Trekking through California’s Alabama Hills in September: An Extraordinary Adventure!
Hiking the Alabama Hills in California in September is a great experience. The daytime temperatures cool down to the comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) after the hot summer. The weather is clearer and cooler, and there are fewer people around, making it a perfect time to see the famous granite arches and movie-like landscapes near Mount Whitney. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
Full Itinerary: Road Trip Details
September 21-23
- Mammoth Lakes: Explore 5 amazing Lakes, kayaking and more
- June Lake: Dubbed the "Switzerland of California"
- Mono Lake: One of the oldest lakes in North America
- Ancient Bristlecone Forest: Home of the World's Oldest Living Tree
September 24-25
- Inyo County: Desert Sightings and Iconic Hollywood Location
- Desert Hike in Alabama Hills: Discover Stunning Rock Formations
- Make sure to Prepare Your Car for an Epic Adventure!
Where to Stay
- September 23-25
- Check-in: Bristlecone Motel
- Address: 101 North Main Street, Big Pine, CA 93513
- 3 days 2 nights: 235 USD
It's not the best place, but it's very convenient. It's great for a night's stay, and it’s not too far from the hiking sights. There aren't many other options in the area either.
How to Get There
- Alabama Hills National Scenic Area
- Address: Whitney Portal Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545
The Alabama Hills National Scenic Area has been the backdrop for popular Hollywood films of the past, including Gunga Din, The Tall T, and How the West Was Won. Although unfamiliar with these films, the thought of such a unique location heightened my curiosity. We were seeking a glimpse of the iconic Mt. Whitney, and this scenic area proved to be the perfect location. The landscape features a striking desert panorama, with snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Whitney in the distance.
Essential Tips for a Safe Desert Hike
- Top: Wear long-sleeved shirts for maximum skin protection: We recommend UPF 50+ Sun Protection Women's Long Sleeve and Men's Long Sleeve.
- Bottoms: Opt for long pants for added safety. Consider Women's Hiking Pants and Men's Convertible Hiking Pants.
- Shoes: Sturdy boots are essential for comfort and safety; we proudly recommend our Columbia Men's and Columbia Women's Hiking Boots
- Socks: Pair your boots with quality socks like Drymax Hiking Socks and Darn Tough Hiking Socks.
- Sunscreen: Apply generously to protect your skin from the harsh sun.
- Water: Bring at least one gallon per person, as the desert air can dehydrate you quickly. We recommend using a Nalgene Water Bottle because they are lightweight. If you have kids, a Splash Guard and a Reusable Straw also come in handy.
- Sun Protection: Wear a Moisture-wicking hat ( Men's Hats and Women's Hats) and Polarized Hiking Sunglasses for eye protection.
- First Aid Kit: Always carry a first aid kit for outdoor safety.
- Emergency Gear: Pack Flashlights and a Whistle for emergencies. A Carabiner is useful for keeping your essentials secure. Discover More: Hiking Gear We Use
Toddler Hiking Essentials
- Kids Hiking Top: Our little one is wearing a rash guard for hiking. It's lightweight, stretchy, and has UPF 50+ sun protection to help protect his skin from the sun on open trails.
- Toddler Hiking Shoes: Our little adventurer loves his hiking shoes, it has been a lifesaver for our little adventurer. These shoes have provided great ankle support, allowing our child to hop and play freely during our hikes.
- Discover more: Toddler Hiking Gear and Snack Ideas
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure! Discover some of the most stunning natural wonders and cinematic landscapes of Alabama Hills:
1. Shark Fin Trailhead
- Address: Lone Pine, CA 93545
- Distance: 1.7 miles (Loop)
- Elevation: 249 ft
- Duration: 45 minutes
There is parking available near the trailhead. However, during the summer months, this place is usually packed. Luckily, when we visited in September, only one car was parked, so it wasn't too crowded. From the parking lot, the Shark Fin rock formation is easily visible. This formation is famous among mountain climbers, and we were lucky enough to witness two men climbing up the fin during our visit.
