Regardless how warm the day will be in Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills can be crisp in October at 6 am. The air is still, as if poised for the gentle light beginning to reflect off of the face of the Sierra Nevada.

The subtle colors on the Sierra begin gently but gain in hue as the sun begins to crest the Inyo Mountains to the east. Clouds on the peaks first reflect the colors off their bellies. The shadows grow in intensity as the sun brightens the granite. The birds awaken and call and life begins to stir in the rocks as the sunrise continues..

It may take a little effort to get to the bus before 6 in the morning during your Festival weekend, but the result is well worth it as the continued popularity of our Sunrise Tour proves. It is easy to imagine cowboys riding out to take care of the herd, or birders trekking into the rocks raise their binoculars and scopes to catch the early bird.

The sunrise is a favorite of our photographers and often master photographer Ansel Adams rose early because the morning light was the most interesting for his purposes. His journals talk about the making of his classic photographs in the area, often in cold conditions. You will have better weather in the second week of October

The Sunrise Tour is all that and more for our fans and landscape enthusiasts. You will get lots of information on filming in the area as the bus leaves you in Lone Ranger Canyon in the dark just below Gene Autry Rock. You are escorted up with lots of flashlights and immediately you can have hot coffee, tea and juice to start the day. You also will get lots of home-made goodies prepared especially for the participants. It’s great eats! Cowboy Poet Larry Maurice comes along to share stories and poems. Musicians Sandy and Clayton Anderson entertain you with live music and chat. Much of the time you can just quietly enjoy the magnificent sunrise.

Some people come back year after year to have the experience. Hostess Nancy Prather who works regularly at the Museum as docent has made all the arrangements and is always ready to greet you with a warm welcome and a hot beverage.

Not for just anyone, this very special tour may be just the right thing to top off your time at the Lone Pine Film Festival in 2008. It’s best to sign up early as the seats go fast. There is one tour Saturday morning and one tour Sunday. Limited seating, of course.