Trail Overview

This out-and-back trail starts just off Horseshoe Meadows Road. It is a sandy trail with various rock garden obstacles. Heavy ruts are also found at various spots but can be bypassed with smart, cautious driving. It starts at just under 5,000 feet and rises over 1,000 feet. You are rewarded with stunning views of the Alabama Hills rock formations, the surrounding mountains, Lone Pine, and the Owen Valley and Lake below. Spring can also bring beautiful wildflowers. This trail is more challenging than the South Fork trail. High-clearance 4x4 is recommended.

Photos of North Fork Lubken Creek Canyon

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Difficulty

This is a primarily sandy trail with various rock sections. There are a least two heavily rutted sections and off-camber sections as you rise up the canyon.

Technical Rating

Kate Proctor

Jul 25, 2025

Open

Narrower than the South Fork of Lubken Cr, but definitely not much harder. A solid 2, but not harder. There is a washed out section. If the bypass was not there, maybe it could be a 4, but even then, just barely. The second picture is the very end of the trail. There is an easy turnaround there too…