Cerro Gordo loop

A massive climb starting at either end point from the paved road up into the mountains. The south climb ends at Cerro Gordo, an abandonded mining town with some amazing old buildings and rusting mining equipment. The north climb ends at the base of New York Butte. Continuing from that direction you will soon encounter an old cable car trestle that was used to haul salt from Saline valley to the east over the ridge and down to Owens lake for transport by barge (when Owens lake actually had water, thanks LA Power and Water District) to the railroad on the other side of the Owens valley. The double-track connecting the two climbs goes along the ridge but still includes another 2,000 ft of climbing. There is NO WATER available on this route, even in Cerro Gordo, and weather in the Inyo mountains can change rapidly. Have a solid back-country plan before attempting. You may encounter jeeps or other OHVs on this route. There are many other dirt tracks and trails that branch off of this trail, be careful.

Access Info

Park at either end of the loop (off CA Highway 136) if you want to climb or you can park just outside Cerro Gordo for a shuttle option. The dirt road up to Cerro Gordo is 4,000 ft of climbing in 8 miles, and is sometimes accessible by normal vehicles, be sure to check road conditions.