Alabama Hills National Scenic Area

Newsletter, March 2024

Spring pop-up showers veil sections of Owens Valley as viewed from the Alabama Hills.

Field Work


  • Spring visitation numbers are increasing and the weekends now mean few designated dispersed campsites will be available. To aid in search of a designated camp spot, download the free Avenza app, search for the Alabama Hills camp map, and turn on your location services for Avenza in your settings. This will allow you to see your location live on the camp map regardless of service. 
  • The Americorps team completed their week helping repair the damaged portion of the Alabama Hills Trail near the Whitney Portal entrance station. Hikers will enjoy a fresh and safe trail experience. 
  • Staff and volunteers water the 134 native plants recently installed at various restoration sites around the Alabama Hills. Nurturing these young native plants will ensure they transition to their new environment successfully. 
  • With spring blooms come the growth of invasive species, like mustard varieties, in many areas where vehicles frequently park. Staff have been removing these problematic species to keep a healthy native environment. You can help prevent the spread of invasive species by remaining on established roads and trails. 
  • The removal of fuels reduction debris is ongoing along Hogback Road. 
  • Three graffiti sites in the Alabama Hills are in the process of restoration, though two require a handful of sessions of pressure washing as they are on hardy concrete structures.
  • As a reminder, camping agreements are live. Agreements are free and do not guarantee a campsite- all camping is first come, first serve. This is an acknowledgment that campers understand the rules and guidance for designated camping. To get an agreement, please visit the webpage or talk with a ranger in the Alabama Hills. 
  • Staff have been working hard to clean out fire rings, collect trash, monitor camping behavior and film permits, update signs, and educate visitors about the importance of Leave No Trace. 
  • The 5th anniversary of the National Scenic Area Designation was March 12, 2024. Thank you for your continued enjoyment of the Alabama Hills and your support in the future as we strive to conserve and improve public recreation in this special place. 
Alabama Hills Camping Agreement

Booth's Evening Primrose occupies many areas that have been bare through winter, closed off for restoration.

Get Involved


  • Do you have wildlife or wildflower photos? Donate a digital copy to be included in our specimen binders for display at the visitor center. Must be captured in the Alabama Hills. Credit to be attributed on the page. 
  • Are you or your organization interested in volunteering in the Alabama Hills? Give back to your community while spending time outside in this National Scenic Area. Email ashley@esiaonline.org to connect with opportunities in clean-ups and interpretation. 
  • Spread the word about the Alabama Hills Newsletter! Sign up here.  
  • Share the ESIA's event calendar for up-to-date ranger programs or ESIA's social media. 


BLM staff working alongside the Americorps team reinforcing the Alabama Hills Trail.

March Visitation

Vehicle and foot traffic was captured using an automatic, stationary sensor. Please note that some years have more complete data than others. Where there is incomplete data, the program may estimate based on past data.


  • Movie Road: 4,734
  • Kiosk at Whitney Portal Entrance Station: N/A with closures
  • North Entrance: 3,270
  • Mobius Arch Trail Foot Traffic: 1,772
  • Chicken Ranch: 83



This month's data was collected March 1- March 29, 2024

Events

Upcoming BLM-Sponsored 

Upcoming Special Recreation Permit


  • April 3-7: Craig McCord 
  • April 7-11: Drone Permit 


Past BLM/ESIA-Sponsored 


  • March 1: Natural History Walk 
  • March 22: Geology Walk 
  • March 23: Bugs and Blooms Walk 
  • March 24: 1872 Lone Pine Earthquake Walk 
  • March 31: Spring Rock Painting 

Past Special Recreation Permit


  • March 4-7: Capture the Atlas 
  • March 4-9: Drone Permit 
  • March 12-21: Drone Permit 
  • March 19-21: Paul D’s Photography 
  • March 22: Dan Escobar Photography 
  • March 26-27: Film Permit 
  • March 26-27: Film Permit 


Some of the smallest flowers to observe in the Alabama Hills are the popcornflowers. Tread lightly!

The showy gilia has electric blue pollen upon close inspection.

A vibrant mountain bluebird perched for a fleeting moment in the burn scar near Hogback Road.

The predatory loggerhead shrike rests on an arm of cattle spinach.


Staffing

  • The BLM Recreation Department has 5 permanent and 4 seasonal recreation team members that patrol the Alabama Hills and other BLM-managed lands. 1 law enforcement officer provides patrol of the Alabama Hills and the rest of the field office. A new Law Enforcement Officer is starting April 7. Other field office staff support as needed. 
  • ESIA has Ashley as an Interpretive Specialist working with the BLM patrolling the Alabama Hills 3-4 days per week. 
  • Death Valley is staffing the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center with two seasonal employees. One of these staff is funded by the BLM. These staff will also assist with interpretive events. 

Social Media

  • Follow Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) on Instagram and our Facebook page. ESIA staff attempts to schedule an Alabama Hills related post at least once a week during the peak Hills season, but slows during the summer months. 
  • Follow the Bureau of Land Management- California Facebook page for information about California Public Lands, including the Alabama Hills! 
  • Follow the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group on Facebook and Instagram