Inyo Trip Report

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Posted by E Clampus Waagus on July 14, 2004 at 00:05:14:

Did a multi-day 4x4 trip from Swansea to Burgess Mine to Cerro Gordo and back to Keeler. Had a great time and a great trip with great weather. Here's a brief report - I will add more details if anyone wants them.

Started by exploring a little around Swansea. There's not alot left, except perhaps within the compound of the residence at Swansea. Someone still lives there and has a dog that barks constantly.

Then we headed into the Inyos. This was more of a scouting trip than anything. I wanted to explore the possiblility of doing a dayhike (someday) from the top of the Salt Tram to the floor of the Saline Valley. First we crossed under the Salt Tram towers a few times, and stopped to hike up to some of them. The 4x4 road is rated a 4, and there are only really 2 stretches that deserve the 4 rating, and they're all rather short. Most of the rest of the trail is a 2 or 3. We had a Landcruiser (wagon) and a Bronco and made it no problem.

We had lunch in the Pinion Pines at higher elevation, then made it to the Burgess Mine, which is a fairly interesting mine area, including the Burgess Cabin (which needs a log book!).

We camped at the spur that heads north from the Burgess Mine in the pine trees. I believe this is also the trail head that goes down Hunter Canyon. We hiked to New York Butte from there also - a pretty easy hike up to the top at 10,700 feet (apporox). Weather was nice - a little warm in the day but about 50 at night.

Next day headed to the Salt Tram summit terminal, and hiked down to a few of the tension stations on the Saline side. Admired the restoration of the caretakers cabin at the tram site.

Headed to Cerro Gordo, but weren't able to call ahead, since we didn't know what time we'd arrive. Found several cool mines and shacks to explore during this trip at various locations.

Note: gotta watch your brakes when heading down the grade from Cerro Gordo to Keeler.

Awesome trip overall!

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