Alabama Hills 

Awesome area, spectacular.
Why do they call it Alabama Hills?

Per the Alabama Hills name: In the 1860's the town of Lone Pine was primarily Southern (Confederacy) in their sympathies with regard to the Civil War. The town of Independence on the other hand (~15 miles away), being a Federal Fort, was primarily Northern (Union) in their sympathies. The residents of Lone Pine named the Alabama Hills to commemorate the Confederate iron-clad warship Alabama, which was wrecking havoc on the Union fleet. To counter, the residents of Independence later named a local gold mine Kersarge, to commemorate the Union warship that sank the Alabama.

Finally! Marty's guide is available...

This would be a terrific place to take a new climber - the routes are user friendly, easy approaches, and there are many moderates.

How's the season for reliable and comfortable weather? Winter cragging in January or Spring Break (I'm a teacher) in late March? If too cold then, how about May/June-August?

Hi David!

It is a lot like Josh for weather. March is a great month and should be fantastic. January will probably be cold, but routes in the sun with no wind should be fine.

May/june, probably good in the shade and hot in the sun. Right on the edge of it being desperately hot. August, hot and shade climbing in the AM or Eve would be mandatory.

Monthly Avg Temps / Lone Pine Submitted By: Russ Walling on Dec 10, 2012