it. Please remember to pack out more than you packed in!

In the deserts of California sits an area famous for the overland crowds. Alabama Hills, a complex network of trails, is full of unique camping in Southern California. This trail, Moffat Ranch Road, is the back way in from the northside of the area. Even though this trail isn't as desirable as Movie Road, this is a great way to exit the area to get the full effect when visiting. So the next time you are exploring the area, don't forget to Moffat Ranch Road and make a day out of your trip.

In Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, California, there are several camping loops that many people use as a place to retreat from the city. These areas see many different people each year and leave lasting memories. This camping loop, in particular, is up in the narrow rocky canyon with a lot of privacy and epic views of Mt. Whitney. The road is unsuitable for RVs and would be best for 4x4's or vehicles with high ground clearance and good articulation. The best part of this canyon is that it was one of the locations where The Lone Ranger was filmed. Needless to say, if you go out there, you are going to have a fantastic time.

Secluded from the more popular region of Alabama Hills, the Boot Arch trail provides a few additional opportunities to explore the dirt roads in the area. Located shortly into the trail is its namesake, Boot Arch. There is a small pullout and a short hike to this small but unique arch. The trail to this point is very flat and easy.

Beyond the camping area, the trail splits into two forks and gets a bit rougher, requiring 4WD and high clearance to reach the ends, due to the rocky and rutty terrain. The northern spur is quite uneventful, aside from pure isolation. The southern spur guides users into the rock fins and truly makes you feel like you are on another planet. The end is a great location to take in the sights and enjoy a bite of lunch or a few minutes to yourself.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign.  Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site:

• 39: Relatively level, with room for 3-4 vehicles and ground tents. Site
• 40: About 30 yards off the trail to the north and is a bit more intimate, allowing for two smaller vehicles or one larger. Trailers and long-wheelbase trucks/vans may struggle to reach site 40 due to a few turns between some rocks and minimal room to turn around.

Hogback Ranch Road is a maintained dirt surface suitable for any vehicle. If travelling from the east and starting on Movie Road, it gains elevation until it finally leaves BLM-managed land and ends up in the Inyo National Forest, where you will get to witness pine trees! One campsite is directly on the road, which is not numbered on the BLM map, but signage indicates it's okay to camp there. The site is large and suitable for a group of vehicles looking to camp with one another.

About camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

This route in Movie Flats is directly off of the main Movie Road and is used to access a plethora of designated campsites. When seeing the iconic photos of people camped within the rounded sandstone structures with the jagged Sierra Nevadas in the background, this is most likely where those photos were taken. The entirety of this route is suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, but those towing trailers will need to proceed with caution as many sections are tight and narrow.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste.

Below is a brief description of each site, listed as if you were driving from the south to the north.

• 19: Is in the open next to the road. Can use a trailer if accessing from Movie Road nearest point.
• 20: Smallish and suitable for a rooftop, tent, or very small travel trailer.
• 21: Is directly on the edge of the road but suitable for a trailer if accessing directly from Movie Road nearest point.
• 22: Split the road so that you park on one side and tent on the other, or two rooftops can take up each side. It is guaranteed that others will drive directly through your site.
• 23: 4wd or high clearance is most likely needed. It provides a good amount of privacy and is only large enough for one vehicle and a tent or two rooftops. 
• 24: Sizeable and flat space good for up to four vehicles. 
• 25: Directly on the road edge. It is large but not exactly flat and provides a good view of the mountains.
• 26: This is a larger site, but not that level, but it does provide a bit more privacy than others in the area. 
• 27: Pull in suitable for a trailer but only if accessed from its nearest point to Movie Road.  
• 28: It is a large site, but all that flat. 
• 29: Right next to the road, which is small and great for a truck camper.
• 30: This is a pull-through large enough for two tents only, with a view and direct earshot of Movie Road. 

North of the famous Movie Flat is Contact Flat, a short out-and-back spur with four designated campsites. After the first campsite, high clearance and 4WD are needed due to a rocky, undulating surface. Just beyond the last campsite, the trail makes a large loop, providing users with the opportunity to view the incredible rock formations of the Alabama Hills and the towering Sierras and even take a hike along a few short trails connecting back to Movie Flat.

About camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign.  Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

About the campsites on this route:

• 34: Is a large and open site with easy access often used by vehicles pulling trailers. Beyond site 34, a small obstacle requiring high clearance limits the camping to vehicles with either small adventure trailers or self-contained set-ups.
• 35: It is literally on the edge of the trail and is rather small, but a nearby rock face provides a small amount of shade.
• 36: This large site is located a short distance off the trail and has incredible views to the west over the Sierras. Four to five vehicles should fit comfortably here.
• 37: Located right off the trail against a massive boulder, providing shade in the afternoon and evening and room for three to four rigs.

This particular route takes you toward the eastern edge of the Alabama Hills area and several designated campsites that offer more seclusion than you might find at other sites in the area. Be advised that driving to the end will require higher clearance and potentially 4WD if the trails are wet. Two sites along this road are well dispersed from the crowds.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site, listed as if you were driving from Movie Road:

• 16 and 17: Near porta-potty and accessed right from Movie Road.  
• 14: Large flat next to road backs up to rocks view of power poles.
• 15: Large and flat, hidden behind rocks. 
• 12: Flat and open and away from people. Great view of the Sierra Nevadas from camp.
• 13: This is the most secluded and large site in the area, but it's not all level. There is one small flat tent spot. If you are with a larger group, you must be able to level yourself.

Among the famous Movie Flats, this looping spur guides users beside two famous movie sets: the 1962 film How The West Was Won, which featured a long line of great actors, including John Wayne and James Stewart, and one of the settings for Gunga Din, a 1939 film featuring Cary Grant. This is a well-maintained and well-traveled trail, so just about any vehicle with decent clearance can drive it. Occasional ruts form after rain storms, but most are easily avoidable. Camping is not allowed, but there are many nearby designated sites on the east side of Movie Road.

Directly off of Movie Road, this route leads to impressive views of rounded sandstone structures and the jagged Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as three designated campsites. It is suitable for any passenger vehicle, but trailers must be cautious due to the tight nature of the trail's turns.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site, listed as if you were driving from Movie Road:

• 31: Moderately large for this area and suitable for trailers but not entirely level.
• 32: It is directly next to the road and provides a nice flat area to set up camp.
• 33: Good for trailer only if accessing directly from Movie Road.

Located south of Movie Flat, Horseshoe Meadows hosts 10 of the designated campsites allowed in the area. This spur is the furthest north along Horseshoe Flats and contains sites 9 and 10. The road to reach these sites is rather bumpy and rough, but nothing that a stock high clearance vehicle can't handle.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign.  Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site on this route:

• 9: is located on the eastern side of the trail, butted up against a large rock, with room for two vehicles and ground tents.
• 10: is just across the trail and is similar in size. Neither site is very protected from the sun or elements, and they are within earshot of each other, but they would make decent sites if the bulk of the Movie Flats sites were already taken.

The Alabama Hills area is filled with Western genre movie sites, and this route leads to where "Seven Men From Now" was filmed. The story can be summed up as "a rancher (Randolph Scott) hunts down those responsible for killing his wife during a Wells Fargo holdup." The film may be more exciting than the road, as any 2WD vehicle should have no problems driving it. This is a day-use-only area with no camping.

Sometimes, all you need is a little time to yourself. This short out-and-back spur provides just that! Located north of the popular Movie Flat, this easy dirt road leads to nothing except a little piece and quiet. Travelers should expect a few softball-sized embedded rocks, incredible views of the Sierras and the rock fins of Alamaba Hills, and a single trail all to themselves. Unfortunately, camping is not available along this abandoned road.

Knowing this alternate route will be valuable when movies or commercials are filmed on Movie Road. The route provides a great view of the Eastern Sierras and passes by dispersed camping site #11. Site 11 is large, flat, open, and suitable for trailers. If the roads have not been recently maintained, be advised of erosion ruts.

About camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Chicken Ranch is an out-and-back spur off of Moffat Ranch Road. It leads to dispersed campsites 41, 42, and 43 and the Chicken Ranch Mine. The views of the Eastern Sierras and the surrounding areas are rather good. Being out of the main area of Movie Flats, it's evident this road is not as traveled as much. The road does have a few erosion washouts, and anyone attempting to tow a long trailer beyond the first site may find it difficult; otherwise, any high clearance vehicle not towing will have no issues.

About camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site:

• 43: Good for a smaller trailer or two vehicles. Large enough to fit more, but only a small portion is level. It is a pull-through style site and does not have a tent pad.
• 44: Good for a small trailer or 2-3 vehicles. The bulk of the site is level with a view of the mine, but the site is right off of the road.
• 45: Best for vehicles and tents, two max. Not very level as a whole, and it is right off the road.

If you are camping on Chicken Ranch, you can't help but notice this mine structure. Little information is known about this particular location. However, nearby Lone Pine was the supply town for the more famous mines of Cerro Gordo, Swansea, and Kearsarge. If you plan on driving up, the road is mildly steep with loose rocks and room for only one vehicle to park at the top.

At the bottom along the washy area are old stone structures; if you look closely enough, one appears to be a fireplace, and there are also a couple of horizontal adits.

Once at the top, you're greeted by the rusting remains of an old mining operation set against the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains. The most striking feature is the massive gear-driven hoist system, once used to lower miners and haul ore from deep underground. Nearby, a weathered wooden headframe and an ore bin stand as silent reminders of the mine's heyday, when this region was rich with the pursuit of gold, silver, and tungsten. Scattered pieces of machinery and crumbling timbers hint at the intense labor that took place here, extracting valuable minerals that fueled California's mining boom.

Tucked away in the north Alabama Hills are designated campsites 41 and 42. Although not near the iconic movie sites along Movie Road, these two campsites offer a nice private camping experience while still being only a stone's throw away. The road surface to the first site (41) is easily managed by any vehicle, but to reach the second, the road is rough and rocky, requiring high clearance.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign.  Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

About the sites:

41: is easily accessed via a packed dirt trail, providing a small amount of flat ground for only 1-2 vehicles and ground tents.

42: Large trailers and long vehicles (RVs, Sprinter vans, or long-bed pickups) may find trouble reaching this site with its tighter S-bend in the rocks, and high clearance is recommended. The ground is fairly uneven, although there is a large plot of dirt to situate yourself and up to three other rigs.

Both sites have great views of the eastern Sierras and the rocks of the Alabama Hills.

This spur south of the main Alabama Hills Recreation Area leads to dispersed campsites 2-4. It is an out-and-back route suitable for any vehicle and smaller trailers. As you drive in, the impressive Eastern Sierras are clearly visible. Being out of the main areas of Movie Flats, anticipate less traffic.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

About the sites:

• 2: Is large and suitable for a trailer or a few vehicles. The ground is flat, and a large outcropping of sandstone will block the view to the north.
• 3: Just off the trail, the ground has sporadic rocks, and there is nearby vegetation. It is large enough for a vehicle with a trailer.
• 4: A small site at the end that can hold one vehicle with one tent. The ground is slightly slanted.

As you pull onto this spur road, a sign reads:

"GUNGA DIN" FILMED HERE"

IN 1938, THIS HILL AREA, AMONG MANY OTHERS IN THESE ALABAMA HILLS, SERVED AS A STAND-IN FOR THE HILL COUNTRY OF NORTHERN INDIA WHEN RKO MADE THE CLASSIC ADVENTURE FILM, 'GUNGA DIN,' ON LOCATION IN LONE PINE. HUNDREDS OF HORSEMEN RACED ACROSS THE HILLS AND ELABORATE SETS WERE BUILT HERE AND NEARBY WHILE THE CAST AND CREW LIVED FOR WEEKS IN A TENT CITY OFF MOVIE ROAD. DIRECTED BY GEORGE STEVENS, THE EPIC STARRED CARY GRANT, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS JR. VICTOR MCLAGLEN AND JOAN FONTAINE WITH SAM JAFFE AS GUNGA DIN, THE WATERBOY WHO WANTED SO MUCH TO BE A SOLDIER."

The drive starts with dropping into a short canyon with rougher dirt and erosion than the other surrounding roads. The road leads to the designated dispersed sites 7 and 8. Any high clearance vehicle can manage the erosion. Large C-class RVs should be avoided.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

About the sites:

7: Large site suitable for a few vehicles, but the ground is slightly slanted. Well separated from Horseshoe Meadows Road.

8: Large site suitable for a few vehicles, but the ground is slightly slanted. It has a decent separation from site 7, but being in the canyon, voices and sounds could reverberate.

Northwest Movie Flat Road leads to named rock climbing routes, specifically what is named "The Wall." It is an easy road suitable for any vehicle. It provides additional views of the famed Alabama Hills Area and Eastern Sierra Mountains, which will allow you to extend your trip by twenty minutes. It is a day-use-only area, so camping is not permitted.

This quick and easy trail is a short drive north of Movie Flat and leads to three of the designated campsites in the Alabama Hills. Located just off Hogback Road, sites 46, 47, and 48 offer peace and quiet away from the crowds. Although there are no major challenges, high clearance may be needed if passing storms cause the ruts to get much deeper.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign.  Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site on this route:

• 46: Quickly and easily accessed, but it is rather small and cannot accommodate trailers or more than two vehicles. A few small bumps further is site 47, a larger site within earshot of 46. This site can fit 2-3 rigs comfortably, with room to turn a small adventure-type trailer around. A quiet and small trickling creek may be heard just across the trail.
• 48: Another hundred or so yards down the trail, where users may encounter small ruts from recent storms. This site is large and exposed but provides plenty of flat ground for 3-4 vehicles and ground tents.

This quick out-and-back spur leads to the Alabama Hills Recreation Area designated sites 5-6. It is out of the central area and will be less busy, but the Eastern Sierras are so big that you will still have views of them from these sites. The road is suitable for any 2WD vehicle.

About the camping on this route:

All dispersed camping is designated to a specific site and requires a permit. A permit can be obtained online or at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center or kiosks located on Movie Road and the main entry point in Lone Pine. Permits need to be signed and displayed on your dashboard. 

The BLM has created a map showing the site numbers. However, those numbers are not used in the field, but each site is clearly marked with either a camping allowed or no camping allowed symbol on a clearly visible sign. Please be aware that all sites are first come, first served, and a permit does not guarantee you will find a site. Due to the area's popularity, it is best to arrive early. 

There are six portable restrooms throughout Alabama Hills. If you do not want to drive or walk to one, you must bring your own system to pack out human waste. 

Below is a brief description of each site:

• 5: It is spacious, flat, and suitable for a couple of vehicles with ground tents. However, it is directly on the side of the road.
• 6: It is spacious, flat on one half and slanted on the other, further from the road, and nestled up against large sandstone structures. Larger RVs or trailers could have problems accessing it.