Lonesome Highway — Owens Valley to White Mountain Peak via Barcroft Road
Highest drivable road in the lower 48.
Most drivers crossing Owens Valley on US-395 glance east at the White Mountains and keep moving toward the Sierra. That’s their loss. White Mountain Road begins at Westgard Pass on Highway 168 east of Big Pine and climbs relentlessly through bristlecone pine forest — the oldest living trees on earth, some exceeding 5,000 years — before breaking treeline and continuing to the University of California Barcroft High Altitude Research Station at 12,470 feet. From there, a rough dirt track pushed by the White Mountain Research Center continues to the 14,252-foot summit, making this the highest point accessible by vehicle in the lower 48. The panorama — Sierra Nevada one direction, Great Basin desert stretching east forever — is legitimately jaw-dropping.
The lower section to Schulman Grove is a maintained gravel road manageable in a high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions. Above Barcroft, the track to the summit is rocky, narrow, and steep — high-clearance 4WD required and skid plates are smart. Public access to the summit road requires a permit from the Inyo National Forest White Mountain Ranger District; Barcroft itself is gated to public vehicles. Best season is July through October — the road closes with first major snowfall and can see severe afternoon thunderstorms through summer. No water above Schulman Grove. Fuel in Bishop or Big Pine. The bristlecone pines alone justify the drive; reaching the summit is a bonus most overlanders never even know exists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 14252 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance (above Barcroft) |
| Nearest town | Big Pine, CA |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest — White Mountain Ranger District |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Inyo NF White Mountain Road info Recreation.gov permits |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the road above Barcroft Station?
Stock high-clearance 4WD rigs can make it, but the upper section above Barcroft is rocky, rutted, and exposed — aired-down tires and a skid plate are strongly advised. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires are more comfortable. Low-clearance vehicles stop at Barcroft.
When does the road to White Mountain Peak actually open each year?
Typically late June to early July, depending on snowpack — but July through October is the reliable window. The road can close overnight with no warning from sudden storms even in summer. Check current conditions with the White Mountain Ranger District before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive White Mountain Road to the summit?
Yes — a permit is required to access the upper road beyond Schulman Grove. Check Recreation.gov and the Inyo National Forest White Mountain Road page for current permit availability and reservation windows, as access is managed and limited.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The stretch from Barcroft Station (12,470 ft) to the summit turnaround at 14,252 ft is the crux — loose rock, narrow shelf road, no guardrails, and zero margin for error at altitude. Your engine loses roughly 30% power up here, so don't push a hot rig. The exposure is real and the air is thin.
How far is it to the nearest gas station, and is there water anywhere on the route?
Big Pine is your last fuel stop — fill up there, no exceptions. There is no potable water on the route above the valley floor, so carry everything you need for the day. Cell service is nonexistent the entire time, so file a trip plan with someone before you head up.
Trail track
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