Bald Mountain - FS 32E604-SNO

Trail Overview

This 11.2-mile out-and-back trail climbs over 1,200 feet from Highway 395 to Bald Mountain Lookout, serving as an artery to many spur trails. Starting as a 2.5 vehicle-wide gravel road lined with tall pines and sagebrush, the seasonally graded surface still has washboards from heavy use. After the first mile, you enter a wide meadow. At mile 3.5, the trail heads right and narrows. At mile 7.3, roads get rougher with small ruts and worse washboards. The final stretch becomes sandy and pumice, 1.5 vehicles wide, climbing to the summit where you get 360-degree views of the Eastern Sierras, Mono Lake, White Mountains, Glass Mountains, and Mammoth Mountain. Be aware and follow seasonal fire restrictions. Keep an eye out for wildlife like coyotes, mule deer, black bear, hawks, eagles, and bobcats.

Photos of Bald Mountain - FS 32E604-SNO

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Difficulty

Lots of washboards throughout due to heavy traffic use. At mile 7.3, small ruts appear, and washboards worsen (airing down helps). The last mile has ruts, uneven surfaces, and small rocks, climbing to the summit.

History

Geology: Unlike the volcanic mountains and granitic peaks typical of the region, Bald Mountain is known as an "Island in the Sky" because of its distinct geological composition. The mountain was formed from ancient seabed deposits of mud, seashells, and sand, which were hardened into layers of slate, dolomite, and sandstone by intense heat and pressure. Over millions of years, tectonic uplift and erosion left these formations exposed, while the surrounding landscape developed differently. The soil created from these ancient rocks is more mineral-rich and retains water better, leading to the abundant and diverse plant life found on Bald Mountain today. Fire lookout station: For decades, Bald Mountain has served as a crucial fire lookout point for the Inyo National Forest. The original fire lookout structure was built in 1943 by the Civilian Public Service, staffed by conscientious objectors during World War II. In 1963, the Inyo National Forest built the current lookout structure, which features a concrete block base and a steel cab. For years, the lookout was manned seasonally during fire season by Forest Service personnel and, more recently, by volunteers. The lookout offers expansive views of the Long Valley Caldera, the Glass Mountain Range, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. It is now sometimes staffed by volunteers who aid in fire detection and help educate the public. Deadman Pass legend: The area around Bald Mountain is associated with the Deadman Pass and Deadman Creek, which have a macabre local history. A legend from 1861 recounts the discovery of a prospector named Robert Hume, whose burned and headless body was found in a shallow grave near what is now Deadman Creek. His partner, Farnsworth, was initially believed to have narrowly escaped an Indian attack but later disappeared when an investigation disproved his story. The legend continued a few years later with the discovery of two more bodies near the bottom of what became known as Deadman Pass.

Technical Rating

Bald Mountain - FS 32E604-SNO can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike