Jawbone to Lake Isabella

closed off hwy 14 but again there's a few off the road ways to get in from what I saw of course 😉 1 mud puddle that's it all dry loose rocks 2wd can make it no problem clean and very nice and well kept

The trail is posted as closed from highway 14. However I totally obeyed and totally did not go past the signs, but if you do find yourself on the trail (totally not like me) its mostly dry with a few mud puddles from the previous weather, some of the switchbacks/hairpin turns have loose dirt/gravel and may experience some traction loss. Just keep your momentum and driving lines good and youll make it in 2wd easy.

Jawbone Canyon Road closed at the Route 14 intersection due to rain during the previous week.

the road from the Caliente/Bodfish road on the north end to Piute Mountain Road on the south end is called Saddle Springs

Trail was super easy and maintained, couple knocked trees, most vehicles could do it in dry weather, doesn't need high clearance but you might need 4x4 in certain switchback sections (a stock Subaru Forester will be able to complete it no problem). Mainly it's a easy incline and decline two-wheel drive phenomenal mountain Rally Road and a fire road, few blind corners. In Baja Mode going High Pace with only two 5 minute stops entering from Jawbone to Lake Isabella, pavement to pavement it took me 1 hour 50 minutes. Would highly recommend I had an amazing drive, beautiful views some pullouts for camping that requires permit you do go through Sequoia National Forest and there were a couple fallen trees but others have maintained the trail that you could make it by. Be careful for free-range Livestock that might be on road and leave the nature cleaner than you find it. Drive Safe!

Downed tree at the start of the Switchbacks. We were able to pull some branches off of it and drive over the right side of it. Passable in 2wd but would bring some traction board just in case because of sand.

Graded road most of the way. No water crossings or mud, can be done with 2WD at the moment.

Trail was in decent shape. Quite a few ruts climbing up out of Kelso Valley, but nothing too terrible.

most, but not all...of the trail was maintained and flat doable with high clearance 2wd

We drove as far as the turnoff to Piute Lookout (28S17 - gate open and road in good condition). The mud has mostly dried out and water crossings are shallow. There are some very deep ruts to watch for, especially between Kelso Valley Road and Piute Mountain Road. All doable with high clearance. The Piute Mtn section is being graded, so you might encounter graders if you go during the week. Beautiful high country and I recommend taking in the view from the old lookout site.

We made it almost to Piute peak but there were multiple sections of snow multiple feet deep that became impassable for my 4Runner. Ended up turning around and taking Kelso valley to kernville instead.

Great day trip! We had 12 vehicles total. Saw uneven trails, some snow patches, some puddles but for the most part relatively clear for dust! Would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a simple trail to enjoy some beautiful views and fresh mountain air.