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You are here: Home / USA / California / Get to Know the Alabama Hills: Famous Film Location

Blog California Eastern Sierra Travel USA

Get to Know the Alabama Hills: Famous Film Location

Have you visited a place because your favorite movie or TV show was filmed there?

The answer may be yes or it may be no.  Either way, the truth is that tourism directly related to film locations has boomed in recent years.

Tours, walks and other activities cater to people who would love to follow the steps of their favorite characters from “Game of the Thrones” or “Star Wars.” Others want to have their picture taken at the “Friends” café in New York City or the house of the TV series “Full House.”

In one way or another, a lot of us cherish those places because they bring us good memories or emotions.

I think that is the reason why here in California we are so proud of having one of the premier film locations in the Hollywood industry.I am referring to the Alabama Hills.  Ok, that may not sound familiar (or exciting, to be honest).  But, here is the thing, if you are a movie lover, you gotta visit this place. Hundreds of movies, commercials, shows, music videos, and other productions have been filmed in the area.  I am telling you, this place is famous!

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Table of Contents

  • About the Alabama Hills
  • Movies Filmed at Alabama Hills
  • Visiting the Alabama Hills
  • Lone Pine Film Museum
  • Alabama Hills Camping
  • Lodging
  • Nearby Attractions
  • Location
  • Details
    • Related posts:

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, CaliforniaAbout the Alabama Hills

The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada (in geological terms, they are considered part of the Sierra).

The name of the area comes from the CSS Alabama, a Confederate ship used during the Civil War.  Pro Confederation Californians named mines in the area after the ship. With time, the entire range acquired the name.

Why is this place so important for producers scouting for locations? First, it is located three to four hours from Hollywood. It is an excellent place to film really close to the studios.

Second, the area is beautiful.  A lot of people in the industry like to have the amazing Sierra peaks as a background.  Plus, the “Hills” are full of spectacular formations and natural arches.

And by the way, Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States, can be seen from all over the area.  If you have never seen Mount Whitney, take a look at the next photo. It is the peak right in the middle.

Third, the place can double as a far away locale.  In some movies, it has been used to represent the Himalayas or the Arabian Desert.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Movies Filmed at Alabama Hills

Hundreds of cowboy movies used the Alabama Hills as its location.  So, this is the Old West seen in the 1920- 1960’s movies. Below is a sample of the big names that have filmed in the area.

  • Hopalong Cassidy
  • Roy Rogers
  • John Wayne
  • Clint Eastwood
  • Joe Kidd
  • Gene Autry
  • Classics such as the Lone Ranger

Once the cowboy fever passed, other movies started to be filmed in the area.  Now, I can relate better with these (I am not a fan of cowboy movies at all). Here is an example of some blockbusters filmed there:

  • Tremors
  • Gladiator
  • Star Trek Generations
  • Disney’s Dinosaur
  • J.I. Joe
  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
  • Iron Man
  • Django Unchained
  • Godzilla (2014)

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, CaliforniaAlabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Additionally, commercials for almost all models of cars have been filmed in the area (you are going to see the car riding in front of a mountainous backdrop, the other day I saw one of these commercials for an SUV). Tons of artists (even international artists) film music videos in the area.

And, if you are not a movie fan, hey, I get it.  Remember I said this is a gorgeous area? Then, that would be reason enough to visit.  You will feel so small (and I mean really small) while standing in front of that gigantic mountain range.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, CaliforniaVisiting the Alabama Hills

I recommend starting to explore the area by getting a map with directions to the most famous film locations. You can find a copy in here.  

Additional information can be found at the Lone Pine Film History Museum or at the Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center (located one mile south of Lone Pine).  With the proper information, you can do a self-tour.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

The area is full of interesting rock formations and arches (oh, I love arches!).  I was able to find the notorious Mobius Arch.  This formation is the perfect frame for Mount Whitney.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

The Latte Arch is located a short distance from the Mobius Arch.

I was able to find the Heart Arch too.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Other arches to find include:

  • Eye of Alabama Hills
  • Boot Arch
  • Cyclops Arch

The book Arches of the Alabama Hills, by Orlyn Fordham, has information about how to find 72 arches in the area.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Instead of going back through the same way we got in, we decided to continue on Movie Road.  The road is unpaved and rough.  

At some moments, I questioned my sanity (driving a Camry around there wasn’t a good idea after all).  Even with the drawbacks, the scenery was spectacular. You are driving parallel to the Sierra and you can see the peaks rising from a flat valley.  Those views are going to be hard to beat!

