Welcome to the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a captivating landscape of rounded rock formations and eroded hills nestled between the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains and Owens Valley. This area, designated as a National Scenic Area in March 2019, offers a unique glimpse into both geological history and cinematic lore.
The Alabama Hills were formed over 100 million years ago, their distinctive rounded shapes a result of spheroidal weathering. These hills, though seemingly distinct, share their geological roots with the sharp ridges of the Sierra Nevada, offering a stunning contrast that has drawn visitors and filmmakers alike.
The name ‘Alabama Hills’ has an intriguing origin. During the American Civil War, Confederate sympathizers in California named their mining claims after the CSS Alabama, a Confederate warship. When the Alabama was sunk, Union supporters named a nearby mountain and district after the victorious USS Kearsarge, embedding a Civil War story into the landscape.
Throughout the 20th century, the Alabama Hills gained fame as a filming location. Hundreds of films and TV shows, especially Westerns, have been shot here, starting with silent films in the 1920s. Iconic films like ‘Gunga Din’ and ‘Tremors’ and more modern blockbusters such as ‘Iron Man’ have utilized this dramatic backdrop. The area is dotted with natural arches like the famous Mobius Arch, which frames Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, in stunning views.
The Alabama Hills have not only attracted filmmakers but also artists and adventurers. The Artist in Residence program, started in 2022, invites artists to draw inspiration from the landscape, underscoring the area’s role as a muse for creativity.
Today, the Alabama Hills are a testament to the balance between conservation and recreation, with activities like hiking, climbing, and stargazing drawing visitors year-round. This balance was achieved through the efforts of local stakeholders, including the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and the Lone Pine community, who played pivotal roles in its designation as a National Scenic Area.
As you explore this fascinating area, imagine the stories of the past—from the miners of the Civil War era to the movie stars of Hollywood. Each rock and arch in the Alabama Hills holds a piece of history, inviting you to become part of its ongoing story.
