Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Big Pine, California

This is a 17-mile loop outside Big Pine. You can access the trail from Glacier Lodge Road or South School Street. From Glacier Lodge Road, access the trail on McMurry Meadows Road. The first 5 miles are flat with higher speeds, 1 to 2 cars wide, and have cows roaming. Once you make the turn onto tra...
Learn more about Crater Mountain Loop

Hard Pack dirt with small water crossings and mud holes the trail runs close to the Owens River so there is plenty of fishing, a small freshwater pond for summer swimming, plenty of off-grid camping spots, and a lot of side spurs. A lifted stock 2-wheel drive should have no problem crossing this tra...
Learn more about Big Pine to Silver Canyon

This route climbs over 1,000 feet and drops just over 300 feet before peaking at 10,308 feet. The trail runs through an open meadow surrounded by hills and the Eastern Sierra Range, offering scenic high-country terrain throughout the journey. Several spur trails branch off for exploration, including...
Learn more about FS 32E303 East

This route climbs 213 feet and drops 544 feet in elevation, featuring a sandy and grassy trail that climbs up into the hills. The dusty trail offers lots of interesting rock formations high up in the hills and stunning views of the Eastern Sierras as you come down the south side. The journey include...
Learn more about FS 32E302

This narrow dirt and gravel trail has frequent rock gardens and tight overgrowth where pinstriping is unavoidable. The first half includes 10–12 inch ruts and off-camber terrain, along with sharp rocks and boulders near the trail edges that require careful vehicle placement. At the end, a private ca...
Learn more about FS 35E303

This narrow dirt and gravel trail begins with 10–12 inch ruts and washes before continuing through rocky forest terrain. Expect sharp rocks and ledges, sections reaching 10–12° off-camber, and tight trees that require careful vehicle placement. All-terrain tires are highly recommended. A large, leve...
Learn more about FS 8S106

This narrow dirt and rocky trail continues past 8S106 and has frequent rock gardens with sharp, exposed rocks requiring careful tire placement. Several sections become extremely tight with trees and overgrown branches, making pinstriping unavoidable farther into the trail. At 0.7 miles, a level camp...
Learn more about FS 35E304

This narrow dirt and gravel trail begins directly off the highway near the “Steep Grades and Sharp Curves” sign and connects to 4S01B. Expect rock gardens with 5–6 inch ledges and more than eight small campsites within the first 0.6 miles. Most campsites accommodate one vehicle and offer level groun...
Learn more about FS 9S10F

This narrow dirt and gravel trail continues past FS 4S01B and climbs deeper into the forest. The difficulty increases immediately with 10–14 inch ruts, sections reaching 10° off-camber, and rock gardens with 6–8 inch rocks and ledges. Numerous switchbacks make the route unsuitable for trailers, and ...
Learn more about FS 35 E309

This narrow dirt and gravel trail branches off 4S01B and descends through the hills toward the highway. Expect tight turns, switchbacks, and frequent rock gardens with rocks ranging from 2–10 inches in diameter. Trees become especially tight in some sections, although the switchbacks have enough roo...
Learn more about FS 35E308

This narrow, fine-dirt trail branches off Carma Loop and provides access to several excellent campsites. Within the first 0.2 miles are three level campsites accommodating two to three vehicles, with fire rings, shade, and scenic views. One site also includes a table. The trail narrows in places, bu...
Learn more about FS 8S40B

This narrow, fine-dirt trail offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A level, shaded campsite sits near the beginning with space for one vehicle and a fire ring. Farther along, expect sections reaching 10° off-camber and narrow overgrowth where pinstriping is unavoidable. At...
Learn more about FS 35 E306

This dirt and gravel trail branches off Bristlecone Road and begins with 6–12 inch ruts and frequent rock gardens. At 0.1 miles, a shaded campsite accommodates up to three vehicles with level ground, a fire ring, and excellent mountain views. Around 0.3 miles, expect a steep climb with rock gardens ...
Learn more about FS 8S109

This well-maintained dirt trail branches off White Mountain Road and begins with ruts no deeper than 2 inches. The narrow route runs through dense forest, with frequent openings that offer views of the surrounding mountains. Numerous campsites are scattered throughout, including a large, level, shad...
Learn more about FS 4S01B

