Alabama Hills, California

Return with me now to the thrilling days of yesteryear when out of the West rode: Tom Mix, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, the Durango Kid and many others too numerous to mention. In each of their movies they chased the bad guys past rock formations that became legendary in the annals of western movie making. These potato-shaped, weathered granite boulders are the Alabama Hills. They sit under the shadow of the Sierra just as they have for millions of years. In the early days of movie making, Hollywood directors and producers discovered these rocks and made them famous. Over 400 movies and about a dozen TV shows have been produced in this location.

    When Gunga Din (Sam Jaffe) blew his bugle to warn the regiment of an ambush in what was suppose to be the Khyber Pass, it was really Alabama Hills

    When the gladiator, Russel Crowe, rode his horse in what was suppose to be Spain, it was really Alabama Hills.

    When rangers were ambushed and all except one survived, later known as the Lone Ranger, it was really Alabama Hills.

    When Major Kearny (Gary Cooper) hunted for the gang of jayhawkers and Confederate soldiers who stole Union army horses, it was really Alabama Hills.

    When the star-studded cast of How the West Was Won drove their wagons through mountain country, it was Alabama Hills.

    And when I looked for an interesting spot to expose some film, it was, you guess it, Alabama Hills.

    If or when you decide to visit this hallow ground of movie nostalgia, make sure you first stop in Lone Pine and investigate the Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum. They have a collection of old movie memorabilia that covers all the movies ever produced in the area. The collection includes costumes, cars, props, posters and a whole bunch of fun stuff. While you there glom onto the Self Guided Tour of Movie Road and you’ll be set for a fun trip. Failing that, Google it and see what you missed.

                        Note: Mount Whitney is just right of center at the top of the photograph.