Inyo Mountains Road
Death Valley to 11,000 feet of mining history
This brutal climb starts near the Saline Valley salt trams and ascends the spine of the Inyo Mountains, passing abandoned mining camps and offering views that stretch from Death Valley to the Sierra Nevada. The road becomes increasingly technical as you climb, with steep grades, loose rock, and narrow shelf sections that demand respect. Cerro Gordo Mine sits partway up, but the real prize is reaching the high country where bristlecone pines cling to windswept ridges.
Difficult trail requiring experienced drivers and well-equipped 4WD vehicles with low range, skid plates, and recovery gear. The upper sections can be impassable in winter and dangerous in wet conditions. No services for 100+ miles, so carry extra fuel, water, food, and emergency supplies. Best attempted May through October by those comfortable with exposure and mechanical challenges. What you earn is complete solitude in one of California’s wildest corners, plus mining history that few ever see. This isn’t a casual weekend trip — it’s a serious backcountry commitment.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Lone Pine, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What level of 4WD modification do I need for Inyo Mountains Road?
You need a modified 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and aggressive tires - stock vehicles will get destroyed on the sharp granite. 35" tires minimum and expect body damage even with armor.
Is the trail accessible in winter months?
No, snow blocks access from November through April at higher elevations. May-October is the only reliable window, with June-September being ideal.
Do I need any permits to run this BLM trail?
No permits required - it's open BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only in existing disturbed areas.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The upper granite shelves around 9,000-10,000 feet are brutal - jagged rock gardens that will test your line choice and armor. Expect multiple attempts on some obstacles and potential winching.
How much fuel range do I need since there's no cell service?
Carry at least a full tank plus 10-15 gallons extra - you're 28 miles from pavement with no bailout options once committed. Bring recovery gear and a satellite communicator for emergencies.