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

So, here you have it.  I think I have given you enough evidence to help you decide to visit the Alabama Hills.  To recap, if you are a movie fan, go. If you are a geology and nature lover, go. If you do not fit any of the two previous categories, go anyway.

Lone Pine Film Museum

If you want to learn more about this area, you can always pay a visit to the Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of Film History located in the town of Lone Pine.  The museum celebrates and preserves the diverse movie history of Lone Pine, Death Valley, and the Eastern Sierra.

Exhibits at the museum reflect the museum’s extensive collections and include early silent films, post-war films, “eastern,” science fiction and the many cowboy heroes who worked locally. Temporal exhibits highlight famous times, characters and actors.

The museum also includes a movie theatre (a 15 minutes movie summarizing the history of the area is presented every half an hour) and a shop with plenty of movie-related gear.

The museum is located at 701 South Main Street in the town of Lone Pine.  Donation is $5.

Lone Pine Film Museum, California

Alabama Hills Camping

The Alabama Hills Recreational Area is administered by The Bureau of Land Management.  Since this is public land, visitors are allowed to park their car or RV and spend the night in the area.

Now, this is as primitive as camping can get. There are no services available and you need to clean up your area before leaving.  Also, you need to understand the rules of the area. For example, fires are not allowed without a permit.

If your camping preferences are a little bit higher, consider staying in campgrounds such as Tuttle Creek, Portagee Joe or Diaz Lake.

In addition, there are plenty of campsites along US-395.

Lodging

You can find plenty of hotels and motels in Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Bishop.  I personally, prefer to stay in Bishop since there are more options (and a nice selection of places to eat).

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Nearby Attractions

I love this area! I would visit every few months if possible.  There is so much to do. Therefore, you have plenty of options to stay in the area for several days.

Here are some ideas for trip planning purposes:

Mount Whitney Portal – In here, you can find the trailhead to the climb to the top of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the continental United States.  Even if you are not intending to climb the mountain, the Portal offers amazing views, trails, fishing opportunities, and campgrounds.

Manzanar National Historic Site – One of the 10 camps were Japanee American were incarcerated during WWII.

Copper Top BBQ – I have to include this place in the list of attraction since the food for sale is delicious.  Get something to eat if you pass by.

Bishop Creek – Easy access to beautiful mountain scenery and several lakes.

Erick Schat’s Bakery – This is a must if you are visiting Bishop.  The bakery has the most delectable bread, pastries, and cookies.  Plus, they have sandwiches, salads and other dishes. You have to check this place out.  There is so much you can buy to take home (or give away).

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Location

The Alabama Hills are located 210 miles from Los Angeles.  As you can see, it is not that far from the big city so it is a nice option for a long weekend away.

The “Hills” are located 6 miles from Lone Pine, 55 miles from Bishop and 100 miles from Mammoth Mountain.  The latter counts with an airport which receives direct flights from cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Details

From US-395, take the Whitney Portal Road and then, turn right at the aptly named Movie Road. You are going to start seeing the rock formations right away.

The main (connecting) roads are paved. However, the vast majority of the roads in the area are unpaved.  The roads are in good condition but you have to exercise caution.

Since most roads are unpaved and there are no signs, it is not that simple to find exact locations. Be alert and have somebody helping you with the navigation.

A short visit should take you between two to three hours (including a short hike). However, the entire day can be spent here if you are interested in spotting several film locations and rock formations.

There are no services in the area. Go prepared with food, water, and enough gas on the tank.

The Alabama Hills can be seen from above if you continue driving towards Mount Whitney’s Portal

You can visit the Lone Pine Film History Museum to learn more about the history of the area.

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Alabama Hills, Eastern Sierra, California

Have you visited the Alabama Hills?  What movie location have you visited?

Ready to pin? Let’s do this!

Things to do in the Eastern Sierra (near Lone Pine and #Bishop), #California - Travel tips and vacation ideas - The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. Plus, this is one of Hollywood’s premier film locations. Check out the movie filming spots, rock formations and arches. In addition, enjoy glorious views of Mount Whitney and the Sierra.

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79 Comments

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Comments

  1. Ruth Daly says

    April 17, 2017 at 9:55 am

    Your photographs are absolutely stunning. I so enjoyed looking through that had to catch myself and be sure to read your words, too! Such an interesting place, and love that heart arch.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Oh, thanks a lot! This is a very unique place. I think that is the case when big boulders are involved. The heart arch was a great find.

