Dusy-Ershim Off-Highway Vehicle Route — Kings Canyon to Owens Valley Divide
Sierra's most brutal legal rock crawl, period.
The Dusy-Ershim is California’s answer to the question: what’s the hardest legal trail in the Sierra? Running roughly 19 miles from Wishon Reservoir in Fresno County to the Owens Valley floor near Big Pine, this route crosses the Sierra Nevada crest via a series of brutally exposed granite ledges, loose talus chutes, and off-camber shelf roads with no guardrails and no margin for error. The Ershim side climbs through the John Muir Wilderness boundary, topping out near 10,000 feet before the descent toward Dusy Basin — a route that will articulate your suspension, scrape your skids, and test every recovery skill you have. Named waypoints like the Keyhole and the Main Waterfall Drop are not trail highlights — they’re mandatory obstacles you either clear or you don’t.
This is Expert-level terrain, full stop. Stock rigs don’t belong here. You need a purpose-built short-wheelbase 4WD with lockers front and rear, high-clearance skid plates, and a spotter for most of the technical sections. Maximum vehicle length is roughly 100 inches wheelbase — longer rigs get hung up on the switchbacks. Permits are required through the Inyo and Sierra National Forests; reservation windows fill fast. Best window is July to early September before early snow closes the high passes. Carry all your water — sources along the route aren’t reliable. This is a one- to two-day run you’ll talk about for years.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10400 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Purpose-built short-wheelbase 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Big Pine, CA |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest / Sierra National Forest |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run Dusy-Ershim?
No. This trail demands a purpose-built, short-wheelbase 4WD with front and rear lockers, high clearance, and ideally a skid package. Stock rigs — even 'trail-rated' ones — get stuck or damaged on the boulder fields and ledge drops. Long-wheelbase vehicles will high-center and get hung up in the tight switchbacks.
When does Dusy-Ershim actually open each year?
July through September is your window — snow and mud close the upper route most years until early-to-mid July. Always check current conditions with Inyo National Forest before you go; late snowpack years can push opening into late July or close it entirely.
Do you need a permit to run this trail?
Yes. An OHV permit is required, and your vehicle must display a valid California OHV green or red sticker. There's no trail-specific reservation system, but you're on both Inyo and Sierra National Forest land — know the regs for both.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Dusy Branch descent on the west side is the crux — steep, loose, blind ledge drops with near-zero recovery room. Expect mandatory spotting, possible winch use, and sections where a mistake means a long fall. Plan for 8+ hours just for the technical sections even in a capable rig.
Is there any water or gas available along the route, and how far out is the nearest fuel?
There is zero infrastructure on this trail — no gas, no services, nothing. Big Pine is your last fuel stop before the eastern trailhead; top off there. Water crossings exist on the route but treat everything — you're at altitude and cattle and wildlife use these drainages.
Trail track
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