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All the United States California Lone Pine Mobius Arch

Mobius Arch

This rock formation named for its unique shape is one of many that call the Alabama Hills home.

Lone Pine, California

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Mobius Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Lathe Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch, March 2109   Wookiee Monster / Atlas Obscura User
snow-capped mountains, as seen through arch   Avoiding Regret
Mobius Arch at Alabama Hills, 3/15/2021   Keri Kilgo / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch at Alabama Hills, 3/15/2021   Keri Kilgo / Atlas Obscura User
Mobius Arch  
Mobius Arch at Alabama Hills, 3/15/2021   Keri Kilgo / Atlas Obscura User
Arch in spring   Avoiding Regret
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Alabama Hills   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
Heart Arch   WindupMan / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Mobius Arch is a twisted stone portal and natural frame for Mount Whitney nestled in the Alabama Hills. Through its lens, the High Sierra mountain range, nearby stone formations, and sky present new facets waiting to be exposed amid the bright morning sun or under the glow of the night stars. 

The arch spans nearly seven feet and is known as one of the more recognizable arches in the region. Its name derives from its surface only containing one side and one boundary. The loop and surrounding landscape is a popular filming location, as classics such as, The Lone Ranger were filmed nearby. The Mobius Arch Trail is a relatively gentle hike that journeys toward the arch. 

Along the trails around the arch, visitors are treated to a beautiful, unobstructed view of the region, while hidden nooks and crannies abound reveal various perspectives. A small network of trails guides hikers through the foreign landscape of weathered metamorphic rocks.

This desolate landscape is also home to the Lathe Arch, the Eye of Alabama, Whitney Portal Arch, Heart Arch, Boot Arch, Cyclops Arch, and many other unnamed geological marvels. The area's rounded perforated stones have a somewhat haunted quality. Low light pollution also makes the arch a spectacular place to visit at night for a photoshoot. 

Related Tags

Rock Formations Natural Wonders Natural History Rocks Geology Nature

Know Before You Go

From Lone Pine, head up Whitney Portal Road and then turn right on Movie Road. The Mobius Arch Loop Trail is a short accessible one-kilometer marked trail. There are no facilities on-site, but the city of Lone Pine is nearby. The Alabama Hills Recreation Area is managed by The Bureau of Land Management and offers recreational activities.

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WindupMan

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Avoiding Regret, cancan1959, Keri Kilgo, Wookiee Monster

  • Avoiding Regret
  • cancan1959
  • Keri Kilgo
  • Wookiee Monster

Published

February 27, 2020

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Mobius Arch
Lone Pine, California
United States
36.613589, -118.12568
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Nearby Places

The Museum of Western Film History

Lone Pine, California

miles away

Manzanar National Historic Site

Inyo County, California

miles away

Mount Whitney Summit Shelter

Whitney Portal, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lone Pine

Lone Pine

California

Places 2

Nearby Places

The Museum of Western Film History

Lone Pine, California

miles away

Manzanar National Historic Site

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Mount Whitney Summit Shelter

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Lone Pine

Lone Pine

California

Places 2

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