Big Pine to Silver Canyon

This was in general a lot more difficult than main trail post suggests. A lot of it is pretty easy but as others have noted, numerous sections with 3ft deep ruts filled with moon dust and big drops going in/out. Most of these had a work around, but hard to know which is worse on a 400+ lb ADV bike! (They are not happy in soft stuff) Also several sections that were pretty rocky. I was using this to make a loop up to Bristle Cone Pine Forest and down Silver Canyon. I think you could parallel this route on much better roads which would be a bit safer especially if alone.

Most of the trail is very easy but there are some parts with deep ruts and sand. Lx470 2” lift on 33” no problem

I started from the south, Big Pine, and intended to camp somewhere near Black Canyon. Trail is pretty over grown. I was solo and got to a section of deep ruts and soft sand/silt. I have a total stock 2023 Tacoma Off-Road and nearly got high centered due to the depth of the ruts. Everything was soft enough that I could not exit nor ride on the side. I only completed about 1 mile.

Beautiful and remote. Looks on interesting things to see along the way, including a warm springs swimming hole with koi, radio telescopes, and great views of the white mountains and the Sierra. Easy from an off-roading perspective. Some softer sections, a few areas with level 3 ruts, and a few stretches that a rocky. 4 wheel drive probably not needed, but I would recommend all terrain tires since it is pretty rocky in some areas.

Trail was mostly fine, but one section was rutted and very very dusty / sandy. If you see ruts, get out to check if it is hard pack. Ended up getting stuck in one section do to “poof dust”

The road appears to have not been traveled on for some time at the southern most point. We started in Big Pine and headed north. There is a lot of over growth, very deteriorated areas and some spots that appear to be quite muddy after rains, it was not muddy but dry and silty in those spots today. There area a few different paths to follow at about the half way point, we stayed along the canal for most of it. There is a photo of the Owens attached but we veered off to follow a little trail so we could fish. There’s plenty of water in canals but not for fishing. Overall it was a good trail but many more trails to explore so I probably won’t be back on this one.