Any wild west folks interested in a spring time gathering in the Sierras?

[asteffes]

So would anyone out west be interested in a weekend ExPortal gathering sometime this spring? This is a very nebulous idea at this time, but I envision a relaxing weekend in the Sierras. Light trail wheeling with scenic destinations in mind (not simply doing obstacle courses for wheeling's sake.) UncleChris drilling holes into roofs to mount 2M antennae (with consent, of course, at least most of the time.) Tyrolean traverses over the CO river using extra winch cables (ok, just kidding.)

Basic idea being to meet more ExPortal peeps in person, share ideas/experiences/stories, and enjoy a peaceful time in the mountains. I offer absolutely no details yet, but if there are at least a few folks who think they could warm up to the idea, I'll investigate some ideas.

:camping:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I will certainly be interested when my 4Runner gets out of Mr. Sucky's engine rebuild shop!

Great idea!

What about the Sierra's due north of Lake Isabella?

Monache Meadows and Kennedy Meadows.

http://totalescape.com/active/campstuff/CAMPGR/INYONF/monache.html

http://totalescape.com/GIFS/scenery/kennedy/Sfork10.jpg



I mentioned this because it may be easier for the Arizona folks to get to.

Also!!!.....Those who love White Water can make use of the Kern River!

It may even be pretty central for most considering Phoenix/San Diego, L.A./and the Bay area.


http://www.sierrasouth.com/theriver.htm


http://www.sierrasouth.com/camphotos/070502r2_14b.jpg


http://www.sierrasouth.com/kernfest04/kf04_2349b.jpg


By suggesting these area's.....I'm certainly NOT trying to take over. Just giving suggestions regarding areas I have been studying.....and sharing them with the group!

[locrwln]

Sounds like a great idea. I have a trip planned in May and possibly something in June. But most of my stuff is Northern Nevada. Have passed the Kennedy Meadows turn off quite a few times and always wanted to check it out. Not saying that's where we have to go. Let us know.

Jack

[UncleChris]

Sounds like a great idea!

I think that somewhere around Isabella would be ideal. Since it is farther south, maybe the snow will have melted more at altitude.

I have never been down that way, but have been meaning to.

[asteffes]

Keep the ideas comin', folks. I am merely an enabler. :jump:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Here are a few link's to some story's about trip's to the Monache Meadows area.

If we go......we have to do the "Sherman Pass Trail"...!


LINKs: http://www.4x4now.com/sftmm.htm

http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5086


Monache Meadows 4x4 Trip (http://www.ericrench.com/FOURWHEEL/SIERRA/21AUG03/index.htm)



More info: http://www.kernvalley.com/news/monache.htm



http://www.matthewweathers.com/year2004/camping/map2.gif

[locrwln]

Ooooh, that sounds nice. Let's get the party started. Like I said if the dates work out, the wife and I will be there.

Later,
Jack

[calamaridog]

Hmm,

I'm pretty busy but I'm always interested in the Sierra's:campfire:

Snow will be a problem this year though...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

YUP!

We need to ask around and find out the scoop on current conditions. This top map shows the location of Sherman Pass. Looks like the NO. CA. guys can make it up through Porterville.

(There is also a smaller mtn. area just southeast from Lake Isabella...between Lake Is. and Red Rock Canyon area.....that could be an option for an earlier trip. It will not be as spectacular as Monache Meadows though. I've never been to either spot.....just been studying the topo maps.)



http://www.sugarloafers.com/images/ShermanPass.GIF

http://www.totalescape.com/GIFS/maps/monacheMQ.gif






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"The South Fork of the Kern River, designated a "Wild and Scenic River", offers fly fisherman a chance to catch their dinner. The byway meanders through Monache Meadows, the largest meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The meadows are located in the Southern Sierras on the Inyo National Forest. Because of heavy snowfall, the area is usually open for recreation only from Memorial Day through October".


http://www.4x4now.com/sf0297b.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I found another trip story of the area around Monache Meadows. Kind of a funny format, but good pics and a couple of video's.

http://journals.aol.com/gcpowell75/PowellBlog/entries/850
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[Scenic WonderRunner]

Finally!

I found some trip info about what I am proposing.....said far better than I could!......from over at TTORA. Just disregard the meeting place.....we can pick our own should we decide to do this. I'm wondering about just using Lake Isabella for a meeting place. Bringing Extra GAS looks like a good idea!

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http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13253

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showpost.php?p=131820&postcount=6
Sherman Pass Jeep Trail / Monache Meadows.

Trail officially opened July 11th!! Cutting it close!

Run date:

July 23-24th, 2005

Meeting Place and Time:

Parking lot of McDonalds in Castaic, off the 5 freeway, 9am July 23rd (Sat)

27701 WEST LAKE HUGHES RD
CASTAIC, CA 91384

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and all food/supplies before the meeting time.

Requirements:

4x4 with lift and aftermarket off-road type tires. Locker will be helpful on the steep climbs. Must lower tire pressure to around 15 PSI.

Full sized working spare tire and the tools to change it, tow points on vehicles and tow strap.

Camping gear and food for overnight camping. Trash Bags to pack everything back out.

Ability to air up tires after run (no gas stations anywhere)

Trail Info:

*note that this is not an easy day only type run due to distances involved, and involves lots of highway driving*


After meeting at 9am, it's about a 2.5 hour drive to Kernville, which will be the last stop for topping off gas tanks and any supplies. It's a small town so plan on having everything ahead of time and only topping off gas at the gas station there (I belive it's a Texaco last time I was there) This will be the last gas station until Sunday on the other side of the mountains on the 395.. The drive will be semi scenic once we enter the Kern River gorge on the way up to Lake Isabelle, about the last hour. First half will be kind of boring though, heading out towards Bakersfield.

After gas, it's about a 1 hour drive along the Kern river and half way up Sherman pass to the trail head.. here we will air down and start the real off-roading. The trail will take us the rest of the way up and over Sherman Pass climbing a ridge back. The lower part of the trail was burned in the fires a few years ago, but the upper part survived and is still thick forest. After the trail and rejoining the main road, it's about 20 miles of pavement to the next trail, Monache Jeep trail. This trail is moderately easy and will take us out the the Monache Meadows, one of the most scenic areas in the lower southern half of the Sierras. There will be 2-3 mini river crossings, rated easy. Plan is to find some campsites in the area at the end of the trail (all are first come/fist serve simi wilderness) and camp for the night, everyone will be free to explore the area and a few of the trails... I plan to go around taking lots of pictures.. 8-)

Sunday after breaking camp we will head back out the trail, air up, then take the main road down through Kennedy Meadows and all the way down to Highway 395.. taking the 395 to the 14 through Mojave and back into L.A. and the 5 freeway. Those that are on the southern part of L.A. or Orange county may want to take the 395 over to the 15 freeway instead.

As you can see, this is not a local run for most, this run does involve more than normal street driving due to the distances involved (3-4 hours each day, if not more depending on where you are coming from), and both trails are medium in length.. it's more of a scenic exploring run than lots of off-roading. If anybody wishes they can make there own arrangements to stay Friday night in either KernVille or Lake Isabelle, and meet us in Kernville. If you are doing this let me know so we can arrange to meet you and exchange cell numbers, although reception is spotty up there. Once we leave Kernville there will be almost no cell reception.

If you are attending, please let me know so I can get a count, and also if you cancel afterwards please let me know.

[Mlachica]

I'm down for this! I second Monache Meadows too! My bro and I are planning to go there this July when it opens. I've been looking forward to visiting Monache for about a year now, let's do it! :rolleyes:

[locrwln]

I vote Monoche Meadows. Also July would probably be better for me, it's about a six hour drive just to the Kennedy Meadows turn off for me.

Jack

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Let's see.....

Mark.....Jack...and me Mark makes 3 logged in votes. I'm sure there were others.

Late July would probably be the best time. A friend of mine just called up to the Black Rock Ranger Station and they said it's totally snowed in up there right now. But if it's so snowed in.....how was somebody there to answer the phone!:confused: :rolleyes:
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[Mlachica]

So how do you feel about Monache Adam?

Hey Mark,

If I remember correctly there's plenty of primative camping right? Everytime I call the kern county ranger station the recording tells me the black rock ranger station is closed...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

So how do you feel about Monache Adam?

Hey Mark,

If I remember correctly there's plenty of primative camping right? Everytime I call the kern county ranger station the recording tells me the black rock ranger station is closed...


Mark.....

From what I've read, there is plenty of primative camping around Monache Meadows. .....and that's the only kind I like to do!

