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Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains. Brian has put together a 3D stereographic image. Click on the picture and then "cross your eyes until the 3D images line up" as Brian says.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]


Saline-to-Owens-Valley Tramway 1



 Saline Valley Aerial Tramway Location/Map



Saline-to-Owens Valley Tram Photos Courtesy of Brian Lockett unless otherwise indicated.
See USE NOTICE on Home Page.

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new 03/21
Saline Valley & Saline Valley Hot Springs
While I have never been to Saline Valley, I found the following information posted by Ronn Rose on the Saline Valley Warm Springs Facebook Page more than worthy of adding to this webpage.
1. I've seen almost every type of vehicle imaginable out there, so just about all CAN make it, most of the time (but there have been times the road has been completely washed out, and others were miles of crawling over rocks and boulders). But if its a questionable vehicle, eventually the odds will catch up with you. This is not a place where you want to take a significant risk. The environment can be extremely harsh and unforgiving. Legendary stories exist of bad outcomes. If you do need help, almost all in this group will stop to try to help. That said, if you need a tow, the only company that will come out charges around $3000 (I believe). So, it is strongly recommended to be prepared, flats are extremely common as the roads are VERY rocky. Bring a tire repair kit, fix a flat, and make sure you know where your jack is and how to use it. Take an extra spare tire if at all possible. I've actually had 2 flats, twice! Donut spares just won't cut it. So, be responsible for yourself, even though you will likely find a lot of friendly people that will try to help.

2. Bring everything you need, including extra water and food (and beer) in case you get stuck or the passes close (or a trailer jack knifes in the pass area, its happened). Bring some extra supplies for the springs, usually a little bleach for cleaning the tubs, good degradable TP, hand sanitizer, etc. No wipes, the pumper truck has a hard time with those.

3. Pack out what you bring (standard advice, right?). There is NO trash service out there at all. Also the NPS requires that your firepit ashes also go home with you. As they can still be hot at the time you are leaving, a lot of people bag up the ashes they encounter when getting to their camp spot.

4. Don't feed the animals or leave food out. I understand that most of the burros have been rounded up but they were getting to be a real problem. They would push over coolers, and eat anything. Coyotes, people's dogs off leash and the ravens will get stuff also.

5. Speaking of dogs, I believe that the NPS requires dogs to be on a leash. Not that many will heed this but do try to respect other campers. If your dog is a problem don't bring it, please. Not everyone is a dog lover, and no one likes to step in dog shit. I'm tired of dog fights, dogs getting into my stuff in camp, pissing on my tent or other stuff, and especially incessant barking.

6. Speaking of noise, sound carries like you can't believe out there. A lot of people have noted an increase in very loud groups, and loud music blasting late. Yeah, I was a teenager way back when and can say I was guilty. Anyway, try to have a fairly quiet camp.

7. There are showers near the tubs. If you are nasty, please use them before getting in. At the least, rinse your feet off in the tub outflow first so you aren't tracking a bunch of sand and dirt in.

8. Jets. Totally cool in my opinion (others may disagree), but you can expect low flybys during the weekdays (rarely at night!). They've been there doing low level training since at least WW2 and likely before. A condition of Saline being added to the park was the low level flying was still to be allowed.

9. Nudity. The area is officially clothing optional. Personally I'm not a nudist but I am not going to wear anything when I get in a tub! But a lot of people that visit are nudists and it just is what it is. So expect it. Also, its optional of course, but it still seems weird to me when people get in a tub wearing swimsuits!

10. Don't enter the source pools. And try not to hog a tub for hours and hours. Just out of respect for others and also the tubs have to be drained and scrubbed regularly. Its all volunteer efforts out there, its not in the camp host's duties. He is there primarily to help if someone has a major problem (injury, snake bite, etc.).

11. Almost forgot - cell service is almost nonexistent. Apparently ATT is the only service and it can only be obtained in a couple very specific, small spots. So, again, plan on being on your own, without service, and maybe without help (just in case).

(Text courtesy of Ronn Rose)


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Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]


Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains. Brian has put together a 3D stereographic image. Click on the picture and then "cross your eyes until the 3D images line up" as Brian says.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]


Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains. Brian has put together a 3D stereographic image. Click on the picture and then "cross your eyes until the 3D images line up" as Brian says.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]



Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]



Crossover station between Saline and Owens Valleys on the summit of the Inyo Mountains.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]



Tram operators cabin on the summit of the Inyo Mountains.
[Copyright Brian Lockett]




The Story of the Saline Valley Salt Works





Map of the Saline Valley Area


View looking down the east side of the control station into Daisy Canyon and the Saline Valley salt flats.
[Copyright Roger Vargo]



Saline-to-Owens Valley Tram Photos Courtesy of Dave Hale


View across Saline Valley from the Snowflake Mine
[Copyright Dave Hale]


Ruins of the Saline Valley salt tram
[Copyright Dave Hale]


Ruins of the stone cable tension bins in Saline Valley
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Saline Valley salt works lake reflection
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Saline Valley salt tram ruins
[Copyright Dave Hale]


View of Saline Valley from the Snowflake Mine
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Ruins of the lower tram tower in Saline Valley
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Saline-Valley-side tram works going over the Inyo Mountains
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Saline Valley salt tram ruins
[Copyright Dave Hale]


Saline Valley salt works ruins
[Copyright Dave Hale]


Saline Valley salt tram ruins
[Copyright Dave Hale]

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new 01/21
Sketches of the Saline Valley and the Salt Tram
by William Jack Mann "aka Shortfuse"

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Road in Saline Valley
[Copyright Dave Hale]



Mineral colored Saline Valley salt flats lake
[Copyright Dave Hale]


Road leading into Saline Valley
[Copyright Dave Hale]



 The following pictures are courtesy of the Colorado School of Mines


Upper canyon tram tower.


Gondola of salt traversing tram towers.


Tram tower.



Tramway construction



Tramway construction



Tramway construction



Salt gondola traversing desert canyon gorge.



Saline Valley Salt Tramway terminus in Owens Valley.



Gondolas of salt traversing towers as they leave Saline Valley for Owens Valley.

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 The following photos are courtesy or Rich McCutchan Archives

saline valley tramway

Saline Valley Salt Tramway under construction

saline valley salt works
Saline Valley Salt Tramway - Showing the dumping structure loaded with trains

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The following photos are courtesy of the The Underground Explorers
salt tram
salt tram

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new 06/21
salt tram
Riding the Saline Valley Salt Tram
(Photo courtesy of ?)
salt tram
Saline Valley Salt Tram - Crossover high atop the Inyo Mountains
(Photo courtesy of ?)

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new 07/21
salt tram

White Smith's Fabulous Salt Tram

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new 07/21
The Incredible Saline Valley Salt Tram
by Paul Fretheim

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new 11/21
A Walking History Tour of the Saline Valley Salt Tram
by Max Rosan

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Early Bishop Residents  

Mary Austin  

Carson & Colorado Railroad
 

More Saline Valley Saltworks Tramway

 

 High Sierra Pack Stations

 

 Willie A. Chalfant


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This page was last updated on 01 December 2021