Sierras to Desert Trail
Alpine peaks to desert floor through mining history
The Sierras to Desert Trail plunges from the high country of the Eastern Sierra down into the Mojave Desert, crossing four distinct ecosystems in a single day’s drive. Starting near Mammoth Lakes, this network of forest roads and desert tracks drops through Benton Hot Springs, past the ruins of mining camps like Bodie Ghost Town, and ends among the Joshua trees near Bishop. The route follows old mining roads used during the 1800s silver boom, including sections of the original Cerro Gordo freight route that hauled silver down to the valley.
Difficult rating due to altitude changes, loose rock sections, and desert navigation challenges requiring experienced 4WD drivers with solid vehicles. Essential gear includes recovery equipment, extra water, and detailed maps since GPS can be unreliable in the canyons. Best run May through October to avoid high-country snow. This route rewards drivers with dramatic elevation changes, ghost town history, and the raw beauty of California’s eastern wilderness transition zone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 67 mi / 107.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Bishop, California |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest / BLM |
| 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 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig will get through, but the rocky descents and loose mining road sections will test your skid plates. Running a lift with all-terrain tires gives you real margin — a bone-stock crossover SUV has no business out here.
Is this trail accessible in April or November?
The upper sections near 11,200 feet typically hold snow into late May and can close again by late October — sometimes earlier after a big storm. Stick to May through October and check current conditions with Inyo National Forest before you roll out.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the trail itself. Dispersed camping is allowed under Inyo National Forest and BLM rules — stay 200 feet from water sources, pack out everything, and don't camp in the same spot more than 14 consecutive days.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The steepest technical challenge comes on the rocky descents off the alpine terrain into the lower mining corridors — expect loose shale, off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails with serious exposure. Airing down to 20–25 PSI and taking it slow is not optional here.
How far is the nearest gas from the trail, and do I need to carry extra fuel?
Bishop is your last guaranteed fuel stop before you head out — the route covers 67 miles of remote terrain with zero services. Carry at minimum a 5-gallon auxiliary fuel can; more if your rig gets poor mileage in low range.
Trail track
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