Mount Williamson Moonrise

@cinnadine

California

•

Lone Pine

The Alabama Hills, with their rounded rock formations and eroded hills at the foot of the massive Sierra Nevada peaks, are absolutely worth visiting. Seeing the first light illuminate the snowy peak of Mount Williamson as the moon set behind it sparked pure joy and happiness in me.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Telephoto lens (200mm)
Hiking shoes (hills can be slippery)

How to get there

N36° 37' 21.0"W118° 07' 01.2"

This photo of the moonrise at Mount Williamson was taken from the hills next to the famous Movie Road in Alabama Hills. The best way to get there is by car and it would take 20-30 minutes from the nearest town, Lone Pine. Take Highway 395 and turn to Whitney Portal Road. After following the road for about 3.5 km, turn right towards Movie Road. In about 4.5 km, you will see a parking bay where you can park your car. After that, it will take a 10-20 minute hike to reach the spot where the photo was taken, marked in the GPS coordinates. Face west and you'll see Mount Williamson in all its glory!