BACKCOUNTRY & 4X4

Posted by Last Chance Rand on September 13, 2004 at 14:23:13:

Trail Report for: Cerro Gordo/Swansea Loop

Still very hot in lower elevations on Labor Day, so we sought 9,000+ elevation and cooler temps of Southern Inyos. Result was perfect temps and cool mountain air!

Started at Swansea at 10am and finished back in Keeler at 6:30 pm. Long day! It is not unreasonable to alot 8 hours for this loop.

Saw only one vehicle, near beginning of trail - a family pickup coming down from camping the night before. This emphasises the remoteness of this trip -- come prepared!!!

Ascending the narrows and subsequent hill climbs require offroad tires. If one were traveling north from Cerro Gordo, ascending the long hill climb isn't bad except for some big holes in the loose stuff. But all in all, the route was in the best condition that it gets.

This trip still remains one of my five best day trips in the Death Valley region.

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