      Reply
  2. image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says

    April 17, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Great shots. Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/04/making-dangerous-situation-kid-friendly.html

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Sharon says

    April 17, 2017 at 4:47 pm

    Fascinating! We are driving from San Diego to Lake Tahoe up 395 in June, so we are passing right through this area. Thanks for sharing! I had no idea about the Alabama Hills!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:54 pm

      That is nice! It would be nice to make a quick stop in here. I have never been to Tahoe. I know it is one of those places I have to visit in California.

      Reply
  4. Jim says

    April 17, 2017 at 7:12 pm

    Beautiful landscapes

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos.

      Reply
  5. ladyfi says

    April 17, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    I can see why it’s such a good location for films! Gorgeous shots!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:58 pm

      Not sure who had the great idea to film here but that person nailed the location. So many movies filmed there. And, I see so many commercial filmed there too.

      Reply
  6. Photo(Geo)grapher says

    April 17, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    What beautiful raw landscapes! Great photos!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      So nice to know you liked them. Many thanks!

      Reply
  7. Carol says

    April 18, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    They do have an alien ty pe of look even though there just rocky hills. Great fun!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:01 pm

      That is so true! Some rocks resemble faces. I only saw a small portion of the area. Wander what else is there.

      Reply
  8. Birgitta says

    April 18, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Great photos here!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:02 pm

      Thanks much!

      Reply
  9. Jane @ Raincity Librarian says

    April 19, 2017 at 10:52 am

    What an incredible setting! I could absolutely imagine so many ways that scenery could be used, and so close to the big city!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:03 pm

      Seems to be the perfect place to film all sort of movies. The museum in town has more information and scenes of the movies filmed in the area.

      Reply
  10. Van says

    April 19, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    I had never heard about Alabama Hills before now but I can sure see why this is such a popular spot for filming movies! Those mountains look so gorgeous! Thanks for putting the place on my radar 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:05 pm

      I am sure not a lot of people know the place by its name. Now, if we start to see movie scenes, I bet you a lot of people will say they “know” the place ;0)

      Reply
  11. Christine | The Journey of Christine says

    April 20, 2017 at 6:09 am

    This is my type of location! I could spend all day here! And it’s so close to LA! I’m due for a trip back to Southern California and this is definitely on my list now!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:11 pm

      That sounds great! Southern California offers so much. Love all the landscapes and interesting places around here.

      Reply
  12. Sharon Wagner says

    April 20, 2017 at 6:14 am

    I love all the arches. And the smiling rock is quite the character. I can see why the area has gotten so much attention from Hollywood. It’s cool.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Agree it is cool! I had seen them from above but had never stopped. It would not be the last time since everything around this place is gorgeous.

      Reply
  13. Jessi (Two Feet, One World) says

    April 20, 2017 at 11:03 am

    Ha wow those are some popular mountain ranges! And I can see why, they are beautiful.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      Glad you liked them Jessi! This is the longest mountain range in the United States. You be tit is popular.

      Reply
  14. Sam | Away She Went says

    April 20, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    As soon as I saw the first picture I knew that had to be where Tremors was filmed! I love that movie and have seen it so many times! What a fun place to visit! Oh, and my middle name is Whitney named after Mt. Whitney!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:21 pm

      Really? Are you named after the mountain? That is so cool. Tremors is one of the most popular movies that have been filmed there.

      Reply
  15. Lolo says

    April 20, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    Oh that’s way cool and realllly beautiful! Sadly, again, I never knew about this! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 27, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      You have to move back to California! Just kidding but you have to come and visit and discover new places.

      Reply
  16. jo says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:16 am

    What an amazing location I can understand why it’s been used in so many movies – I can just see Godzilla appearing on the horizon! The heart arch is too cute! For film locations, my children are currently keen on Harry Potter filming locations – it’s fun to spot real life places we’ve seen in movies. #WkendTravelInspiration

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 8:48 am

      I can see Godzilla there too. Not sure what he will be destroying around there though. It has to be fun to visit Harry Potter locations. I am sure kids love to go to those places.

      Reply
  17. Rhonda Albom says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:47 am

    I lived in California for over ten years and hubby for about 25 years. Neither of us has heard about the Alabama hills until recently. It looks worth exploring next time we’re in the USA.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 8:58 am

      This would be a perfect place to explore. Plus, you can add all the other great places located nearby. This is an outdoor lover paradise.

