Beveridge Ghost Town - Inyo Mountains Wilderness

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Spectacular views of the Sierra Crest to the west and glimpses of Saline Valley to the east from a remote area of the Inyo Mountains. Old mining ruins that are in relatively good shape. In the spring, wildflowers and cactus blooms of all colors. Classic high desert mountain terrain. Solitude! You'll likely have over a hundred square miles to yourself.

This area is not for the amateur adventurer. You must be in excellent physical shape. You should advise responsible people (at home or at a ranger station) where you are going and when you expect to return. Recommended to carry water.

The only possible place for water will be at a spring near Frenchies Cabin.

The reliability of water availability at this site is unknown. Plan accordingly.

This trail starts at French Springs Trailhead outside of Lone Pine. A high clearance vehicle will be required on the last mile to the trailhead, or you'll have to hike it. From the trailhead, stay left and switchback up the ridge (trails in the lower canyon go to a spring and an old mine).

Once on top, the trail follows the ridge for the first few miles and is fairly easy to see. The trail drops into drainages a couple times, then climbs up canyon. Route finding is needed at times due to washouts. Forgotten Pass is about the halfway point.

Downslope switchbacks to Frenchies Cabin will require route finding as much of the trail is covered in scree and hard to find. Frenchies is built down canyon behind a large outcropping and can be hard to see until you're almost upon it. It is a relatively easy down canyon hike to Beveridge from here.

Watch for the trail segments that go up the north side (left) and around thick wildrose bushes choking the canyon floor. Coming back from Beveridge and Frenchies, watch the canyon forks! Do not stray too far south or you'll miss Forgotten Pass.

If you're ambitious, you can retrace you steps for an exceptionally long day, or you can stop to spend the night at Frenchies before heading back.

Various lizards. Horned toads. Snakes. Various birds in the canyon near water. Deer. Desert Bighorn sheep. Bobcats and coyotes.

Beveridge, an 1890's to 1960's mining site, is difficult to get to. This has left the area much more intact than other old sites. Frenchies Cabin, a restored cabin up from Beveridge, is an ideal spot to stay. Mind the mice. There are bunk beds with pads, a stove, chairs and a solid rock/wood/tin cabin. Water from the spring is usually reliable and tasty.