Trail Overview

A premier, highly challenging 30.3-mile high-Sierra overland trail offering relentless rock crawling, deep mud bogs, and historic routes for experienced drivers in modified 4x4s.

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Difficulty

Difficult: Variety of obstacles includes mud bogs, a slippery log road and lots of big boulders. Thompson Hill is steep with large, loose boulders. Breakage is common. Experienced drivers with modified vehicles only. Don't go alone.

History

The Dusy/Ershim Trail was pioneered and built by the Four Wheel Drive Club of Fresno starting in 1956, constructed one section at a time beginning on the north end. The club successfully broke through the final challenging section between Dusy Meadow and Thompson Lake in 1968, completing a monumental effort that established one of the country's most famous offroad routes.

Technical Rating

Scott Weis

Aug 16, 2025

Open

Courtright Reservoir is currently under mandatory evacuation due to the Garnet fire. But during this trip 2 weeks ago. We only did a small portion of the trail to the end of Courtright Reservoir. We were there to just camp (awesome), fish (awesome) and check out the trail (also awesome). The Gatekeeper wasn't much of a gatekeeper this year. Last year it was worse, but manageable. Trail is awesome from what we did. Watch for CalFire updates for this area.

Jmoua Shaa

Oct 06, 2024

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

Front gate before entering Courtright is closed, believe it’s closed due to Dam repairs.

Michael bleck

Oct 04, 2024

Open

Alexandro Valdivia

Aug 23, 2024

2024 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Steve Holland

Aug 13, 2024

Open

long

Rachel Corona

Jul 01, 2024

Temporarily Closed

Trail Restoration

James Garcia

Aug 31, 2023

Open

Dusy/Ershim Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance

Access Description

The trail is typically open from mid-to-late summer through early autumn, depending on snowpack levels. Vehicles must meet minimum equipment requirements including high clearance, body protection, and functional lockers; traveling alone is highly discouraged due to the extreme risk of vehicle damage.