Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens
Shutter Speed
1/100 sec
Aperture
f/11
Focal Length
16mm
ISO
320
Movie Flat Road view of Alabama Hills & Barrel Cacti
@codymayer22
Home to scenic desert landscapes and natural beauty, Movie Flat Road is a paradise for both moviemakers and photographers. Hundreds of American films, mainly Westerns were shot in the nearby town of Lone Pine. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the purplish morning light on the mountains and the desert plants around me.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
- Wide-angle lens
- Telephoto
How to get there
N36° 37' 21.2452"W118° 06' 57.3592"
This photo of Alabama Hills and barrel cacti was taken nearby Movie Flat Road.
To get there by car from Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road to the west. Then turn right onto Movie Road and follow it until you crest a hill that looks back on the mountains.
This is a dirt road that can be muddy and snowy at times, so be careful. These barrel cactus can be found by walking north through the rocks.
Tips
When to go
Best season
January, February, March, April, May, November, December
Best time
Sunrise
To enjoy your time on Alabama Hills and take similar photos with snowcapped mountains, I recommend visiting Movie Flat Road in the winter or spring. The mountains are way more beautiful with snow on top and by visiting during this period of time, you will be escaping the extremely hot summers in Lone Pine.
I visited in January but if you want to see the barrel cactus buds, keep in mind that they start in April.
During sunrise, the mountain peaks will get a beautiful alpine glow which makes for a stunning background in your photo.
Field tips
By using a wide-angle lens, you can show off both the barrel cacti in the foreground and the beautiful hills in the background all in one shot.
The first light of the day is a great time to break out the telephoto lens and capture some detailed shots of the hills. Trust me, the results will be worth it!
Focus stacking is a really cool technique to try at this spot. Just snap a few separate shots, focusing on the cacti in the foreground and then up to the Alabama Hills. Blend the shots together later and you'll have an incredibly sharp and detailed photo.
To draw attention to the stunning desert landscape, try centering a barrel cactus in your frame. This creates a balanced and eye-catching composition that will make your photos stand out.
Current weather
Lone Pine, California
Clear
58o
F
Mon
62o
42o
Tue
65o
43o
Wed
66o
47o
Thu
68o
47o
Fri
67o
47o
Blue Hour
14:25
60o
Clear
Sunrise
14:53
60o
Clear
Golden Hour
23:58
60o
Clear
Sunset
24:38
58o
Clear
Do nearby
If you’ve got a nice car camping set-up, Lone Pine and its surroundings are some of the best places to car camp in California. With unique sites and beautiful views all around, you won't get bored. While you're there, consider popping over to Alabama Hills Movie Road Viewpoint which is a popular photo spot.
Although Lone Pine is a small town, there are some great places where you can grab some food. Alabama Hills Cafe & Bakery is well worth a visit.
Locations nearby
