Trail Overview
The trail starts just off Antelope Bench (FS 3S06), immediately climbing through a pine forest lined with grasses and some brush, creating a scenic corridor. The trail is made of pumice with some small rocks scattered throughout the volcanic surface. There are some off-camber sections with small whoops and small ruts due to water runoff, as well as deep ruts from heavy SXS use that has carved channels into the pumice. One switchback adds technical interest to the climbing section, requiring careful throttle control and line selection. Some low-hanging branches will hit a tall vehicle, so roof racks and antennas may make contact, as well as narrow sections with overgrown bushes that will give you Sierra pinstripes as vegetation scrapes along your doors and fenders. At mile 0.8, you're treated to fantastic views of the Eastern Sierra mountains, Glass Mountains, White Mountains, and Lake Crowley spreading out before you. There is a steep downhill at that point that requires controlled braking and attention to the loose pumice surface. At mile 1.,8 you enter a section of loose rocks that shifts underfoot and demands careful tire placement and momentum management.
Difficulty
This trail has a moderate difficulty rating (3) based on the demanding elevation changes climbing over 500 feet and dropping just under 400 feet in just over 2 miles, off-camber sections with small whoops and water runoff ruts, deep ruts from heavy SXS use, one technical switchback, pumice surface with scattered small rocks, low-hanging branches that will hit tall vehicles, narrow sections with overgrowth causing pinstripes, steep downhill at mile 0.8, and loose rock section at mile 1.8. The primary challenges include managing the sustained climb and steep descent on loose pumice surfaces, navigating the switchback without sliding on the volcanic soil, threading through deep SXS ruts without high-centering, controlling speed on the steep downhill while maintaining traction, handling off-camber sections confidently, and picking lines through the loose rock section at mile 1.8, making 4x4 and high clearance highly recommended for safe passage.
