Trail Overview

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 trail 33E20, this becomes a very rocky slow-paced trail for about 4 miles. The rocks on the trail are small but make for a bumpy ride. At the 9.8 mile marker, there is a spur to the left to Cometti Mine; it's 1 car wide but worth the trip and has great views. The further you go the steeper it gets. If you continue from the 9.8 mile marker to Power Pole Road, you'll be on a 7-mile ride below the powerlines. It's a fast ride with some ruts and small washouts.

Photos of Crater Mountain Loop

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Difficulty

This is a great trail for SXS or jeeps any other 4x4 can also access it but SXS would be the most fun in my opinion.Not a difficult trail but must be done with a 4x4.

History

Trail has a spur to cometti mine.

Technical Rating

Big Papí

Sep 27, 2025

Open

Did this trail in a Chevy Colorado ZR2 with 35s. The previous trail rating was a 2. This trail is more of a 4 to 6 depending on your experience. Very rocky with sharp rocks once you get into it. Don’t let the beginning fool you it gets very bumpy during the middle portion and really no areas to turn back once you start. The trail is very fun and definitely stop at the mine shaft. Did this at night time and trail lights are a must.

Miguel Ortiz

Sep 27, 2025

Open

Not rated 2, but was not possible to finish. Less than one car wide. Lots rocks and inclines. Require 4WD

bodie steinwand

Dec 02, 2024

Open

road was completely washed out traction was non existent on the granite rocks, steep sections exceeding 100ft