Carma Loop begins at a large parking area with space for up to 14 vehicles. The narrow trail consists mostly of fine dirt with small 2–3-inch ruts and follows the hillside with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. This easy, scenic drive is suitable for any vehicle and connect...
Learn more about Carma Loop

This narrow, fine-dirt trail branches off Carma Loop and can become extremely difficult when wet. Within the first 40 yards, expect 10° off-camber terrain and 10–12-inch ruts. The route also has several rock gardens, including a long section around 0.4 miles with 10–12 inch rocks and ledges. Pinstri...
Learn more about FS 8S40G

This short trail takes you to the alpine lake, Funnel Lake, dropping 20 feet to 10,380 feet. The lake area is surrounded by hills of rock, creating a dramatic alpine setting. There are some limited dispersed camping spots near the lake for those who pack out what they bring in, making this a scenic ...
Learn more about Funnel Lake - 32E304A

This sand and dirt trail is filled with embedded rocks of all sizes, from small loose chunks to larger boulders scattered along the way. It climbs nearly 800 feet in under 3 miles and rewards you with stunning views of the Eastern Sierras, the valley below, and the surrounding hills. The first 2 mil...
Learn more about FS 32E306

This 5.5-mile out-and-back trail climbs steadily toward one of the small peaks in the Eastern Sierra, offering a mix of rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The lower section starts as packed dirt with small embedded rocks, winding through an open meadow filled with brush and wildflowers. With no...
Learn more about FS 32E307

This trail starts at the Grandview Campground and snakes its way through pinyon forest and majestic views of surrounding hills and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The first half is fairly easy with a couple of small rock sections. The last half becomes progressively more challenging with very narrow, o...
Learn more about Grandview Mine Road - 7S129

This is a 17-mile loop outside Big Pine. You can access the trail from Glacier Lodge Road or South School Street. From Glacier Lodge Road, access the trail on McMurry Meadows Road. The first 5 miles are flat with higher speeds, 1 to 2 cars wide, and have cows roaming. Once you make the turn onto tra...
Learn more about Crater Mountain Loop

Hard Pack dirt with small water crossings and mud holes the trail runs close to the Owens River so there is plenty of fishing, a small freshwater pond for summer swimming, plenty of off-grid camping spots, and a lot of side spurs. A lifted stock 2-wheel drive should have no problem crossing this tra...
Learn more about Big Pine to Silver Canyon

This route climbs over 1,000 feet and drops just over 300 feet before peaking at 10,308 feet. The trail runs through an open meadow surrounded by hills and the Eastern Sierra Range, offering scenic high-country terrain throughout the journey. Several spur trails branch off for exploration, including...
Learn more about FS 32E303 East

This route climbs 213 feet and drops 544 feet in elevation, featuring a sandy and grassy trail that climbs up into the hills. The dusty trail offers lots of interesting rock formations high up in the hills and stunning views of the Eastern Sierras as you come down the south side. The journey include...
Learn more about FS 32E302

This is a 17-mile loop outside Big Pine. You can access the trail from Glacier Lodge Road or South School Street. From Glacier Lodge Road, access the trail on McMurry Meadows Road. The first 5 miles are flat with higher speeds, 1 to 2 cars wide, and have cows roaming. Once you make the turn onto tra...
Learn more about Crater Mountain Loop

Hard Pack dirt with small water crossings and mud holes the trail runs close to the Owens River so there is plenty of fishing, a small freshwater pond for summer swimming, plenty of off-grid camping spots, and a lot of side spurs. A lifted stock 2-wheel drive should have no problem crossing this tra...
Learn more about Big Pine to Silver Canyon

This route climbs over 1,000 feet and drops just over 300 feet before peaking at 10,308 feet. The trail runs through an open meadow surrounded by hills and the Eastern Sierra Range, offering scenic high-country terrain throughout the journey. Several spur trails branch off for exploration, including...
Learn more about FS 32E303 East

This route climbs 213 feet and drops 544 feet in elevation, featuring a sandy and grassy trail that climbs up into the hills. The dusty trail offers lots of interesting rock formations high up in the hills and stunning views of the Eastern Sierras as you come down the south side. The journey include...
Learn more about FS 32E302