Trail Overview
This wide, fine-dirt trail climbs up and over the hillside through a dense forest. The first section is a steady hill climb with minimal 2–3-inch ruts. Around 0.3 miles, the route briefly narrows between two closely spaced trees.
Camping is plentiful throughout the trail, with sites surrounded by the forest. Due to the combination of sustained hill climbs and descents with soft dirt, 4WD or AWD is highly recommended. The route is not trailer-friendly and can become significantly more difficult when wet.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 3 because of the sustained hill climbs and descents combined with the soft dirt surface. Although ruts are only 2–3 inches deep and there are no major obstacles, traction can become challenging, making 4WD or AWD highly recommended.
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.