Bunker Hill Road — Owens Valley to White Mountain Peak Base via Ancient Bristlecone Country
Bristlecone pines and 11,000-ft Sierra views.
Pull off US-395 at Big Pine, head east on Westgard Pass Road, and once you clear that pavement, the White Mountains open up hard and fast. Bunker Hill Road climbs through sagebrush flats and pinyon-juniper into the ancient bristlecone zone — trees pushing 4,000 years old standing sentinel on exposed ridgelines at 11,000 feet. The route runs north toward Schulman Grove and eventually approaches the White Mountain Research Station access corridor, with sweeping views back across the Owens Valley to the Sierra Nevada wall on the opposite horizon. The elevation gain is relentless and the air gets thin quick — carry water because there is none up here.
This is a high-clearance two-wheel-drive route in good conditions, but washboarding, loose decomposed granite, and exposed shoulder drop-offs make a capable 4WD a smarter choice. Snow closes the upper road by November and it stays shut until late spring — July through September is your window. Fuel in Bishop before you go. No permit required for the road itself, though the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest has a day-use fee at Schulman Grove. Cell service dies below the ridge. What you get out of it is earned solitude, ridiculous Sierra views, and a legitimate high-altitude desert experience that most people driving US-395 never bother to find.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11600 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD (4WD recommended) |
| Nearest town | Big Pine, CA |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest / Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle Bunker Hill Road, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock Tacoma or 4Runner handles this fine. The trail is graded dirt and gravel — high clearance matters more than lockers or lift. A high-clearance 2WD can make it in dry conditions, but 4WD is smart given the loose surface and steep grade above 10,000 ft.
When does Bunker Hill Road typically open and close for the season?
July through September is the reliable window. Snow closes the upper section — above 10,000 ft — well into June some years, and early fall storms can shut it down again by October. Check with Inyo National Forest before heading up outside that window.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this route?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed within Inyo National Forest under standard 14-day stay limits, but if you're entering the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest visitor area at Schulman Grove, there's a $6 per vehicle day-use fee.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect there?
The upper stretch approaching the White Mountain Peak trailhead is the most demanding — loose rock, steep grades, and exposed shelf road with limited pullouts. It's not technical, but at 11,000+ ft the air is thin, the road narrows, and there's no room for error if you meet oncoming traffic.
Is there any water or gas available along the route — how far out am I really going?
There is zero water and zero gas on the route itself. Top off your tank and water in Big Pine before you leave — the town is your last stop for both. Carry at least 2 gallons of water per person given the altitude, heat, and the fact that cell service is nonexistent the entire 28 miles.
Trail track
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