BACKCOUNTRY & 4X4

Posted by Last Chance Rand on June 09, 2003 at 18:50:43:

(Approx. 35 mile loop starting and ending on Hwy 136 about 10 miles east of Lone Pine)

This loop trail connects the neighboring towns of Swansea and Keeler, on the eastern shoreline of Owens Lake, via the ghost town of Cerro Gordo and the ridge line of the southern Inyo Mountains.

This route is very remote. Sharp shale rocks line much of the route so street tires are not recommended. In either direction there are very steep ascents which necessitate low range gears. The route is usually impassible from November through April due to snow.

The route passes the transfer station of the historic Saline Salt Tram and features spectacular views into Saline Valley, Owens Valley, and the Sierra Mountain skyline. Also along the route is the Burgess Mine complex.

Difficulty Rating:  3

• Click here for a map of the area by "Topozone"
• Click here to download a hi-res PDFmap of the area (6.5 MB)
• Click here to download a Garmin MapSource .MPS file with tracks (ZIP file)

• Trip Report - 9/6/04 Last Chance Rand 14:23:13 09/13/04 (0)

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