Jawbone to Lake Isabella

Trail Overview

A long scenic route crosses the sprawling high desert from Jawbone OHV Area, climbs above 8,000 feet across the Piute Mountain Range inside Sequoia National Forest, and then descends quickly to Lake Isabella. There are vast areas of dispersed camping with open riding around Jawbone Station. No green sticker vehicles are allowed on Jawbone Canyon Road. Although Forest Road 27S02 is open to green-sticker vehicles, we don't recommend riding here.

Photos of Jawbone to Lake Isabella

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Difficulty

Easy: We found the road well graded the entire way, but be prepared for ruts and washed-out sections on steep grades. Winter snows may close the road for brief periods at higher elevations. Mud possible in spring.

History

The rusty teepee-like structure you encounter on this trip was used to burn mill waste for a saw mill located nearby. At one time you could find these odd structures all over California. The Clear Air Act 1970 did away with their use and by 1980 all were shut down. Please respect the structure and take only pictures.

Technical Rating