A memorable road trip to Cerro Gordo Peak in California

Cerro Gordo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,786 m (9,140 ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the US state of California.

Cerro Gordo Peak

Where is Cerro Gordo Peak?

The peak (Spanish for "Fat Hill") is located in the eastern-central part of California, within the Inyo National Forest. The summit hosts a few communication facilities.

Is the road to Cerro Gordo Peak unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved, with a few hairpin turns, and very narrow, totally impassable for two average vehicles at the same time. 4x4 vehicles with high clearance required.

How long is the road to Cerro Gordo Peak?

The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 17% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Cerro Gordo Ghost Town (California’s largest producer of silver) on Cerro Gordo Road, the ascent is 2.2 km (1.36 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 303 meters. The average gradient is 13.77%.

Is the road to Cerro Gordo Peak open in winter?

Set high on the western slope of the Inyo Mountains, this road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July.
Pic: Robert Sloan

 

 

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