Maybe my friend called another ranger station, and they told him Black Rock was closed. Makes sense to me! It's Cooksterdog (Steve) from over at 4wdtrips.net. I went with him on the Red Rock/Goler trip. He is also up for this trip. He has been to this area before and seems to know several side routes too. He just loves the area and is pretty excited about a trip up there!

Steve also mentioned to me today about doing the "Miller Jeep Trail" .....mtns. and trees but lower elevation so snow should not be a problem. We could organize this run in another thread if there is interest.....and it could be done anytime before July.


~Mark

[locrwln]

Ok, so the wife has some time off scheduled from the July 10-21, 2006. So one of the weekends in that time period would work best for us. :jump:

[silverscout]

I guess I didnt see this before. Is there room for one more? Just name the time and I'll "pencil it in"!

Great idea.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I guess I didnt see this before. Is there room for one more? Just name the time and I'll "pencil it in"!

Great idea.

As far as I'm concerned I don't care how many. But if the group does get a bit large.....it can always be broken up into two or three or more groups.

14 trucks.......two groups.

21 trucks........three groups.

Then a meet up point later in the day.....and folks can be in contact by radio.

I just would not like to sit on a narrow trail behind 20 or more trucks trying to move slowly over big obsticles. That would not be fun! So split up!

I forget where you are located....Silver.

~Mark

[Bluto]

Im interested - but cant commit yet. But Im watching this thread for developments especially the date.

[silverscout]

Scenic. As bad as splitting up sounds, it makes sense. As for me, I live in San Franciso so thats not that far for me. Also, I have no plans for that month so my weekends are open. Lets do it!

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Great Silver!

I think Monache is a perfect meet~n~great spot! It's just over 200 miles from North County San Diego......so I bet it's about the same from where you are.

I'm thinking we could all meet at Lake Isabella.....for final gas and supplies. Or if some head out the night before....there are motels in that area.

Then, to start our adventure..... head up the Kern River....over Sherman Pass......and into Monache Meadows. At the end of the trip, I'm going to head home using the J~41 down to hwy395 for a different and "Scenic" route home. But if I have caught the bug real bad by then.....I may just have to turn north at the hwy395!:elkgrin:

I'm still planning my summer. I will have more available time from mid July on.

~Mark

[silverscout]

Sound like fun! The location looks great and I know the company will be epic! Other than the Rubicon in September, this is my only trip planned (so far). So lets do it. Should we make it a full weekend or a three day weekend? Either way this is going to be AWESOME!

The more I plan the more I feel like I'm living.

[Skillet]

I know I am a fresh board member, but this sounds like great stuff.
Am I allowed to go or do I need a certain number of posts on the forum? ;)

[datrupr]

You are welcome on any trip that is posted up no matter how many posts you have, if there are still spots open on that particular trip.

[Skillet]

You are welcome on any trip that is posted up no matter how many posts you have, if there are still spots open on that particular trip.


Great. This is right up my ally. Fairly close to my home and I have been up the Kern River Valley many times. I go to Bakersfield for work once in a while during that season so I can perhaps turn it into a work / play week and get a little mileage out of it. ;)

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Should we revive the "Monache Meadows Trip" Thread.........?

The "SWR" is in the shop once again....UG!:( .........but when she gets out of engine prison I'm up for this!

I'm even considering doing a pre run of the area before a "gathering"....and if someone would like to do that with me.....speak up.

Do you think the trails are clear of snow by now?

Is there still interest?


~Mark

[blupaddler]

I am interested...It all depends on which dates are choosen...

:ylsmoke:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I am interested...It all depends on which dates are choosen...

:ylsmoke:



Well at least somebody is!..............hehe

During the 2nd half of summer I'm hoping to take a month long trek including AZ. .....NM. ......CO. .....WY. ..... UT. .....AZ. ......and back home. If anyone is interested in my trip....send me a PM.

At any given time....I would only be a days drive away from home in case of emergency....so I like it!

I want to fit Monache Meadows in there somewhere before the Fall snows hit again. So I may have to do this before August.

I will post up when my 4Runner gets out of Engine Prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engine Prison Sucks Big Time! .....It's such a hardship on a family!!!!!!!!!!

Especially on the Owner!:rolleyes:

......hehe

[UncleChris]

Well at least somebody is!..............hehe

During the 2nd half of summer I'm hoping to take a month long trek including AZ. .....NM. ......CO. .....WY. ..... UT. .....AZ. ......and back home. If anyone is interested in my trip....send me a PM.

