Eastside Alignment

The wonders of the High Sierra Escarpment and the Owens Valley

Existing soft-surface roads and trails link Eastern Sierra towns to public lands, vast landscapes, and the High Sierra that defines them all.

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The Eastside Alignment grew from local voices and was further developed through the Eastern Sierra Towns to Trails Plan, which identified existing soft-surface roads and trails as the least impactful way to connect Eastern Sierra communities to the public landscape. The result is a nearly 350-mile alignment from South Lake Tahoe to Lone Pine, derived from an “optimal data analysis” of existing data and infrastructure. The alignment is a vision for connection, not a finished trail. Gaps remain. Future refinements will depend on continued engagement among communities, tribes, land managers, and the people who care for these places.

Downtown Markleeville

Shaded sidewalk cafés and signs pointing to Grover Hot Springs welcome riders into town

Meadows West of Bridgeport

A faint path winds through high meadow grass as cattle graze beneath snow-streaked peaks

Travertine Hot Springs

Mineral-rimmed pools look out over the valley toward Bridgeport and the snowy ridgeline beyond

Mono Lake Overlook

A gravel track drops through pinyon and sagebrush toward the wide blue expanse of Mono Lake

Long Valley Hot Springs

A warm soak at golden hour, looking out across open meadow to the jagged Sierra crest

Hilton Lakes Junction

Sagebrush and scattered pines line the trail as it climbs toward the high country

Round Valley Barn

A weathered barn and rusted tin roof sit beneath the granite face of Mount Tom

Canal Road South of Bishop

A dirt road runs beside a cottonwood-lined canal, with the White Mountains rising beyond

Owens Valley Gravel

A wide gravel road stretches straight across the valley floor toward the snow-dusted Sierra crest

Alabama Hills

Weathered granite boulders and desert scrub frame storm clouds breaking over the high peaks above Lone Pine

Explore Eastside Segments

Part of the Continental Divide Trail, National Scenic Trail

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How Recognition Could Benefit The Trail and Local Communities

Despite being rebuilt to modern multi-use (and MTB) standards over the
last decade, this route is only just beginning to show up on people’s radar
as a gold-standard of long-distance trail riding. Increased usage would
help to establish the more remote portions of tread while encouraging
more stewardship by local and regional organizations. Northern New
Mexico is a growing center of outdoor recreation, and other trails in
the region including the Rio Grande Trail (in development) create vast
potential for connected loops and longer adventures in the region.

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We’re working to better understand interest in exploring connections across High Sierra regions. Share your information to help us measure interest and inform future experiences, including conservation, planning, and funding efforts.

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Eastside Alignment

The wonders of the High Sierra Escarpment and the Owens Valley

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How Recognition Could Benefit The Trail and Local Communities

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Shape the Future of Towns to Trails