Alabama hills in winter

Hi folks...has anyone been to the Alabama hills in winter? Are conditions pretty rough there in winter? I am contemplating a trip there first week of January. Also, how does one get to the Mobius arch?

Kartik,

I'm sure Paul B. will chime in as I know he's been there winter. I've been once, on my way to Death Valley in January of '01 - had to be prepared for the harsh winter of the eastern Sierra and the pleasantries of Death Valley in winter.

My impression and what I know of the area is that while winters are cold, cold, cold... because it's on the eastern slope, bad snow is usually not a problem. Of course it's a crap shoot with the weather, but I'm pretty sure the Alabama hills will be negotiable by car. Of course you'll need to carry chains and a vehicle with 4WD and clearance would be best as there's lots of dirt roads to explore.

I've never been to any of the arches so I can't help you there.

Lon

Kartik, as far as I'm concerned the winters are fairly mild overall in the Alabama Hills. I have been there almost every month at one time or another and find only the summers to be too hot. As long as you only plan to shoot from that area the roads are no issue at all. If you go to Whitney Portal or Horseshoe Meadow the roads by then are usually closed off depending upon overall snow fall. I too plan on a short trip there in January thru February time frame, but not sure of exact date as of yet. I wait until we start getting some weather conditions up there to produce snow and rains hopeing for good photo opportunities. Mobius Arch is easy to find. Take Whitney Portal road to Movie Road turn right in to the Alabama Hills. Take the road straight into the area and when it turns to the right there is a large dirt parking area on the left. Park there and you will see some trails heading north out in the open terrain. Take one of those and you will no doubt find the arch. It is only 1/4 to 1/2 mile hike and easy enough to travel with gear. Good luck.

The long range climate forcast is indicating below normal precip, but colder than normal temperatures through January, due to the affects of the El Niña.we are currently experiencing. Having said that, there is always a possibility for ice on the paved roads above 6'000' and snow is not removed from the Whitney Portal Road beyond its intersection with Olivas Ranch Road, even the actual closure gate is further up. If the weather is icy, stay off the Whitney Portal Road beyond the Lone PIne Campground turn-off: the road gets steep and winding past that point, and it will be treacherous.

There are many dirt roads in the area that are fun to explore and there are many possible shots if the light is good. A nice route is to go out Movie Road to Moffat Ranch Road and on to 395. A right turn on 395 will take you back to Lone Pine. There are also nice places along Horseshoe Meadow Road.

Enjoy, keep a close eye on the weather, and be safe.

-PB

Thanks everyone! BTW, have the peaks received enough snow to pop? I was last out there in fall, and the barren peaks did not look quite as photogenic without the snow dusting them.

No snow now, but rumor has it Maybe, cross your fingers, and say a prayer, that the sierra might get some significant snow this weekend.

Mammoth weather

thanks Cory! Yes, I'm hoping for snow too, but hopefully not while I'm driving there by end december...I've never driven in the mountains in snow, only in the flat midwst...and that was hard enough! I'll be checking your webcam frequently!