Trail Overview

Shuteye Peak is a challenging and highly rewarding trail designed for intermediate to experienced four-wheel-drive enthusiasts seeking rugged terrain and spectacular high-altitude vistas. Located in the Bass Lake Ranger District within the Sierra National Forest, this route stretches approximately 6.7 miles, climbing from an elevation of 6,040 feet to a breathtaking 8,347 feet near the summit. The trail kicks off about 8.1 miles down Central Camp Road, immediately presenting drivers with moderate rock obstacles, off-camber sections, and steep, tight switchbacks that demand careful tire placement. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, high-clearance SxSs, or built rigs are highly recommended, as the route requires some technical rock crawling and features multiple water crossings depending on the season. As you ascend the rugged terrain, the trail winds past scenic landmarks such as Little Shuteye Pass at 7,044 feet and Chiquito Ridge before culminating at the historic Shuteye Peak fire watchtower. From this towering vantage point, visitors are treated to unmatched panoramic views spanning the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kaiser Pass, and Shaver Lake. Due to its high elevation and technical difficulty, it is best not to tackle this trail alone, making a recovery gear-equipped buddy vehicle an essential addition to the trip. The route is typically accessible from late spring through autumn, depending on snowpack, and makes for an ideal day-use excursion with lunch enjoyed at the summit lookout.

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Difficulty

Best not to do alone.

Technical Rating

Jul 18, 2026

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Open

Rough/DeterioratedNormalDusty

Trail is beautiful with some really nice camp spots. Definitely need 4x4 and high clearance. A stock 4Runner or Bronco would be fine. Pin striping is standard and expect some love taps on the skid plates. Its easy to lose track on some parts of the trail.

Nathan Lange

Jun 12, 2026

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

I did this on 6/12/26, my 2024 Rubicon is still stock height with 33's. Definitely had to choose my lines wisely. For the most part, the trail felt the same as it did last year. It felt to be a bit more challenging on the way down, maybe I was going to quickly? Anyways, awesome trail with beautiful scenery. Trail video: https://youtu.be/tvCdX2_TN_w?si=cTbnhPWSgt4TusDh

Jack Black

May 30, 2026

1999 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Kyle Kowalski

May 17, 2026

2025 Ford Bronco

Open

Adrian .

Apr 18, 2026

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

There was snow on the trail but all melted by the end of day. Gate was closed right before the switch backs

Jonathan Lomeli

Jul 27, 2025

Open

We went up on a SXS and the trail in my opinion is not moderate, it's difficult be aware. Beautiful views.

Norman Yu

Jul 26, 2025

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

We slowly made it to the top of shuteye peak on 07/27 morning. We started on 26th afternoon around 3:30pm from intersection of central camp road. It is pretty much flat until intersection of shuteye peak trail. the first few miles are fairly ok, and when the steep hill starts, the ruts on road became deep. But still ok for most 4x4 factory vehicles. When the rock terrain starts, it is worse than what we saw on youtube from last year. We have 2 full size 2-3.5inch lifted truck with 33-35s had to take it slow and choose lines carefully, easier for the lifted 4 runner and mildly modified wrangler. made it to about 1 mile from peak at around 6pm and decided to camp. Continued next morning to top and met with the fire watch tower host, really nice guy and his cute little dog.

Nathan Lange

Jul 25, 2025

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

I tried this again on Friday, July 25th, this time starting earlier in the day. It took me about 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Note that this trail is no longer a green/blue difficulty, it is black. The scenery along this trail is amazing leading up to climbers rock and everything after. I'll definitely be doing this again. The linked video is from my GoPro mounted to my bull bar, I tried to capture the feel of the trail. The sound may be obnoxious so feel free to mute. https://youtu.be/WD39SxUm48A

Nathan Lange

Jul 18, 2025

2024 Jeep Wrangler

Open

This was definitely a challenging trail for me and my stock Rubicon. I was spotting myself so it was real slow going. The trail becomes really narrow with a lot of ruts after turning onto FS 6S059, this will last until the first section. It was a grind for me up the mountain. I made it through the steps then decided to turn around (~4.5 miles, ~2 hours), I did not want to head back in the dark. I plan on coming back in a few weeks, this time leaving in the morning.

Johnathon Garcia

Jul 05, 2025

Open

Normal

Nice trail with beautiful views. Plenty of great spots to stop and enjoy lunch and the amazing scenery.

Phillip Macias

Jun 21, 2025

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

This is a fun trail, way much more difficult that a 5 rating. did not make it to the top. 1 of our rigs would not make it.

Robert Neely

May 25, 2025

Open

some areas have some deep ruts. a stock jeep gladiator made most of the way but we decided to park it and they rode the rest of way up with me. definitely at least a 3 inch lift recommended at a minimum. great trail had a great day. met some friendly people. great views at the tower.

Chris M Masten

May 24, 2025

Open

Muddy/Wet

in general, the early half of the trail was rocky but easy until the mud pit about a mile in (after 3 creek crossing which were easy). for our land Rover, the mud pit was a stopper. I also have a jeep Wrangler with a 2.5" lift and 35's which would have made it ok.

James Stuart

May 18, 2025

1996 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

There is mud pit that is not normally there about a half mile in after making the hard left turn onto the main shuteye peak trail. The pit was very rutted and uphill and was the hardest part of the trail. Other than that my 80 series on 35s (no lockers) made it no problem with good spotting.

Olive X

May 04, 2025

2002 Land Rover Discovery

Open

A bit of snow at the base, but easily passable with some speed. Made it up 75% of the way up before there was a large off camber snow bank. The gate half way up is open.

Shuteye Peak Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

High Clearance

Access Description

The trail is located within the Bass Lake Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles or SxSs are required. Seasonal closures may apply during winter and wet spring months due to snowpack and muddy trail conditions.