This desert hiking experience was a bit different from our usual ones, and we didn't quite complete the loop. The desert trails were flat, hot, and dusty, but the stunning mountains in the background made it worthwhile. For our next hike, we found a nearby spot using Google Maps. However, the directions led us to a no-trespassing sign, and even the road was damaged with a large hole. Perhaps the locals were trying to warn us away from the wrong path? Who knows, It's hard to say.
2. Heart Arch
- Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead
- Address: Movie Flat Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545
We begin our adventure at the Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, where you'll find parking available. From this point, you can already spot the Heart Arch formation, which looks even more spectacular from a distance, showcasing its heart-like shape.
Afterwards, continue on your hike, and it won't be long before you stumble upon the Mobius Arch.
3. Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead
- Address: Movie Flat Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545
- Distance: 0.6 miles (Loop)
- Elevation: 42 ft
- Duration: 13 minutes
- AllTrails: Mobius Arch Loop Trail
The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead was our second stop. We had a wonderful time traversing this trail and completed it with a great sense of accomplishment. Our little one had a blast climbing on rocks and playing in the dirt. Be sure to check out the impressive Heart Arch and Elephant Arch closer while you're there!
Enchanting Arch and Scenic View of Mt Whitney
Depending on your vantage point, the Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead offers a stunning glimpse of Mt Whitney situated just below it. Also, the arch has an incredible vibe to it, almost like an aura that transports you to a whole other universe.
Just imagine being here at night, with the stars shining so brightly. Although I must admit, it wouldn't be the best idea to visit at night!
If you're still feeling energized, keep going on the hike! Venture forth to discover even more stunning rock formations.
The Heart Arch up close!
This desert hike turned out to be an enjoyable experience, and we are thrilled to have seen these magnificent rock formations. It's mind-boggling how these natural structures look so beautiful with the snowcapped mountains in the distance – a truly breathtaking sight to behold.
More Desert Highlights
- We missed it after seeing so many rock formations; they all started to look the same, ahahaa. The Elephant Arch resembles an elephant head with a small trunk sticking out, and it’s a bit hard to find.
Lathe Arch
- Watch out for this hidden gem, a quieter and lesser-known rock formation. Just a short distance from Mobius Arch.
Sleeping Baby Elephant?
We found this interesting figure that looks like a baby elephant sleeping. Take note: it’s not the Elephant Arch, but my little one was super excited when he saw it!
I was creating my own highlights as I wandered around the trailhead.
Reminders
- Timing: Hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay on established paths and carry out all trash.
- Road Conditions: Use designated tracks and graded dirt roads for regular cars.
4. Movie Road
- Address: Movie Flat Rd, Lone Pine, CA 93545
- Renowned for its breathtaking rock formations and cinematic backdrops
- Views of Mt. Whitney and scenes from classics like Iron Man and Gladiator
- A scenic dirt road accessible for standard cars, where movie magic comes alive!
The picture at the top of this post is shot from the Movie Road. It's breathtakingly beautiful; no wonder it's a Hollywood film location.
5. Desert and Dessert: A Perfect Combination!
- Erick Schat's Bakery
- Address: 763 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514
After completing the hike in just one hour, we headed to Erick Schat's Bakery for a well-deserved treat. Ice cream was the perfect way to cool down after braving the scorching desert. Erick Schat's Bakery is a well-known stopover in Bishop, famous for their freshly baked goods. During my visit, I couldn't resist trying the macarons, sourdough bread, and of course, their delicious ice cream.
Other Worthy Destination: Ancient Bristlecone Forest
- Ancient Bristlecone Forest: Home of the World's Oldest Living Tree!
- Bristlecone Motel to Ancient Bristlecone Visitor Center: 47-minute drive
- Discover More: Hiking Gear We Use
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Packing Checklist
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Mono County:
- What To Do in Mammoth Lakes, California
- Visit June Lake, “Switzerland of California”
- Mono Lake: North America's ancient superstar!
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- For my next adventure, we're heading to the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan! I have always dreamt of seeing Mt. Fuji, and now, the day has finally arrived.
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