Start/Finish:
Russel Spainhower Park - Lone Pine
This arduous climb begins at the Russel Spainhower Park located at the north end of Lone Pine. From the park, turn right onto North Main Street followed by another right turn onto West Locust Street/Statham Way which eventually makes a left turn onto North Brewery Street. Make another right turn onto West Bush Street which makes a bend towards the south and becomes Fairbanks Street. Upon crossing Whitney Portal Road, Fairbanks becomes Tuttle Creek and slightly veers to the right. Continue on Tuttle Creek for approximately 4 miles then turn right on Sunset. Turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Road and continue onward and upwards enjoying another 18 miles of climbing! Horseshoe Meadows Campground will be your final destination and turn around point.
Local Knowledge:
If you’re looking for elevation gain… this ride is for you! After climbing approximately 23 miles, you will have ascended a whopping 6,820 feet (which also means if you don’t like long descents… this may not be the ride for you). The average grade is 6% with a maximum grade of 29.4%. Massive, foreboding switchbacks, endless views of the valley floor below, and limited oxygen await you as you climb towards the Horseshoe Meadows Campground situated at 10,000 feet! CAUTION: upon your descent, keep an eye out for hang glider enthusiasts who also use the road for their recreational pursuits. (Horseshoe Meadows Road is closed during the winter. Temperatures well over 100 degrees are encountered during the summer months so be sure to hydrate accordingly!)