      Reply
  18. Trekking with Becky says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:39 am

    Incredible! I especially love the ❤️ heart ❤️ and the big arch.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 8:59 am

      The arches are great! There are like 10 around the area. I need to go back and see more of them.

      Reply
  19. Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says

    April 21, 2017 at 3:19 am

    I haven’t been to Alabama Hills, but I must confess to visiting a few different movie, TV, and book locations. So far my absolute favorite “on location” location has to be the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco (GoT). Thanks for another inspiring link up! #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:02 am

      I have heard about and see pictures of the place you mentioned. It is incredible! I really wan to visit Morocco one day.

      Reply
  20. budget jan says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:11 am

    I can see why film directors choose the Alabama Hills – such startling rock formations. I’ve seen some rocks similar to some of these. They are called Monkey Fingers and they were in the Dades Gorge in Morocco! Isn’t that strange but not?

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Funny you mentioned Morocco since Jim in the previous comment mentioned it too. First time I hear about the Monkey Fingers. Have to google that one!

      Reply
  21. Minoru says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:48 am

    Hi! Your photos are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:07 am

      Thanks! That means a lot coming from you!

      Reply
  22. Jill says

    April 21, 2017 at 5:59 am

    I had never heard of the Alabama Hills before but wow – such stunning scenery! It almost looks “otherwordly” doesn’t it? I can see why the area has been used in so many different films. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:11 am

      Yes, it is a very particular place. I guess it can be used as an outer space set depending how you place the camera. There are many enclosed areas that are good for filming.

      Reply
  23. La Brutta Figura says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Aww the heart arch is so sweet! Funny how I might have seen these mountains in so many different films and never knew where they were. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:14 am

      That is true! Once you go there, it is easy to recognize it once you are seeing a movie or commercial.

      Reply
  24. jesh StG says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Love the heart arch! I can see why they movies choose this location – looks very uninhabited, so no skirting around onlookers. There is so much visible beauty around me, that am not very interested in film locations, nor the movies or celebs, since it’s a world of pretend. Also since we lived for 3 decades an hour from hollywood, universal studios, Six Flags, Sea World, etc. and half an hour from Disney Land.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:17 am

      I didn’t know you lived in Southern California for so long. I guess you escaped to another area of California like many people do. The Eastern Sierra is an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Gladly, it is not that far from Los Angeles.

      Reply
  25. Kathy Marris says

    April 21, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    What an amazing landscape. I can see why this setting would be so popular for using as movie scenery.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Yes, movie makers in the 30s and 40s had a good eye.

      Reply
  26. Amanda says

    April 21, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Headed to Cali in May for the first time ever from East TN. We have the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, but I am so looking forward to seeing the Sierra Nevada!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:26 am

      That is so exciting! I have never been to those mountain ranges in the east. Would be nice to check them out. Have a wonderful time in California.

      Reply
  27. Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says

    April 22, 2017 at 3:33 am

    I’m sure I’ve seen them in a movie or two 🙂 #theweeklypostcard

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:27 am

      Ha, ha, I am sure too!

      Reply
  28. Anisa says

    April 22, 2017 at 4:58 am

    Interesting, I had not heard of the Alabama Hills and it really is an impressive place. I can see why it is used so much in movies. Plus, it really isn’t too far from LA. I would love to go and maybe do some hiking.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:37 am

      This is a paradise for hikers. Not only this area but the entire Sierra. The towns along the highway cater to people who visit your for the different outdoor activities. I like the vibe of these places a lot.

      Reply
  29. Corey at fifi + hop says

    April 22, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    I’m fascinated. How have I never heard of Alabama Hills? And why am I not familiar with mount Whitney? What is wrong with me?! Really enjoyed this post..learn something new everyday…#theweeklypostcard

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:40 am

      Corey, I am glad you learned about those in here. I am not sure Mt. Whitney is well known across the United States. A lot of people think the highest peak or longest mountain range is in the Rockies.

      Reply
  30. Anda says

    April 23, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    Seeing how beautiful the Alabama Hills are I am not surprised the place was used as a filming location for so many movies. I’d love to hike those hills in early spring or maybe in fall. I’m sure in summer it’s very hot there. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:43 am

      I have never visited the area during summer. Temperature varies with altitude. The Hills are about 5,000 feet above sea level. They may get a bit hot. But you can get up to 10,000 feet by car. Those areas should be cooler.

