Mazourka Canyon Road
Silver rush road through granite and ghosts
This rough mining road climbs from the Owens Valley floor through Mazourka Canyon, past the ruins of the Reward Mine and Kearsarge Mill. The route follows the original 1860s supply road that hauled silver ore down from the high country, with multiple creek crossings and steep granite sections that’ll test your line choice. At mile 8, you’ll hit the Reward Mine ruins where stamp mill foundations still stand guard over scattered machinery.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD and decent ground clearance for the rock gardens. Spring and fall are best—summer heat is brutal in the lower sections, and winter brings snow to the upper reaches. No permits needed, but bring recovery gear and extra water. The payoff is serious: panoramic views of the Sierra crest and a genuine taste of California’s mining heritage without the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6400 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Independence, California |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Mazourka Canyon Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. The rocky sections and loose dirt climbs will punish anything with low clearance — lifted rigs have more margin for error on the rougher stretches near the upper canyon.
When does Mazourka Canyon Road open in spring and is it accessible in winter?
April through October is the reliable window. Winter snow and ice at the upper elevations make the trail impassable or dangerous, and the road can stay muddy and rutted well into spring depending on snowpack. Check with Inyo National Forest before heading out early season.
Do I need a permit to drive Mazourka Canyon Road?
No permit is required to drive the trail. It falls under Inyo National Forest jurisdiction, so standard dispersed camping rules apply — no fee, 14-day stay limit, and you're responsible for packing out everything you bring in.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The upper canyon stretch gets the most attention — loose rock, embedded granite slabs, and a few shelf road sections with exposure on one side. Nothing extreme, but it demands active driving and steady throttle control; it's the section where complacent drivers on street tires get into trouble.
Are there water sources on Mazourka Canyon Road, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There are seasonal water crossings on the trail but treat any natural water before drinking it — don't count on it being available late season. Independence is your last stop for gas, roughly 5 miles from the trailhead, so fuel up there; the next reliable option is Lone Pine, about 15 miles south.
Trail track
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