Coyote Flat to Bishop Pass Backdoor — White Mountain High Desert Approach via Coyote Ridge
Sierra's volcanic backdoor above 10,000 feet.
Most drivers heading into the Eastern Sierra stop at the pavement. Coyote Flat Road — Forest Road 8S01 — leaves Eastside road logic behind and climbs hard out of Bishop Creek canyon onto a wind-scoured volcanic plateau at over 10,000 feet. The first serious test hits early: loose talus and embedded granite slabs on the switchbacks above South Lake Road junction will sort out the timid from the committed. Once on the flat, you’re rolling through high-desert sage broken by ancient lava flows, with the Sierra crest hanging impossibly close to the west. The road skirts the edge of the John Muir Wilderness boundary before dead-ending near old sheepherder camps and stone corrals that have been empty since the Basque herders cleared out decades ago.
This is legitimately technical — a true high-clearance 4WD road with loose rock, off-camber shelf sections, and zero bailout once you commit past the lower switchbacks. A solid running 4WD with all-terrain tires and a skid plate is the minimum; lockers help on the descent. The road is generally open July through October — snow can close it into late June. No permit required. Water is scarce on the plateau; tank up in Bishop. Dispersed camping on the flat is legal and spectacular — stars here are stupid good. Inyo National Forest manages this one. Nearest fuel and resupply: Bishop, 20 miles east.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10800 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Bishop, CA |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest, White Mountain Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Inyo NF White Mountain Ranger District Inyo NF Motor Vehicle Use Map |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock Tacoma or 4Runner with high-clearance 4WD and factory skid plates can manage it, but you'll want low-range and confident rock crawling ability for the rougher sections above 9,000 feet. Lifted rigs with aftermarket skids have more margin for error. Do not attempt this in a crossover or AWD-only vehicle.
When does the trail actually open after winter, and is snow a real concern?
July is the realistic open window — snow lingers on the upper volcanic plateau well into June and can return by late October. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common and can make the exposed ridge sections dangerous fast. Check conditions with the White Mountain Ranger District in Bishop before you leave.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit is required for the 4x4 route itself through Inyo National Forest. Dispersed camping is free but must follow Inyo NF rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources. If you're continuing into the Bishop Pass wilderness area on foot, a wilderness permit is required and quotas apply in summer.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what actually makes it technical?
The climb up Coyote Ridge toward the 10,800-foot high point is where it earns the difficulty rating — loose volcanic rock, steep off-camber shelf road sections, and limited room to recover if you get it wrong. There are no guardrails and some drop-offs are serious. Airing down to 18–20 PSI before you start climbing is not optional.
How far is it back to fuel in Bishop, and is there any water on trail?
Bishop is your last fuel stop — about 20 miles from the trailhead — so top off before you leave town. There is no reliable water on the upper plateau, so carry all you need for the full 1–2 day run. Cell service is completely dead out here, so file a trip plan with someone before you go.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.