🌤️ When to Go: This is a great cool-season adventure from late fall through early spring, when temperatures are much more comfortable for exploring with your pup. We’d skip this one during the hot summer months and early fall—the heat can be tough on both you and your four-legged adventure buddy! 🐾

This hike is best enjoyed during cooler weather, as there is very little shade along the trail. We visited in November and were surprised by how hot it still was!

Driving along Highway 395 with your dog and looking for a fun place to stretch your legs? The Mobius Arch Loop in the Alabama Hills, just outside of Lone Pine, California, might be exactly the stop you’re looking for!

This short, dog-friendly hike is a great way for both you and your pup to get out of the car, breathe in some fresh air, and take in the incredible scenery. With beautiful views of Mount Whitney, fascinating rock formations, and the famous Mobius Arch, this is much more than just a quick rest stop—it’s a little adventure along the way.

Why Mobius Arch Is Worth the Stop

As we traveled up Highway 395, we were ready to get out and stretch our legs, and of course, our dog was ready too! The Mobius Arch hike turned out to be the perfect choice. The trail is short and picturesque, making it a fun stop without adding too much time to your road trip.

The Alabama Hills are also a popular area for boondocking. We weren’t camping overnight, but we saw plenty of people who were. I can only imagine how incredible the night sky must be out there!

For anyone unfamiliar with the term, boondocking generally means camping outside of developed campgrounds without hookups. If you’re planning to camp in the area, be sure to check current rules and regulations before your trip.

Getting There

One of the best things about this stop is that it’s only about 10 minutes off Highway 395 near Lone Pine. Most of the drive was paved when we visited, and the dirt-road portion was well maintained.

You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction if you spot the rock with what looked to me like a monkey head painted on it. You’ll turn right onto Movie Road, and eventually the paved road turns to dirt. Continue along until you reach the Mobius Arch area, where you’ll find a dirt parking lot.

We used Google Maps to find the location and AllTrails to help us with the trail. I definitely recommend checking both before you go, since road and trail conditions can change.

Don’t Miss the Arch!

Here’s my biggest tip: if you take the trail to the left from the parking area and follow the loop in that direction, you’ll approach the back side of the arch.

When you get to an area with a pile of rocks, start looking carefully to your right. It would be surprisingly easy to walk right past the arch!

That almost happened to us. We noticed people standing around taking pictures and thought, 

What are they taking pictures of? Then we looked a little closer and—there it was!

The left side of the loop seemed like the quickest way to reach the arch, and I definitely recommend it if you don’t want to accidentally miss the main attraction.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

We visited in November, and the weather was comfortable. One thing I would definitely keep in mind is the lack of shade. The trail is exposed, so during the hotter months it could get very hot.

Even though it’s a short hike, don’t forget to bring:

• Water for yourself
• Water for your dog
• A leash and anything else your pup needs
• Sun protection, especially during warmer months
• Your camera or phone for photos of the incredible scenery

Most importantly, always check current conditions and use your best judgment. We can only share what we experienced on the day we visited, and conditions can change.

For us, Mobius Arch Loop was absolutely worth the stop. It’s a quick adventure, a beautiful place to stretch your legs, and a wonderful spot to let your dog enjoy a break from the car while you take in the views of the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney.

If you’re traveling Highway 395 with your four-legged road trip buddy, this is definitely a stop I’d add to the list!

Most of all, have fun, stay safe, and keep exploring!