Swansea-Cerro Gordo Road

Total Miles
31.7

Elevation

2847.4 ft

Duration

6 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Summer

Trail Overview

Difficulty

Moderate: Steep, narrow and rocky in places. Prone to washouts and rock slides. Suitable for aggressive stock 4x4 SUVs with high clearance and skid plates. Not for novice drivers.

History

The Salt Tram was an engineering marvel when construction began in 1911. It operated until 1930 carrying salt from the floor of Saline Valley over the Inyo Mountains and back down to a processing plant just north of the town of Swansea (where the trail starts). The BLM has a project underway to stabilize the tram station. Fire is its greatest danger. Please respect the property and take only pictures. Source: Kiosk at the Tram Station.

Technical Rating

5

Access Description

From Hwy. 395 in Lone Pine, take Hwy. 136 east 9.6 miles and turn left just before house with high fence. Small sign on mailbox says 'Welcome to Swansea.'