Trail Overview
This trail is part of the June to Mammoth Loop and the Mammoth Loop trail systems, traveling through terrain surrounded by lots of mature and young lodgepole pine trees. Seasonal blooming wildflowers add color throughout the route during appropriate times of year, enhancing the already scenic forest environment. This area is very popular for dispersed camping, with many spur trails branching off to explore additional camping and scenic opportunities throughout the area. The trail surface consists of very loose pumice and sand, which gets very dusty and maintains a width of one vehicle throughout most of the route. Drivers will encounter ruts up to 12 inches along with some off-camber sections that require careful attention to vehicle positioning and tire placement given the loose surface conditions. The north end of the trail runs along a short shelf road, rewarding drivers with nice views of the surrounding valleys and mountains from this elevated vantage point. Visitors should check local fire restrictions before any campfire activities, as fires are restricted almost every summer in this popular recreation area.
Difficulty
This trail has an easy difficulty rating of 3 based on the loose pumice and sand surface; ruts up to 12 inches; off-camber sections; one-vehicle width; and the short shelf road section at the north end. The primary challenges include managing traction on the loose, dusty surface; navigating ruts and off-camber sections carefully; and handling the narrow one-vehicle width when encountering oncoming traffic.
