Trail Overview

This fun trail climbs 1,800 feet in just 4.5 miles, reaching the cliff's edge at an elevation of over 11,000 feet. The sandy and rocky trail winds up through valleys and forests. Several sections with deep ruts, off-camber sections, and rocks make it a challenge for low-clearance vehicles and drivers with limited off-road experience. The reward is reaching the edge of the Hoover Wilderness, one of the original 54 Wilderness areas created by the 1964 Wilderness Act. At the top, a cliff offers stunning views down into the wilderness. East Lake, Nutter Lake, Gilman Lake, and Hoover Lakes can be seen sparkling below. Dunderberg Peak, Epidote Peak, Page Peak, and Gabbra Peak rise majestically above these lakes. On the way down, you'll get a glimpse (or panoramic vista, depending on the view) of Mono Lake.

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Difficulty

The trail offers various rocky, uneven, off-camber, deep rutted areas. There can also be snow on the trail as late as mid-summer.

History

Trail is part of the Hoover Wilderness, one of the original 54 Wilderness areas created by the 1964 Wilderness Act.

Technical Rating

Valentino M

Sep 21, 2025

Open

Kevin Lopez

Aug 31, 2025

Open

Pretty fun and short trail to the top with a lake about halfway to stop and take a break. Made it with my Tacoma and 4 other passengers and some gear in the bed. Only needed 4Lo for 1 of the sections. Not crowded at all there were only 2 other groups camping at the top.

Arsh Khosa

Aug 30, 2025

Open

Pretty easy trail, didn’t even feel the need to air down, camped at the lake 2 miles below the ridge. It was quite busy on Saturday night.

Eric Schneider

Aug 23, 2025

Open

The trail is not bad. Any four-wheel drive should be able to make it pretty easily. Medium ground clearance is required and low range just so you go slow don't beat up your rig, not necessarily for torque. There's a nice, sizable pond (no outflow) with nice clear water about 2/3 the way up. The at the top is absolutely spectacular! There are not many drivable roads in the Sierras that go up to 11,000 ft.

Fran Adler

Aug 09, 2025

Open

Awesome scenery all the way up. Still some patches of snow next to the trail. Definitely need 4x4 as some parts are steep and rocky. The view at the top is worth every minute of the trip!

Craig @TheOverlandingPhotographer

Jul 29, 2025

Open

Went up between 9 and 10pm - clear skies, prepare for wind due to location. A couple of spots on the way up with rocks and off camber but nothing crazy although I would say 4wd is a must - Beware of the weather changing due to location near mountains etc - went from clear to a thunderstorm with heavy rain and light snow (at the end of July 😳) - but I did get to see the milky way

Jorge Serapio

Jul 12, 2025

Open

No more snow. Trail is completely dry all the way to the ridge. Made it all the way up in my stock Chevy Colorado ZR2 on 4 High

Daniel A

Jul 07, 2025

Open

Scott Drawz

Jun 25, 2025

Open

Blocked by multiple feet of snow still. Please do not try cutting around the snowbank as someone did in a SxS.

Jacob Ellwood

May 31, 2025

Open

Still snow about a mile up blocking the trail

Joshua Romero

Mar 01, 2025

Open

Couldn’t access the trail due to deep snow. With the recent warm weather, a lot of slush, mixed with powder in the shade. The surface is hard when walking on, but when a vehicle goes over, just sinks and digs in. We ended up turning around after getting stuck about 8 times.

Sean c

Sep 28, 2024

Open

Some steep areas, some rocky areas. Overall pretty easy trail. Absolutely stunning views. Wouldn’t recommend doing this trail in a vehicle without 4lo.

K9PW Offroad Tours K9Projectworks

Sep 01, 2024

Open

The trail up seemed slightly technical with a good amount of incline. Easy climb (4x4) in 4Lo with decent clearance. Made a stop to James Lake right before heading up to the overlook along the ridge. Weather at this elevation (11k ft) can change fast. Saw heavy cloud formations right in front of us on the top of the ridge. Area can be pretty windy, too.

Matt Geraci

Aug 12, 2024

Open

Some rocky sections but nothing technical. Easy trail for a 4x4 with the right tires