Deer Valley Road

Deer Valley Road cuts a seldom-traveled 28-mile route through the heart of the Inyo Mountains, connecting Highway 178 near Ridgecrest to the remote Saline Valley beyond. This high-desert crossing climbs through Joshua tree forests and pinyon pine before cresting Cerro Gordo Pass at 8,200 feet, where mining ruins dot the landscape and panoramic views stretch across the Owens Valley to the Sierra Nevada. The road drops dramatically into Saline Valley, passing the abandoned Cerro Gordo silver mine that once shipped $17 million in bullion.

Plan on moderate difficulty with rocky sections, steep grades, and potential washouts that demand high-clearance 4WD and careful line selection. The route’s remote nature requires self-sufficiency—carry extra water, food, and recovery gear since help is hours away. Best traveled October through April when desert temperatures stay reasonable and winter storms haven’t closed the high passes. You’ll gain access to Saline Valley’s hot springs and some of California’s most untouched desert wilderness.