I'm planning a trip where I want to cross from Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP over to the northern end of Death Valley... but the southern end of the Sierra is in the way! If you stay on paved roads, it's a really long trip. I note this interesting line on Google Maps (see photo). Anyone know anything about it??

Even if it was slow & took the same number of hours as going all the way around on highways, it might be more interesting... Is it real? Is it passable??

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A few phone calls later: it's called Sherman Pass Road and is actually paved the whole way... but it's not clear this year whether it'll be open by the time that I need it because of all the snow.

Now I want to go try it! Sounds lovely.

Anyone know of UNPAVED roads that cross the Sierra? Are there any???

Can you get a MVUM? I was quite frustrated in Montana last summer because they had no MVUM for the area of chief interest to me. I was able to get a less detailed map from the forest service but in order to have a full coverage of all legal tracks, one needs MVUMs.

The problem with Google maps is two-fold. Obviously, you first need to get out of that map mode and use satellite mode so you can see what is out there. Then, however, problem 1 is that it does not differentiate legal/illegal. So you need to find a way to verify what is open. Problem 2 is that Google shows PLENTY of tracks that are not only closed, but do not even exist anymore!

I had set my eyes on two Montana tracks as quite interesting, of which one turned out to be gated and the other one turned out to have long been abandoned, it had actual trees on it, not merely brush.

Even if it's longer, I would suggest taking Sherman Pass if it's open. Seems like it is still closed: Sequoia National Forest - Sherman Pass Road

I think the Rubicon is technically across the sierras. But don't think there's anything else south of that except for the major highways and Sherman Pass. The Eastern Sierra is just too steep and gnarly.

When are you trying to go? I feel like a few more weeks and it should be open.
There's quite a bit of wheeling options off Sherman Pass and in the surrounding area. Better than going all the way around through the desert!

The Trail of 100 Giants near Jonhsondale was pretty cool too if you make it that way.

wow it's still closed.
I've been wanted to check this place out.
I was coming back from Mammoth and wanted to cut across thru Kennedy Meadows but the wife said no. Glad she said no since the pass is closed.

There are a lot of fireroads up there. Whenever you trip is you can check that link above or even call the forest rangers to see if its open or any trails are open up there.