Alabama Hills — Movie Road BLM Dispersed Camping

Alabama Hills is one of the best free camps in the West. Sandy two-tracks wind through rounded orange-gray boulders with Mt. Whitney and the Sierra crest filling the skyline. Old Western movies were shot here, and the light at dusk is the reason people come back. Sites are scattered along Movie Road and the side spurs, mostly in existing disturbed pads. Weekends in spring and fall get crowded, so roll in midweek or early in the day for the good pads. Mobius Arch and the Arch Loop trail are a short walk or drive away.

Access is off Whitney Portal Road west of Lone Pine, then onto graded dirt. Most vehicles can make it in dry weather, but sandy spurs punish low tires and clueless rental sedans. No services in the camp area, so pack your water and pack out everything. Wind can come hard off the Sierra. Campfire rules change with fire danger, so check with the BLM Bishop Field Office before you light anything. Have a dirty day.

Free camp under Mt. Whitney's granite wall.