Trail Overview
The Lake Crowley Beach NE Run skirts the edge of Lake Crowley, offering drivers an immersive and raw shoreline experience. This six-mile out-and-back sandy path winds close to the water, hugging the terrain and weaving through sharp desert brush with an untamed feel. While off the main grid, this route rewards drivers with sweeping views of Lake Crowley and the towering Eastern Sierra skyline, featuring Mount Morrison, Mini Morrison, Mount Sherwin, the Minarets, Mammoth Mountain, Mount Banner, and Mount Ritter. It’s a trail where the quiet of the lake meets rugged high desert textures — perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning photo ops.
Difficulty
Though the trail is relatively easy for high-clearance vehicles and AWD with good tires, the soft sand and intermittent deep ruts can quickly challenge low-clearance or 2WD vehicles. Good off-road tires and reduced air pressure are recommended for improved traction. The brush can be tight in places, so take care to avoid scratches, especially if you're in a wider or freshly-painted rig. Cell service is available on this route.