      Reply
  31. Lauren says

    April 23, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I can’t believe so many movies were filmed here! Seen so many of them and had no idea. So cool that this place has so many different types of terrains so that it can be used for different scenes! Seems like a great place to visit!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:46 am

      Yes, so many have been filmed and I guess some more are going to be filmed in the future. It is not as popular as it used to be for movies but it stills gets attention.

      Reply
  32. Only By Land says

    April 24, 2017 at 1:28 am

    I love checking out which movies have been filmed in locations I have visited, there have been some big movies filmed at Alabama Hills! I drove past these on a recent road trip but had no idea about the movie history or the fact that the tallest mountain in the mainland USA, Mount Whitney was there!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:59 am

      Well, now you know. I am sure you will have a blast taking photos in the area.

      Reply
  33. Sallie (FullTime-Life) says

    April 24, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Incredible photos of an incredibly beautiful and unique area. – we have been through there and I kept expecting John Wayne or the Lone Ranger or a herd of bandits to come pounding out from behind those rocks. It

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 9:54 am

      I am sure it is a trill for fans of the cowboy movie genre. Last time I visited, the Lone Pine Film Fest was taking place. There were tons of people dressed in cowboy gear.

      Reply
  34. Anna says

    April 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Awesome views! Some pictures made me feel like I´ve already been there! Must have seen it in movies a lot, although never knew the actual name of this place! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:04 am

      Seems like movie lovers are familiar with the area in one way or another. Yes, the views are great.

      Reply
  35. eileen g says

    April 26, 2017 at 6:42 am

    What a fun story. My husband and I were just talking the other day about how the dessert and mountains outside of LA have stood on for all kinds of locations around the U.S. (and I guess across eh galaxy). some of the rock formations are very cool.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:06 am

      Locations scouts seem to be interested in places full of rocks and interesting formations. They like to film on the Vazquez Rocks area too. I have not been in more than 10 years.

      Reply
  36. Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says

    April 27, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Ruth, this sounds like so much fun! Plus, I love getting a chance to do some hiking somewhere as gorgeous as the Sierras. Definitely tucking this away for our next trip to California. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:07 am

      Nice! I am sure you will have tons of fun discovering this area.

      Reply
  37. Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says

    April 27, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Of the movies/shows you listed, I’ve only seen one (Star Trek Generations), but I swear that this landscape looks familiar from a bunch of other shows that I’ve watched. I think it’s interesting that many TV shows that supposedly take place all over the world do an establishing shot (probably stock) to set the scene and then cut to something that was filmed in this area. Really saves some money instead of flying to the actual location! That photo of the heart arch is my favorite. I’ve never actually been to the Alabama Hills, but it looks interesting geologically, too, in addition to the entertainment business connection.

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:28 am

      Michelle, I find that interesting too. There are a lot of movie studios close to where I live and work. Sometimes, I see things that seem out of place and I know it is because the studios are using it. For example, I have see seen New York City police cars being towed around. I know those are being taken to the studios!

      Reply
  38. David | Travelsewhere says

    April 28, 2017 at 1:05 am

    A gorgeous landscape that’s for sure! You’ve captured all the various rock formations perfectly, love that loop-shaped one! I was trying to think of what movies it made me think of, but once you said Iron Man I instantly recognised it. Definitely my kind of place to visit. #wkendtravelinspiration

    Reply
    • Ruth says

      April 28, 2017 at 10:30 am

      I have not seen Iron Man (well, there are several movies about the character). Will need to check it out just to spot the Alabama Hills.

      Reply
  39. Mary {The World Is A Book} says

    April 29, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    I have never heard of Alabama Hills. We have passed by the area on our way to Mammoth several times. It looks so interesting and I love the diverse landscape. I can certainly understand why this is a popular backdrop for filming. One of our favorite movie location visits was Salzburg, Austria to see the Sound of Music film locations. Thanks for this tip and we hope to stop by here when we’re in the area.

    Reply
  40. Sid Burke says

    August 4, 2019 at 1:01 pm

    Joe Kidd is a character played by Clint Eastwood in the movie by the same name.

    Reply
  41. Russel Beaufait says

    December 26, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    Do you have any video of that? I’d want to find out more details.|

    Reply

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Oh, Hi There

Ruth
My name is Ruth and I believe you do not have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have meaningful experiences. Let me show you how to kiss goodbye routine and add an exciting dose of adventure to your life. To learn more about me, click here.

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All text and media on this site is created by me, the owner of Tanama Tales, unless otherwise stated. I will always give due credit to the author/creator of any content not provided by me. All content on this site is copyrighted and may not be used without prior written consent.

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