Mobius Arch Loop
The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, California
Details
Distance
0.63 miles
Elevation Gain
46 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Mobius Arch is a natural rock arch located in the Alabama Hills that perfectly frames Mt. Whitney. Unique rock formations surround Mobius Arch offering plenty of areas to explore nearby. Popular filming location for movies including Django Unchained, Gladiator, and Iron Man.
The Alabama Hills area of Lone Pine, CA is located on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. As you drive along Movie Flat Road you will be surrounded by a sea of golden brown boulders of varying shapes and sizes extending in every direction. The main attraction in Alabama Hills is definitely the Mobius Arch. Many people stop by to photograph Mt. Whitney, which is perfectly framed through the 6 foot tall arch. The best time to visit is around sunset, when the setting sun lights up the sky behind Mt. Whitney through the window of the arch. Although many people visit the arch during the day, people only stay for a short amount of time so you will never have much of a crowd to contend with.
To get to Mobius Arch, drive along Whitney Portal Road for about 3 miles until you reach Movie Flat Road. Stay on this road for about 1.5 miles until you reach a T-intersection where you will see a small parking area to the right. The trail is unmarked but easily found. From the parking area, look to the left and you will find a trail leading down to the arch. After a few minutes of walking you will find a sign that leads to the arch. Mobius Arch is definitely the most impressive arch to visit in the Alabama Hills, but if you have time, you can visit Lathe Arch and Heart Arch as well as many others that are nearby.
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Mobius Arch Loop Reviews
This is a fun hike for kids and adults alike. There’s plenty of rocks to climb on and the backdrop is Mt Whitney and friends. There are a few other (smaller) arches along the loop to find if you’re so inclined. A great stop along 395 to stretch your legs but also a nice destination itself if you’re staying in the area.
4.0
Super cool rocky terrain to climb around and photograph. Beautiful mountains in the background if there aren’t too many clouds. Very short, fairly well-marked walk from the parking area (10 mins). Will definitely be visiting the Alabama Hills again!
5.0
The arc itself is pretty impressive but it's surroundings with other boulders of massive size makes it a place worth visiting. It's easy enough to get to the arc, so it's worth walking around and exploring a lot more of the area! I just went for a day trip from LA and spent a few hours taking picks and walking around. Next time I'd love to come back and camp!
4.0
It's amazing. And it's really great to see how people react to being there. Stopped there on my bachelor party road trip recently (my second visit) and my friends and I were in absolute awe. The first time was with my (then brand new) fiancée and she and I were still in absolute awe. Sometimes you can have cell service, depending on atmospheric conditions, but not all the roads/locations are marked accurately on a GPS, so plot them accurately and bring a map, just in case. Also, bring water (and maybe a compass!), because it's worth exploring and getting a little bit lost in.
5.0
This short little loop is a great stop for the whole family. Young and old can enjoy this easy hike with a really cool photo opportunity. During the weekdays you can get the arch all to yourself, but during the weekend, there is a line of photographers usually waiting for sunset. Totally worth the stop.
5.0
Take a left off movie road before the road takes a hard turn right.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Explore The Heart Arch
Camp in the Alabama Hills
Photograph Eye of the Alabama Hills Arch
Rock Climb the Candy Store
Mountain Bike Alabama Hills Loop
Camp at Tuttle Creek Campground
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