How to drive the scenic North Lake Road in California?
North Lake Road is a steep, high-mountain drive located in Inyo County, in the US state of California. Climbing high into the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, the road leads to North Lake inside the Inyo National Forest and ranks among the highest roads of California.
| Road facts: North Lake Road | |
|---|---|
| Location | Inyo County (Inyo National Forest), California (USA) |
| Distance | 3.2 km (2 miles) |
| Elevation | 2,854 m (9,363 ft) above sea level |
| Surface | Partially paved asphalt / unpaved dirt and gravel |
| Vehicle Restrictions | Trailers and RVs prohibited |
| Access Status | Seasonal (Closed in winter; typically open mid-May to late October) |
Where is North Lake Road located?
The road is located west of Bishop in eastern California. It branches off Highway 168 (Bishop Creek Road) in Bishop Creek Canyon and runs two miles west to end at the North Lake campground and day-use fishing area.
Is North Lake Road paved?
No. The road starts paved at the Highway 168 junction but quickly turns into a narrow dirt and gravel shelf road. The route operates as a single lane with blind curves, no guardrails, and steep drop-offs into the canyon. While standard 2WD passenger cars can handle the road during dry summer conditions, RVs and towed trailers are strictly prohibited due to tight turnarounds.
Is North Lake Road open year-round?
No. Positioned at 2,854 meters (9,363 ft) elevation, the road is buried under snow during winter and early spring. Inyo County road crews clear the route seasonally, usually opening access from mid-May through late October depending on snowpack levels.
What are the driving hazards on North Lake Road?
The primary hazards include single-lane blind corners over unshielded cliff edges, falling rocks along steep talus slopes, and limited passing turnouts. Because North Lake sits in active black bear habitat, drivers must secure food storage containers when parking at the trailhead or campground.
Pic&video: thechevykibs