Trail Overview
This trail consists of fine dirt and very loose gravel with ruts reaching 12–16 inches deep. Frequent whoops reach approximately 24 inches tall, requiring careful approach and departure angles. At least 12 inches of front-end clearance is needed to navigate the whoops and ruts. Within the first 0.1 miles, several level campsites offer full shade and scenic views of the surrounding forest. The combination of large, frequent whoops and tight turns makes this route unsuitable for trailers.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the 12–16 inch ruts, frequent 24-inch whoops, loose gravel, and tight turns. At least 12 inches of front-end clearance is needed, and the route is not trailer-friendly.
History
Inyo National Forest was established in 1907 and today protects a vast section of the Eastern Sierra surrounding Mammoth Lakes. The area has a long history of Native American use, mining, ranching, and recreation, while volcanic activity, glaciers, and the uplift of the Sierra Nevada shaped its dramatic landscape.