The cost of operating the tram proved uneconomical. The tramway was a remarkable engineering feat. It was the steepest tramway in the United States, rising from 1100 feet in the Saline Valley floor to 8500 feet at the Inyo Crest, then dropping to 3600 feet at Swansea. Despite its National Register status, the Salt Works and tramway have been severely damaged by vandals. Virtually all of the structures within easy access of roads, including both terminals, have been dismantled and carted off by wood gatherers and junk collectors.
Saline Valley offers the opportunity to visit and explore a rugged desert environment.
There are no services so all visitors must carry all necessary supplies. No vehicular travel is allowed on either the low-lying sand dunes in the center of the valley or in the Saline Mountain Range on the north edge of the valley. Vehicle travel is permissible on all other existing routes. In addition to primitive vehicular routes, there are many excellent undeveloped hiking, rockhounding and camping sites. Hunting and shooting is allowed, subject to all state laws.