| GPS | N 37 7.37′ W118 4.60 |
| Elevation | 7,000-9,500 ft |
| Season | Best from April to November. |
| Terrain | Rocky terrain with off camber sections |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Required Vehicle | 4WD high clearance vehicle |
| Time | 2.5 hrs |
| Length | 18.4 miles from Independence (16.3 miles unpaved) |
Site Location and Description: The Eastern trailhead to the Papoose Flats Trail is located 10.8 miles from the northern end of Saline Valley Road in the Eastern Sierra. The western trailhead is located off the Mazourka Peak Trail. This is an excellent, moderately difficult trail in the Eastern Sierra backcountry of the Inyo National Forest. The section from Badger Flat to the Papoose Flats Trail is the most challenging and very scenic part of this overland adventure.
A rough and off camber off-road trail traverses loose, ledgy and rutted terrain. A stock vehicle with high clearance 4×4 should be fine.
Note: High clearance is needed for portions of this overlanding trail. There are several backcountry offroad camp spots tucked into the trees. We do not recommend using an off-road trailer on this trail unless you are an experienced 4×4 driver.
History of Papoose Flat: The Paiute Indians spent the summer and fall in the Inyo Mountains around The Papoose Flats Trail and Badger flats, gathering pinyon nuts and killing game for winter.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
