Trail Overview
This narrow, soft-dirt trail follows a barbed-wire fence before climbing over the hillside and deeper into the forest. There is little room for vehicles to pass, but most of the route has no significant obstacles beyond ruts reaching 4–5 inches deep. The extremely soft dirt can become considerably more difficult when wet. At the end, the trail reaches a scenic hilltop viewpoint overlooking the mountain range to the north, with a unique rock formation nearby.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 2 because of the 4–5-inch ruts, narrow terrain, and extremely soft dirt surface. There are no significant obstacles when dry, but wet conditions can greatly reduce traction.
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.