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| Home > California > Tungsten Hills |
Tungsten Hills
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | Horton Creek, Deep Canyon, Mcgee Creek |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This chunk of public land used to be a mining area for Tungsten during WW1 until the early 50's. Mining operations have since ceased but the area has become a popular locals spot for riding dirt bikes and ATVs.
The trails are mostly sandy and smooth and wind through some cool rock gardens but there is a good variety of crusty hill climbs and makeshift motocross tracks to explore. Vegetation is sparse except for the occasional scrub brush and small tree, so bring shade and water.
The trails are open year-round but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. Camping is close by at nearby Horton Creek or Browns Millpond Campground.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | no trailblazing |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $8.00 RV: $8.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Horton Creek Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Bishop, CA | ||
| Address | Tungsten City Road, Bishop, CA 93514 | ||
| From: Bishop, CA
1) Take US-395 North about 5 miles 2) Turn left (south) onto Ed Powers Road, continue about 1 mile 3) Turn right (west) onto Tungsten City Road, continue about 1 mile 4) Staging is on the right (north) side of road. For Horton Creek Campground: 5) Continue north past on US 395 past Ed Powers Road 1.4 miles 6) Turn left (south) onto Sawmill Road, continue .2 miles 7) Turn right (north) onto S Round Valley Road, continue 4.2 miles 8) Turn left (south) onto Horton Creek Road, continue about 1 mile toward campground entrance. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Bishop Field Office 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100 Bishop, CA 93514 (760) 872-5000 blm_ca_web_bi@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Tungsten Hills Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/27/2019 (Thanks!)
ADD PHOTOS
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 6,400 acres (10 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 4800 to 5951 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  Few | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | Few | |
| Small Jumps |  Many | |
| Large Jumps | Few | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | Some | |
| Single Track | Many | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Shade | Few | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (E) | Bishop Paiute Gas Station (760) 872-1224 |
| Diesel | 1-5 Miles (E) | Bishop Paiute Gas Station (760) 872-1224 |
 Water | 1-5 Miles (N) | Browns Millpond Campground (760) 873-8522 |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (N) | Browns Millpond Campground (760) 873-8522 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (NW) | Horton Creek Campground (760) 872-5000 |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (N) | Browns Millpond Campground (760) 873-8522 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (E) | Bishop Paiute Gas Station (760) 872-1224 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS