Trail Overview

This fine-dirt trail begins near a large campground and immediately climbs steeply up and over the hillside. Expect ruts reaching 10 inches deep, rock gardens with 5–8-inch rocks, and sharp switchbacks. The beginning is particularly narrow with little room for vehicles to pass. Heavy washboards make portions of the route bumpy, while the combination of steep climbs and loose dirt makes 4WD or AWD highly recommended. The trail is not trailer-friendly and can become significantly more difficult when wet.

Photos of Pygmy Forest - FS 2S17

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Difficulty

This trail is rated Level 3 because of the steep hill climbs, 10-inch ruts, 5–8-inch rock gardens, sharp switchbacks, and loose dirt. 4WD or AWD is highly recommended, and the narrow terrain makes the route unsuitable for trailers.

History

Inyo National Forest was established in 1907 and today protects a vast section of the Eastern Sierra surrounding Mammoth Lakes. The area has a long history of Native American use, mining, ranching, and recreation, while volcanic activity, glaciers, and the uplift of the Sierra Nevada shaped its dramatic landscape.

Technical Rating