Alabama Hills - Movie Road (0.99 miles away)
Lone Pine, California
Contact Flat Sites 34-37
Scout Route
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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.
