Adventures in RV Boondocking
June 2013

Sweet Home Alabama Hills

I've been making my way up Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and all I can say is WOW!

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Now I've been here before, in fact I used to live here. I worked for the ski resort at Mammoth Lakes near Yosemite National Park, then moved up to sparkling blue Lake Tahoe. So I've had my share of mountain views. But no matter how many times I see the Sierras, they never fail to impress.

RV camping in the Alabama Hills
RV camping in the Alabama Hills with Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney towering above

This time around I'm taking my time to soak in the beauty of towering granite peaks and clear cool mountain streams. And in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, I've found a piece of Hollywood too. Since 1920 over 400 movies have been filmed here, especially westerns including The Lone Ranger TV show, but more recently Gladiator, Tremors, Iron Man, even Star Trek.

Visiting the Alabama Hills is like stepping into a science fiction movie and a western at the same time. The wildly shaped rocks look otherworldly, and I expect to see a cowboy riding a horse at any moment.

A face in the Alabama Hills
A face in the rock among the Alabama Hills

It goes without saying, this is prime boondocking territory. There are dozens of breathtaking campsites among the Alabama Hills and east of Lone Pine in Owens Valley. Most of the area is BLM land, with the Inyo National Forest starting at tree line.

Before I stand in awe once again to take in the grandeur of the Eastern Sierras, I'd like to share some new campsites, articles and videos with you.

Boondocking Campsites

With temperatures rising, you'll probably want to stay away from these campsites for now. So keep them in mind come fall and winter. The first is in beautiful Borrego Springs, California between San Diego and the Salton Sea. This spacious camping area is surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the 2nd largest state park in the lower 48. You'll find lush palm oasis, waterfalls, slot canyons, badlands, and majestic bighorn sheep. There is so much to see, you could spend all winter exploring the area.

Clark Lake, Borrego Springs, California

The next campsite was kindly submitted by a visitor and is in Agua Fria National Monument north of Phoenix, Arizona. The monument features Native American ruins, petroglyphs, and the gorgeous Agua Fria River.

Agua Fria National Monument, Arizona

RV Windows

You can't enjoy the scenery without RV windows, so here are a couple new articles on the subject. The first covers RV window types, single and double pane windows, tinting, and RV window manufacturers. This article will help you decide on a window replacement, and give you some things to consider when shopping for an RV.

Guide to RV Windows, It's All About the Glass

This next article provides step-by-step instructions for removing a window and installing a new one on your travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome. You can also use this guide for resealing a leaky window.

RV Window Replacement, Installing New Camper Windows

Scenic Videos

Ever had the urge to drive into a volcano? At Cinder Hills OHV Area near Flagstaff, Arizona you can do just that! It's the hottest place to bring along the motorized toys, if you've got them. Or you can just enjoy the view in this land of colorful volcanoes and pretty pines. There's ample room to set up camp and camping is allowed practically anywhere in the OHV area.

Cinder Hills OHV Area Video

Cinder Hills OHV Area Camping Article

Here's some more lovely scenery, this time on the cooler west side of Flagstaff. There are lots of camping opportunities here, like Walker Hill off FR 171 just 12 miles from town.

Sycamore Canyon, Government Prairie, Wild Bill Hill Video

Walker Hill Camping Article

Once you get some free time, saddle up the horses and hitch up the covered wagon. Then ride on in to Lone Pine, or any old campsite, and join me for a good look at the scenery. It's a beautiful country!

Stay tuned for new articles, campsites, pictures, and videos.

Until next time,

Keep RVing and keep smiling!

Will Barton
RV-Boondocking-Adventure.com


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