Description
I spoke with the Ranger station and a member of Bakersfield Trailblazers and they confirmed that all trails will be open by early June. The trip is On!
We will leave Friday morning and rendevous at the Blackrock Ranger station at 12 noon. Those towing will be able to drop their tow vehicles at the Ranger station as we have before or at the trailhead at Monache. Bruce and I will be going out on Thursday to ensure we get the great camping area that they have used before. We will meet everyone at the Ranger station and lead you out the the campsite we are able to secure. If anyone is interested in going out early with Bruce and I, just call and we can coordinater.
The adventure begins here once we leave the ranger station. We will have a little pavement and then we will hit dirt and the trek out to Monache Meadows. We will set up camp and maybe spend the afternoon fishing or exploring Monache Meadows.
On Saturday morning, we will head out of Monache and our destination will be the Sherman Pass 4x4 trail. This trail should take about 4+ hours to complete. It can be tight, rocky and tippy in spots therefore, wide, long wheel base, beware. It is a very beautiful trall high up in the tall trees. There may still be some snow in the shade of the trail. Time permitting, we may run another trail on the way back or head back to camp to fish and enjoy the relaxation of Monache.
If you plan on fishing, make sure you are aware of the regulations for the Golden Trout Wilderness.... barbless hooks etc...
Spots available has been increased to 15... Let's try to fill it up.
Insect repellant is a safe bet..... bring firewood.
If we can fill up this trip, we might have a fun poker run type activity throughout the weekend.
Driving directions added....
Location
Rendezvous @ Blackrock Ranger Station
Take hwy 395 to Pearsonville Shell. This is the last place for gas and there is a Subway if you want a sandwich
Continue north about 2 miles to 9 Mile Canyon Rd...The name says it all if you have never been on this road... drive carefully. 9 Mile Canyon Rd will turn into Sherman Pass Rd.and follow toward Kennedy Meadows. At the Kennedy Meadows store, you will bear left and will still be on Sherman Pass Rd/ Forest Rt 22S05. continue past Fish Creek Campground and Troy Meadows Campground. Once you pass Troy Meadows campground, continue and follow signs to Blackrock Visitor Information Center. This is the rendevous point for the trek.
Reference “Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails” pages 124 & 125 for detailed driving instructions.
From Black Rock Ranger Station go north 3.5 miles on paved 21S03 and turn right on paved 21S36. Go another 3.6 miles and turn left on dirt road 34E38. The trailhead is on the left in another mile.
From the Trailhead it takes about an hour to get to where we intend to camp. Zero your trip odometer. Follow the trail down the mountain.
2.3 miles cross Snake Creek Bridge.
2.5 miles The trail is sometimes flooded here and there past this point. The forest service put gravel down in these locations for traction during times of flood. Don’t veer off the trail even if it's flooded. You’ll get stuck.
3.3 Sandy trail and some whoops
5.1 miles stay left at the fork and keep going north
5.7 sign should be in place to say overflow camping to the left
6.0 road swings right, then left (north)
7.0 miles the road curves left and heads west
7.7 miles turn right and head north again
You drive over and down a wooded hill for about 1 mile
At the bottom of the hill is where we intend to camp. That could change.