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Route Help: Benton to Bodie?

Peter Radsliff

Rank II
Launch Member

Enthusiast I

I’m going from Benton Hot Springs, CA to Bodie State Historic Park in August 2025 and wonder if anyone knows of a more direct off-road trail between the two that stays on the east side of Mono Lake. Unless your advice is different, I’d like to avoid taking SR 120 to Hwy 395 to 167 to Goat Ranch Cutoff. Anyone know? Or, any suggestions for what route builder app to use?
 

smritte

Rank V
Launch Member

Member III

Looking at the area, there's a ton of small dirt roads crisscrossing between the two. I've done a similar route years ago that went around the back side of mono lake. When you draw this out, pay attention to the hills and wash's. Some of those roads get washed out and no one repairs them. I don't see an issue even if that happens but I also don't see anything direct.
Anything I could draw up would need contingencies. When you make this, plan for them.
 

Peter Radsliff

Rank II
Launch Member

Enthusiast I

Looking at the area, there's a ton of small dirt roads crisscrossing between the two. I've done a similar route years ago that went around the back side of mono lake. When you draw this out, pay attention to the hills and wash's. Some of those roads get washed out and no one repairs them. I don't see an issue even if that happens but I also don't see anything direct.
Anything I could draw up would need contingencies. When you make this, plan for them.
Thanks a bunch!
 

genocache

Rank V
Launch Member

Advocate I

Are you traveling alone? Are you in a hurry? It can be HOT in Aug. Have you looked on GooooooooooogleEarth? I've wanted to go see Bass Camp, East of Mono. Unique pioneer/miner camp.
 
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