At any given time....I would only be a days drive away from home in case of emergency....so I like it!

I want to fit Monache Meadows in there somewhere before the Fall snows hit again. So I may have to do this before August.

I will post up when my 4Runner gets out of Engine Prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engine Prison Sucks Big Time! .....It's such a hardship on a family!!!!!!!!!!

Especially on the Owner!:rolleyes:

......hehe

Too bad about the rig being in the shop.

Adam and I were kicking around a trip around the 24th of June. Probably short notice for the whole group, but might be doable as a pre-run.

Does that sound workable for anyone?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

UncleChris!!!!!!!!

If the "SWR" is out of engine prison by then........I'm up for it.........June 24th. I'm free that weekend. But we still don't know about the snowpack.

[TACODOC]

:eek:
Too bad about the rig being in the shop.

Adam and I were kicking around a trip around the 24th of June. Probably short notice for the whole group, but might be doable as a pre-run.

Does that sound workable for anyone?

I do need to shake down my new suspension setup... :shakin:
I've been up the 395 before, nice country up there, except for Bridgeport (Pickle Meadows), almost froze to death at 11,000 ft in march :eek:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Link to Weather at Black Rock Ranger Station (http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/meso_base.cgi?stn=BKRC1&time=GMT)
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.................:suning:

[Skillet]

Is this June 24th jaunt still going to happen?

[UncleChris]

Is this June 24th jaunt still going to happen?

Hey guys, I know it is a little late, but is anyone up for it?

I am almost thinking of a trip through Sequoia and then up through Walker pass to the White mountains.

I am debating whether or not to take Friday and Monday off.

Anyone?

[Skillet]

Hey guys, I know it is a little late, but is anyone up for it?

I am almost thinking of a trip through Sequoia and then up through Walker pass to the White mountains.

I am debating whether or not to take Friday and Monday off.

Anyone?


I cannot get friday and Monday off, but I might be up for meeting up somewhere for the weekend?

Any word on the snowpack?

[photoleif]

<minor hijack> how's the weather in that area (sequoia, yosemite, king's canyon) in mid to late sept? any fall color or is the flora such that fall color really isn't a factor? </minor hijack>

[UncleChris]

<minor hijack> how's the weather in that area (sequoia, yosemite, king's canyon) in mid to late sept? any fall color or is the flora such that fall color really isn't a factor? </minor hijack>

Weather is usually pretty nice.

My experience with Yosemite and north is that the color actually depends on the year. If you are looking for fall color, later (October)is usually better.

To get back on thread,

I headed up to Shaver Lake on early Sunday morning, and decided to take the road until it ended. 20 miles past Shaver we hit Huntington Lake where the road split off with warnings about unmaintained road ahead, but open.

Shortly thereafter the road stayed paved, but was almost a 4wd road. Immediately we saw a Bronco that had been parked a while(smashed windshield).

There was a surprisingly large amount of traffic. The biggest hazard was the blind corners and the narrowness of the road. At one point, there must have been a group event because there was a van that had stalled blocking the roadway, with a large group that had decided to turn the roadblock into a picnic. When they finally moved the van to the side of the road, we realized that the picnicers had parked themselves blocking the road. It took a while, but they finally moved out of the way.

This was at 9k' with melting snow on the ground and a slight rain. Although it was 100+ in the valley, it was ~mid-70s up there.

Once we got past the traffic(it was Sunday afternoon, so I think everyone was beelining for home) we had a chance to enjoy the scenery. It was a long meandering road(20 miles is a long way to go at 15 mph). Narrow and in places really made you wonder at how much work went into it. Obviously the shelf it was on had been blasted out in some parts.

As we got up to Mono Hot Springs, there was a tow service flatbed with a car on it coming the other way(can you say $$$$ tow, hopefully they had AAA).

The road continued to climb up through the boulder fields, to give some truly amazing views.

We got up to Edison, which had some amazing views of the mountains. Although we were fairly close to Mammoth(on the map at least), there was to way to get there, except by backpack.

On the way down we went through rain, and had a magnificent view of Huntington Lake.

[locrwln]

Sorry I missed it, we celebrated my wife's birthday and had big get together. Looks like a good trip.

Jack

[photoleif]

great area! thanks for sharing the pix (and the weather info).