Upper Summer Meadows Road - FS 32144

Trail Overview

This 16-mile out-and-back trail starts on Dunderberg Mill Road, one mile from Highway 395. The sand and gravel trail begins very wide with stunning views from the beginning of the Eastern Sierra mountains, including various peaks. There is a one-lane bridge 1.5 miles in as it crosses Green Creek; yield to other vehicles. After the bridge, it opens to a huge meadow where the trail remains relatively flat for a couple of miles. At the end of the meadow, it starts its slow climb of over 2,000 feet in the last 4 miles. At mile 4.5, it slightly flattens out, and you see another few meadows and forest along with your first glimpses of the Hoover Wilderness, including Robinson Peak, Eagle Peak, Hunewill Peak, and Victoria Peak, all part of the Sawmill Range. At mile 5, the road starts getting bumpier with more embedded rocks of various sizes as well as some ruts due to water runoff. Near the top, you can visit the Tamarack Mine, and it enters an aspen and pine forest for the last quarter mile. The Tamarack hiking trail is nearby.

Photos of Upper Summer Meadows Road - FS 32144

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Difficulty

Although the first 6 miles earn a rating of 1, the last 2 miles elevate it to a rating of 3 overall. The last 2 miles feature a quick climb of over 1,500 feet with some off-camber sections, a shelf road, rock gardens, and rocks up to 12 inches, along with more challenging areas that require careful navigation. 4x4 and high clearance are highly recommended.

Technical Rating

Upper Summer Meadows Road - FS 32144 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV