Trail Overview
This fine-dirt trail travels through dense forest with plentiful camping throughout. Near the beginning are several level, shaded campsites, followed by a large campsite around 0.2 miles that can accommodate trailers, fifth wheels, or up to 12 vehicles and includes multiple fire rings. The trail is trailer-friendly up to this point. Beyond 0.2 miles, conditions become significantly rougher, with ruts eventually reaching 14–15 inches deep, turns reaching 12° off-camber, and frequent 14–20 inch whoops. At least 12 inches of front-end clearance is required, and trailers should not continue beyond the large campsite. Around 1 mile, the forest opens into a scenic meadow with expansive mountain and forest views before the route connects with Antelope Bench.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the 14–15-inch ruts, 14–20-inch whoops, and sections reaching 12° off-camber. The fine dirt can also become considerably more difficult when wet.
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.
Offroad