Guided Hikes Planned in Alabama Hills

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management, California

BLM Office:

Bishop Field Office

Media Contact:

Rocky boulders in the foreground with snow capped mountains in the background.  (Dave Kirk/BLM)BISHOP, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management, Alabama Hills Stewardship Group and Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association will host guided hikes in February on the film history and natural history of the Alabama Hills. The hikes will take place on February 11, 18 and 26.

The first hike, "Natural History, the Alabama Hills under our feet,” will take place on February 11. This ancient landscape contains the stories of the ages. Learn some of its geological and cultural tales "through a series of short walks through the corridors and mounds nestled below the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

A film history hike will take place on February 18. There have been more than 400 movies and countless commercials filmed in the Alabama Hills. Participants will hear interesting and amusing stories about numerous productions as they explore the film locations. This walk covers an area of Movie Flat that includes locations from memorable films such as Gunga Din; Tremors; How the West Was Won; and Django Unchained. This is a relatively easy walk on existing roads and trails covering less than one mile. Be sure to wear supportive footwear.

Finally, "These Alabama Hills are Alive" hike will take place on February 26. Explore the mysteries hidden within the eroded granite rock, while walking through the passageways and along the ridge lines that make up the maze of this amazing setting. Discover who lives here, why and how to best see the secretive creatures and flora within one or more of the many habitats hidden within the rocks.

All hikes are about two hours in length, which includes drive time. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center, Lone Pine, the corner of routes 395 and 136. From there participants will drive to the Alabama Hills. Driving time is approximately 10 minutes.

Please car pool as parking is limited. Participants are encouraged to bring layered clothing for a range of temperatures and windy conditions and bring plenty of water. Participants can also bring a camera. For more information, please contact Dave Kirk, BLM Bishop Field Office Alabama Hills Steward, at dmkirk@blm.gov, or call the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center at (760) 876-6222.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.