For those wanting a more strenuous ride, this 36 mile out-and-back ride takes
the cyclist from the desert floor to the alpine meadows at the crest of the
Inyo Mountains. There are many side-trip possibilities along the way. Riders
need to be self-sufficient, carrying plenty of water and adequate food. This
ride is best during the Spring and Fall months. Enthusiastic explorers will
have fun discovering the many side-trip possible along this route.
View
a map (312k) of this ride.
Access
This ride begins at the junction of Highway 395 and Mazourka Canyon Road
(Citrus Road on some maps), at the southern end of Independence.
The Ride
This ride follows Mazourka Canyon Road, and crosses the LA Aqueduct, a 15-foot
scarp formed by the 1872 Earthquake,
and the Owens River before the pavement turns to gravel after about 4.5 miles.
This road then crosses the old Carson and Colorado railroad
(where the old Kearsarge Station once stood) and climbs an alluvial fan. The
road then tends northward and begins the climb into the Inyo Mountains.
After almost 9 miles of riding you enter Inyo National Forest. Soon after
entering the forest you will pass Squares Tunnel and a couple of cabins. Riding
another 2.5 miles brings you to some houses, water tank, mining equipment
and wrecked cars. This is private property so keep out. Further along you
will cross a cattle guard and ride another 0.2 miles to a sign: "Santa
Rita Flat to the left. Badger Flat straight ahead". Continue straight
past Sunday Canyon (staying on the main road) into Al Rose Canyon for another
5.7 miles to Badger Flat. Mining and hunting trials lead out of Badger Flat.
To return to your starting point, retrace your route down the nearly 5,000
feet you climbed on the ride up.
View
a map (312k) of this ride.
The 7.5 minute USGS quads which covers the majority of this ride are: Mazourka
Peak and Bee Springs Canyon. The beginning of the ride is on the Independence
quad.
