How to drive the unpaved road to Round Mountain in California

Round Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.216m (10,551ft) above sea level, located in Inyo County, in the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest roads of California.

Round Mountain

Where is Round Mountain?

The peak is located south of Bishop, in the eastern part of California, within the Inyo National Forest. You can spot coyotes, bears, and mountain lions, and even catch a few trout.

Is the road to Round Mountain unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It climbs steeply after leaving Bishop, following canyons and running along ridges in pine forests. This is a steep and rocky road, best suited to high clearance 4X4 vehicles.

Is the road to Round Mountain open year-round?

Set high in the Sierra Nevada, much of the road is almost 10,000 feet in elevation. It’s not plowed in winters.
Pic: David Nagy

 

 

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