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DESCRIPTION reported
by Johnathan Behr
Few
places in the West, let alone the world, have been as photographed
or filmed as extensively as have the Alabama Hills.
Located
in the high desert environment of the Owens Valley, the hills
are really a large area of exquisite rock formations that sit
like a roiling sea at the foot of the mighty eastern face of
the Sierra. This dramatic landscape has been a favorite location
for filmmakers for over 75 years. Classics like "Gunga Din"
and Bogart's, "High Sierra", as well as the "Lone Ranger" and
hundreds of westerns were filmed here solely because the majestic
scenery added so much to the look and authenticity of there
productions. The Alabama's' have played the part of the Khyber
Pass in India, as well as other far away exotic locales like
Peru, Tibet, Nepal and Argentina. Magnificently framed against
a backdrop of jagged snow-covered mountains, including the tallest
peak in the lower 48, Mount Whitney (14,499ft.), the Alabama
Hills are a photographer's delight. In addition, they offer
outstanding opportunities for cross-country hiking and boulder
scrambling. The amazing rock formations of the Alabama Hills
are really the result of an ancient sea floor that has been
thrusted towards the Earth's surface over millions of years.
In the early morning, as the sun rises over the Inyo Mountains
to the east, the sky-piercing peaks of the Sierra and the boulder
fields of the Alabama's' literally glow pink and red in the
first light of the day. This is the perfect time to experience
the grandeur of this magnificent landscape.
THE
TOUR
Head
west out of Lone Pine and HWY 395 on Whitney Portal road.
In about a mile or so you will see a road on your left called
Tutle Creek. Turn left on the Tutle Creek road and soon you
will be driving into the amazing rock formations of the Alabama
Hills. The road winds thru the otherworldly rocks. Stop wherever
you like and climb around the rocks for interesting views and
photo opportunities. Up the road you will see an old cabin on
your right. The road then begins to head south. Take your first
right after the cabin and you will meet up with Horseshoe Meadow
Rd. Turn right at Horseshoe Meadow and begin heading north.
To your left you will have great views of pyramid-shaped Lone
Pine Peak (elev.12, 944 ft.) and the serrated granite towers
known as the "Muir Crest", all of which exceed 14'000 feet in
elevation! Soon, on your right you will come upon some more
of terrain that has made the Alabama's famous. Look for an impressive
grouping of pinnacle-shaped rocks jutting out above the boulder
fields. The formation is reminiscent of Stonehenge. This is
another great spot to stop the car and get out and explore a
bit. The views here are outstanding. From here, continue heading
north on Horseshoe Meadow Rd. as you pass the area known as
Temple Pocket, which is on the right (east). At the "T", turn
right on Whitney Portal Rd. (east) and quickly you will come
to Movie Rd. Turn left (north) onto, un-paved yet well-maintained,
Movie Rd. (suitable for passenger cars) and you will have over
the next several miles, numerous scenic points to stop and explore
from. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle there are many easy,
but un-signed, jeep trails that veer off Movie Rd and lead into
the rock formations and mini-canyons. Choose whichever jeep
trail interests you, but always stay on it! Never stray off
the trail and damage the habitat with your car! For those without
an SUV, you can head out as far as you like on Movie Rd. Once
you begin to leave the dramatic rock formations behind, you
should turn around and head south back on Movie Road to Whitney
Portal. In other words, return the way you came.
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