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Mobius Arch Loop

The Mobius Arch Loop Trailhead, California

4.4/5
based on 10 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic

Mobius Arch Loop Reviews

Woke up early to get there at sunrise. I was one of four people on a Thursday in mid-October. There's a nice little loop that takes you through the main area. If you take the trailhead to the right of the parking area, follow the path and go left when you get to the T. That will take you to Möbius. If you go right, it takes you out to what appears to be a camping area and more paths to explore. Before you take the path stand in the parking area and look straight out (the way your car is facing) - you'll see the heart! Definitely check the map before you go; it's not far off 395 in the middle of Lone Pine, but the roads all look the same.

If you are only able to pass through this area, you should at least take the time to see this arch. The trail leading to it is both easy and beautiful and takes little time to complete. Be sure to bring water though since this is a desert hike.

Extremely cool little pocket on the way between Big Pine/Mammoth and LA. Worth just driving through, but if you decide to hoof it, make sure to bring water! Was 95 the day I went (45 in Mammoth the same day). Almost like a mini Arches.

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