5N09

Forest Route 5N09 is a mellow, high-country cruise that branches off 5N01, loops up through open timber, and climbs a few hundred feet before topping out at a quiet vista overlooking the surrounding Sierra ridgelines. Take a break at this area to wander on foot and check out the large, funky rock formations within view of the trail. You'll likely also find oversized pine cones that are sure to delight explorers new to the Northern California ecosystem. If you visit in late spring, wildflowers like sego lily and lupine will fill the open areas.

The road is rough dirt throughout, but it’s wide, predictable, and friendly to any high-clearance 2WD. It is an ideal warm-up for new off-roaders or anyone looking to explore without breaking a sweat. As the route drops back toward 5N01, it passes a handful of dispersed camps tucked into the western end of the loop, each offering a simple, peaceful basecamp without the crowds often found in nearby developed campgrounds. Drivers sometimes use 5N09 as a scenic connector to additional forest roads leading to Double Dome Rock and its short hiking trail, making it a versatile option for a half-day wander or as part of a larger adventure.

Like much of the high Sierra, the road stays buried under snow through winter and typically doesn’t open until late spring or early summer, when traffic begins to pick up with campers and hikers spreading out from Highway 108. For those seeking easy terrain, light exploration, and quiet camps under the pines, 5N09 delivers precisely that.