Mobius Arch Loop Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Mobius Arch Loop Trail sits at a strategic location within the Alabama Hills Recreation Area. The trail and the surrounding area are under the care of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), established in 1946 by President Harry S. Truman, to study, maintain, and protect natural areas throughout the United States. Along with this trail, the BLM oversees 245 million acres of public lands, one-tenth of the country's land, ensuring its beauty and versatile use for generations to come. Public use of BLM areas is encouraged, but visitors must "Leave No Trace" of their presence. While Bureau of Land Management free camping was initially offered in all areas, today, many BLM campgrounds require a minimal fee, and some request reservations made in advance. Staying in a BLM campground is a “near nature” experience, with few amenities, if any. However, staying in one of the campgrounds near the Mobius Arch Loop Trail allows visitors to make short trips to national treasures, such as Joshua Tree National Park, 247 miles to the south, or Death Valley National Park, a 105-mile drive to the east.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake

After taking the trail to the Mobius Arch and considering the mountains framed through the portal, try climbing to the heights via this trail, located close to Lone Pine. Several switchbacks make the 1,876-foot elevation gain easier to handle, and the lake's view is a fantastic gift. Length: 6.5 miles Intensity: Difficult

Movie Road Trail

The Movie Road Trail is a more leisurely hike with a lot of film industry history. It is an all-day hike that elevates over 2,000 feet with several views of familiar landscapes often seen in films. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find just west of Lone Pine. Length: 17.0 miles Intensity: Intermediate

Fishing and Boating

Anglers find many opportunities to fish when visiting the area near the Mobius Arch Loop Trail. Most are high lakes with pristine views, such as Meysan Lake, Lone Pine Lake, or Green Lake. There are no roads reaching these angling opportunities, so come prepared for a hike, great views, and plenty of strikes from hungry fish.

Climbing

The area around the Mobius Arch Loop Trail offers many opportunities for rock climbers. Amateurs prefer to climb Mount Whitney — at 14,494 feet, the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states — via the well-established Mountaineer Trail. This route is the same as that taken by John Muir in 1873, the first human to ascend the mountain.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife is abundant in the area. Mule deer are often seen by hikers and bikers exploring the countryside. Bighorn sheep find easy purchase on the cliffsides providing exciting views of their jumps up and down the steep heights. Birding brings visitors to see unusual species such as the Broad-Tailed Costa’s Hummingbird and the white-headed woodpecker.

Picnicking

Picnic tables are available at most trailheads but not along the pathways. Those consuming food at the end of any trail must carry out any refuse. Picnic tables in Lone Pine and other small communities are often strategically placed to enhance fantastic countryside views.

Stargazing

Only a few small towns lie near the Mobius Arch Loop Trail. Much of the landscape lies at high elevations. These two factors lead to an impressive night sky where visitors get a fantastic view.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Large organized BLM RV camping locations such as the one at Tuttle Creek Campground are rarely available on BLM lands. Most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds provide minimal amenities, but at Tuttle Creek, visitors have a choice of 83 sites that can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet long. The campsites offer an established firepit, picnic table, and lantern holder. The fee is $10 a night. Located just 5 miles northeast of Lone Pine, Tuttle Creek is an excellent place to camp when visiting sites in the Mobius Arch Loop Trail area.

Free Camping

For those looking for a rustic experience, several well-marked Bureau of Land Management free campgrounds are located within an easy drive of the Mobius Arch. Visitors within Alabama Hills find well-marked campsites off the road where BLM RV camping is allowed. These sites offer nothing more than the fantastic views provided by the unique natural treasure that is the Alabama Hills Recreation Area.

RV Rentals Near Mobius Arch Loop Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Mobius Arch Loop Trail BLM trip

Experienced RV travelers often check online for vacancies along the road they plan to travel. Simply search for “BLM camping near me” with Lone Pine, CA, as the center of your search, and you will find several BLM campgrounds. Except for the highest summits, the area surrounding the Mobius Arch Loop Trail is open to visitors year-round. Those looking to visit the site should prepare their RV for temperatures from extremely hot to freezing. Take plenty of food, water, and apparel for hot and cold weather. Prepare for any emergency by monitoring the integrity of your rig before leaving home. Tires, water systems, and trailer hitches should all be checked for damage from previous trips. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Visitors to BLM areas are subject to the "Leave No Trace" regulation. This rule was introduced in 1946 to safeguard pristine areas for future generations and is largely responsible for the fantastic natural visions people enjoy today. Hikers should keep to established trails as much as possible to reduce their impact on wildlife and plants. Always carry out your trash and collect any rubbish left by others. Be aware that campfires are by permit only and restricted to established firepits. Be responsible to avoid the heavy fines levied on litterers in BLM areas.

Mobius Arch Loop Trail Location

The nearest large community to the Mobius Arch is Bakersfield, CA. To reach the Arch from Bakersfield, get onto California State Highway 58 East (CA-58 E) and travel 56.7 miles to Exit 167. Turn left onto United States Highway 395 (US-395) and drive north for 64.6 miles into Lone Pine, CA. In Lone Pine, turn west at the stop light onto Whitney Portal Road. Go for 2.5 miles, and turn right onto Movie Road. After 1.5 miles, turn right at the “Y” to enter the Mobius Arch Loop Trail parking lot. Ready to visit Mobius Arch Loop Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.