Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, but did you know that it also offers a variety of off-road trails for state park touring enthusiasts? These trails provide an opportunity to explore the park’s stunning scenery and rugged terrain, offering a unique and adventurous experience.
Top Off-Road Trails in Yosemite National Park
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Chepo Saddle 6S13: This is a Sierra foothill road near Bass Lake, which is not visible on this trek. It is a clear dirt road with very little pinstriping. Some rutting but very manageable. The total miles for this trail are 11.5, with a tech rating of 1, making it an easy trail.
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Copper Mountain: Climb along the side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains above Mono Lake on this beautiful SUV route. Check out views of the valley as well as Lundy Lake, and make time to visit an abandoned mining town. The total miles for this trail are 7.7, with a tech rating of 3, making it an easy trail.
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Obsidian Dome to Grant Lake: The trail is a good day ride with great views and nice lookout points overlooking June Lake and Grant Lake. Most of the trail up to the Junction is trails through pine forest, 2nd half is more open. The total miles for this trail are 16.3, with a tech rating of 2, making it an easy trail.
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The Rut: This is a lightly traveled trail with a dirt floor. Uneven, rutted dirt trail with erosion. Potential water crossings up to a foot deep, in the winter, and in some spots the rut is 3ft deep. The total miles for this trail are 2.9, with a tech rating of 3, making it an easy trail.
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Deadman Pass: Total Miles: 2.4, Tech Rating: 3, Easy, Best Time: Su. This trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Obsidian Dome: The Obsidian dome is one of the many places where one can experience the immensity and the history of the volcanic activity in the Mammoth Lakes area. The road starts out paved but quickly turns into a dirt road. This is a busy trail, with beautiful fall colors and great vistas. There are sections of loose, rocky terrain and sections with softer dirt that may be whooped out. Most are shallow and smooth, so… The total miles for this trail are 28.6, with a tech rating of 3, making it an easy trail.
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Bodie High Desert Highway: This route takes you from the high desert of Nevada to the chaparral of the Sierra Front Range. The Nevada side is dominated by wide, generally well-graded dirt roads, while the California side takes you through narrow canyons and steep grades. The total miles for this trail are 61.3, with a tech rating of 2, making it a moderate trail.
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Masonic Mine: Ground clearance isn’t much of a concern, but there are a lot of sharp rocks, so passenger car tires will not do. This is a good side trip to other trails in the area. The total miles for this trail are 8.2, with a tech rating of 2, making it an easy trail.
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Elephant Lake: This trail follows the South Fork of the John Day River and crosses a very remote area. It’s a great area for camping and hiking. Destinations include Blacks Canyon, Izee Falls, and several historical sites. The total miles for this trail are 3.7, with a tech rating of 1, making it an easy trail.
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Old Tamarack: This trail was once known as “Tamarack OHV 4×4” and has been closed since 2014. The start of the trail is still open and leads to a dispersed campsite before it is blocked by many fallen trees. The total miles for this trail are 0.1, with a tech rating of 2, making it an easy trail.
Guided Off-Road Tours in Yosemite National Park
For guided off-road tours, Yosemite Adventure Co. offers excellent options. Their guided off-road tours take you through some of the most picturesque areas of the Sierra’s and the park, including valleys, splashing through creeks, meadows, gorgeous hikes, epic views and mountain ranges. You’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife, take in breathtaking views, and learn about the local history and ecology. Their tours are available in various durations, from 2 hours to full-day excursions.
Navigating Yosemite’s Off-Road Trails
To access off-road trails in Yosemite National Park, consider using onX Offroad, an app that provides maps and tools to help you navigate off-road trails safely. onX Offroad offers a 7-day free trial, after which it costs $29.99/year for off-road maps and tools.
References:
– Yosemite Adventure Co. Off-Road Tours
– Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Yosemite Valley, CA
– Yosemite OHV Trails