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Road Trip Lone Pine: Red Rock ::: Saline, pt 1 ::: Saline, pt 2 ::: Alabama, pt 1 ::: Alabama, pt 2 ::: Lone Pine, pt 1 ::: Lone Pine, pt 2 ::: Horseshoe, pt 1 Horseshoe, pt 2


Horseshoe Meadow, part 2
8 May 2021

After shuttling to the top of Horseshoe Meadow Road at approximately 10,000 feet in elevation, I conducted a steep blitzkrieg down the mountainside to Lone Pine, roughly 6000 feet below. Given my speed, rough pavement, hairpin turns, and lack of guardrails, the road demanded my full attention. Fortunately, from top to bottom I encountered less than a dozen vehicles—they were all headed up—until I reached Highway 395. I managed to slam on the brakes a few times in order to stop and snap photos.


Return to part 1 of Horseshoe Meadow

In addition to steep downhill, hairpin turns, and lack of guardrails, one section of Horseshoe Meadow Road was reduced to a single lane due to falling rocks.


Another view down to the valley and across dry Owens Lake.


Looking down at switchbacks below.

I can count four separate sections of Horseshoe Meadow Road, one above the other.


Looking back, it's easy to see the chute that constantly delivers rockslides down the mountainside and across the road.


Still going down.


One of the hairpin turns on the switchbacks.

I couldn't back up any farther to get a wider view, because I was at the edge of a sheer cliff.


A good view of the road below, snaking down the mountainside.


The closer stripe of green is Lubken Canyon, which has year-round water. The farther splotch of green is Lone Pine. The lower stretch of Horseshoe Meadow Road can be seen by my top tube and handlebars, then running straight toward the lumpy Alabama Hills. The Inyo Mountains loom in the distance on the far side of the valley.


Zooming Lone Pine.


Near the bottom of the switchbacks, I encountered this rider heading up.

Alabama Hills in the distance.


He was followed by three other bicyclists.


Looking back up Horseshoe Canyon Road.


From Horseshoe Meadow Road I turned right onto Lubken Canyon Road, which was a delightful downhill through trees and green pastures watered by Lubken Creek.

This view looks west toward the sheer face of the Sierra Nevada.


Back in the valley at the south edge of Lone Pine.

I'm not sure about the accuracy of my altimeter, but I think I can safely say I just descended approximately 6000 feet.

Time to find the Forester, load the Ogre, and head for home.


Return to part 1 of Horseshoe Meadow

Summary

Date: 8 May 2021
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Weather: 55-80° F, sunny
Route: Horseshoe Meadow Road - Lubken Canyon Road - Highway 395 - Lone Pine
Distance: 24 miles with approx 6000 feet of elevation loss
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.

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