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

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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

BigBrett S.

May 23, 2025

Open

Trail would be easy in a jeep with an experienced driver. I did it in a f150 crew cab long wheelbase on 33” tires. It was very tight and I didn’t escape without some scratches. Some rocky climbs required 4low but the hardest obstacle was the rock shelf. I came from the sawmill meadows trail. I don’t think I could make it coming from the other way. There are a lot of tight turns with downed trees and heavy brush.