The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in the Alabama Hills of central California, between Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Death Valley National Park, Movie Road is about 17 miles long. The road was made famous thanks to its gorgeous scenery and the fact that it’s been used in many famous films. Visitors can drive along the road to view the landscape and rock formations, including natural arches, and there are also many nearby opportunities for spotting wildlife, camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
Bureau of Land Management sites can be roads, like Movie Road, campgrounds, wilderness areas, hiking trails, or areas of historical significance. These sites are public lands, and visitors can explore them, enjoying recreational activities and getting closer to nature. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, you can search for “BLM camping near me.”
Although it’s short, this trail provides gorgeous views of the scenery, Mobius Arch, and Mt. Whitney.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in the Inyo National Forest, this trail offers spectacular views for anyone up to the challenging hike.
Length: 9.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This road connects to Movie Road and is an excellent option for OHV riding, hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Length: 9.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in the Alabama Hills Recreation Area, this trail is great for hiking and also leads to several rock climbing locations.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This lengthy trail leads to the scenic Cyclops Skull Arch in the Alabama Hills.
Length: 10.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Visitors to the area around Movie Road can head to Independence Creek to fish for trout, bass, and catfish. Whitney Portal Pond also offers excellent fishing opportunities, and camping is available nearby.
The Alabama Hills offer exceptional rock climbing opportunities. The area known as the Candy Store, for example, offers 35 sport, top rope, and traditional routes, and Monument Slot offers a variety of sport climbs. The Western Wall features almost 65 routes, most of which are sport. There are several traditional and top rope routes available as well.
The Alabama Hills are a fantastic place for viewing wildlife, but visitors can also head to one of the nearby national parks to spot additional animals. Species native to the area include coyotes, foxes, woodrats, jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, ringtails, and a range of snakes and lizards. Some visitors might even spot a mountain lion or a black bear.
The Whitney Portal Picnic Area is one of the most beautiful spots in the area to stop for lunch. The picnic area offers tables, restrooms, a restaurant, and a small store. There is also a picnic area at the Mt. Whitney Trailhead, and it features tables and a pond. Visitors can also find picnic locations at several of the day-use areas in the Alabama Hills Scenic Area.
BLM RV camping is available for $8 per night at the Horton Creek Campground. The campground can accommodate RVs of up to 30 feet, and there is a dump station. There are no hookups, but potable water, fire pits, and picnic tables are available. The Sierra View RV Park is also a fantastic choice for RV camping. The park is small but offers friendly staff and 30-amp hookups.
Visitors can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping along movie road and throughout the Alabama Hills. The area is open for dispersed camping, but there are very few amenities.
Movie Road’s main route is well-maintained and can generally be traversed by any type of vehicle. However, if you plan to explore any of the road’s side routes, consider a four-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicle. These side roads can be a bit rough, particularly after a rain shower, so check ahead to determine the roads’ states and what type of vehicle you should use. Don’t explore Movie Road or the surrounding area if storms or rainfall is in the near forecast.
During the summer months, Movie Road and the surrounding area can be quite warm. However, during the winter, the dry air brings along cold temperatures. Even though it’s a desert, you’ll probably want to dress in layers, and you may even want to pack a winter coat. If you plan to spend the night, bring along extra blankets and consider packing a portable heater. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All natural sites, whether they are Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or scenic roads, require care and conservation. Leave no trace and tread lightly practices can help to guide your actions as you explore these areas. When exploring, be sure to stay on the road or designated trails as much as possible. If you plan to set up a dispersed camping site, set it up on stable ground where there is little vegetation.
Movie Road can be reached from several nearby towns and cities by traveling along Highway 395 until you reach Lone Pine. Turn west at the stoplight in Lone Pine onto Whitney Portal Road. Continue for 2.5 miles, and then, take a right onto Movie Road.
Ready to visit Movie Road? 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.
