Glass Mountains Ridgeline Run

Total Miles
11.9

Elevation

2,996.82 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Fall, Spring, Summer

Trail Overview

This 12-mile run climbs the Ridgeline between Watterson Troughs (7957 feet) up to its peak just above 9800 feet then down to Sawmill Meadows (9209 feet). The trail offers stunning 360 views of Lake Crowley, the Eastern Sierra Mountains, the White Mountains, and many valleys below. You will encounter various steep hillside up-and-down climbs. There is a radio tower on your way. It can get very windy at times on some of the open and exposed sections. The trail has sand, pumice, tree roots, and some rocks. There is one water crossing as you approach the Sawmill Meadows.

Photos of Glass Mountains Ridgeline Run

Glass Mountains Ridgeline Run
Glass Mountains Ridgeline Run

Difficulty

This trail is primary grade 1 to 3 but there is a grade 4 rock section (see pictures) at mile 4.7 which will require high clearance. There are many up and downhill climbs that can be a challenge to heavy vehicles. Good tire traction is also a must. There are a few narrow sections between trees that scrape on a mid-size SUV. Another section as you go through a forest area has some roots to navigate. There is a small water crossing near the Sawmill Meadows. High clearance and 4x4 is highly recommended.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Access Description

You can access from Watterson Troughs from the Lake Crowley side of Benton Crossing Road. There is also access from Deer Spring Road on the West side of Benton Crossing Road. Lastly, there is access from Sawmill Meadows Road on the East side of the Glass Mountains (off of the 120 Highway).

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