Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Rising more than 6,000 feet above Owens Valley, Horseshoe Meadows Road is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in California. But few people realize this road has a history that stretches back long before the first automobile ever climbed these mountains.
In this video, we travel from Lone Pine to Horseshoe Meadow, exploring the history behind one of the highest paved roads in the state. Along the way, we'll visit Walt's Point, trace the route of the historic Hockett Trail, and uncover how cattle drives, logging operations, proposed trans-Sierra highways, and even plans for a major ski resort all helped shape the road we see today.
What was originally envisioned as part of a much larger future ultimately became a gateway to some of the most remote wilderness in California.
Join me as we drive one of the most dramatic roads in the Sierra Nevada and discover the forgotten history hidden around every switchback.
○ Gear we use: amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures
►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
Rising more than 6,000 feet above Owens Valley, Horseshoe Meadows Road is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in California. But few people realize this road has a history that stretches back long before the first automobile ever climbed these mountains.
In this video, we travel from Lone Pine to Horseshoe Meadow, exploring the history behind one of the highest paved roads in the state. Along the way, we'll visit Walt's Point, trace the route of the historic Hockett Trail, and uncover how cattle drives, logging operations, proposed trans-Sierra highways, and even plans for a major ski resort all helped shape the road we see today.
What was originally envisioned as part of a much larger future ultimately became a gateway to some of the most remote wilderness in California.
Join me as we drive one of the most dramatic roads in the Sierra Nevada and discover the forgotten history hidden around every switchback.
○ Gear we use: amazon.com/shop/sidetrackadventures
►Join us on Patreon: patreon.com/SidetrackAdventures
►Please subscribe for weekly updates showcasing some of our adventures: youtube.com/channel/UCdueDRFYPVgzPAAOM_bxVWA?sub_confirmation=1
►Also please follow Sidetrack Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/sidetrackadventures
►Music in this video is from Epidemic Sounds; use our link for a free trial: share.epidemicsound.com/v927fj
