Route Overview

Motor Touring in the Eastern Sierra including Death Valley

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This is your chance to use your sport utility vehicle to its full capability. An SUV combines comfort and ease of operation with an extra edge of ability and safety on roads that are steep, winding, rough, rocky or icy. With your SUV, an intelligent and cautious mind, and the tips, checklists (Adobe PDF) and directions in this guide, you have what you need to explore and appreciate the backcountry wonders of Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra.

These routes are almost entirely on public land - your land. We chose to feature routes that are adventurous, rich in interest, and reasonably safe (of course conditions can be unpredictable and you drive each route at your own risk).

We also chose routes that you can travel without damaging the land. There are other places for people who want to test the limits of their vehicle by tearing up dirt. We know that the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley draw visitors who appreciate extraordinary natural beauty and want to keep it that way.

Explore! Enjoy!

All file links in this column are Adobe PDF
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Overview Map
If you are unsure about the area take a look at the map to give you an overview of the area. Identify a route number and select one of the links below for a full description of what to expect, length, map, and what you will see along the way.

• Route 1 - Cerro Gordo
• Route 2 - Alabama Hills/Movie Flat
• Route 3 - Whitney Portal
• Route 4 - Horseshoe Meadow
• Route 5 - Owenyo/Manzanar
• Route 6 - Onion Valley
• Route 7 - Oak Creek/Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery
• Route 8 - Mazourka Canyon
• Route 9 - Old Hwy. 395/ Aberdeen/Fish Springs
• Route 10 - Big Pine Canyon
• Route 11 - Ancient Bristlecone Byway
• Route 12 - Buttermilk Country
• Route 13 - Fish Slough/Red Rock Canyon/Casa Diablo
  Map for Routes 13, 14, 15
• Route 14 - Fish Slough/Benton Hot Springs/Casa Diablo
  Route 14 Continued - (Left column)
  Map for Routes 13, 14, 15
• Route 15 - Casa Diablo to Rock Creek
  Map for Routes 13, 14, 15
• Route 16 - Shoshone/Tecopa & the Old Spanish Trail
• Route 17 - Furnace Creek/ Greenwater Valley & West Side Road
• Route 18 - Big Pine to Furnace Creek

The agencies and organizations involved in producing this brochure do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation and familial status.

As a visitor to the Eastern Sierra and Death Valley, you have a responsibility for your personal safety during activities you might pursue. Natural hazards exist. It is your responsibility to know the hazards involved and to use the proper safety precautions to minimize the inherent risks of your activities.

Various laws, regulations and restrictions apply to the activities and areas mentioned in this guide, in order to protect natural and cultural resources and for user safety and enjoyment. It is your responsibility to learn and follow applicable restrictions. Contact appropriate agencies for information.