Tungsten City Road

Trail Overview

This route starts at Highway 168, just north of Bishop, beginning as a very wide trail before narrowing after 1 mile as you enter the Tungsten Hills OHV area. The trail passes a pet cemetery as well as the Tungsten Hills OHV area, offering beautiful views of the Eastern Sierras and the White Mountains throughout the journey. The area is owned by the LADWP; they do not allow camping, though camping is permitted in the BLM areas. There's a very short shelf road section along the route. Be aware of fire restrictions that happen yearly in this area.

Photos of Tungsten City Road

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Difficulty

This trail earns a low difficulty rating with its sandy surface featuring lots of washboards. There are also some ruts due to water runoff that add minor challenges to navigation. Be aware of fire restrictions that happen yearly in this area.

History

The Tungsten Hills near Bishop, California, gained prominence during World War I and II for its rich tungsten deposits, which were crucial for steel production and military applications. The discovery of these resources, particularly in the Pine Creek area, spurred a boom, leading to the construction of Tungsten City and a major processing mill. While the main tungsten mining operations ceased by the late 1940s, the area remains a historical treasure trove of old mine roads and geological features.

Technical Rating

Tungsten City Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike