Alabama Hills National Scenic Area

Newsletter, July 2024

Mt. Whitney as visible from a designated campsite near Lone Ranger Canyon.

Field Work

Fire restrictions are still in effect until further notice. Campfires are only permitted within metal fire rings in established campgrounds like Tuttle Creek Campground. There are no campfires permitted in the Alabama Hills designated camping areas.
As activity remains quiet in the hills, planning is underway for fall. Stay tuned for more announcements regarding restoration projects, the artist in residence program, and porta potty enclosures.
Staff continues to pull Russian thistle in a few of the remaining hot spots around the Alabama Hills.
Lower visitation means more time for maintenance of campsites and doing deep cleans and longer restoration projects while sites are empty.
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, update signs, and educate visitors about the importance of Leave No Trace.

A female chuckwalla perches in a crack. Chuckwallas are known to wedge themselves into tight spaces and gulp air to deter being taken by predators.

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.

July 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: 3,046
Kiosk at Whitney Portal Entrance Station: N/A with closures
North Entrance: 1,846
Mobius Arch Trail Foot Traffic: 920
Chicken Ranch: 23

This month's data was collected July 1- July 27, 2024

Events

Upcoming BLM-Sponsored

None

Upcoming Special Recreation Permit

August 4-9: Paul D's Photography
August 13: Toyota Film Permit
August 23 Volvo Film Permit

Past BLM/ESIA-Sponsored

None

Past Special Recreation Permit

July 23-24ierra Solstice Footrace
July 26-27: Joshua Cripps Photography

Staffing

The BLM Recreation Department has 5 permanent and 4 seasonal recreation team members that patrol the Alabama Hills and other BLM-managed lands. 2 law enforcement officers provides patrol of the Alabama Hills and the rest of the field office. 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