Disco2Guy Posted January 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 In the event of the snow melting, or just not being deep enough for a challenging snow day, I'm considering going to the top of Bald Mountain. At the summit, there is an abandoned fire lookout tower with a great view and photo ops. I have not driven this trail before, but have researched videos and read the trail guide from the Charles A. Wells book, California Backroads & 4-Wheels Drive Trails (pg. 203). Trail Details:Difficult- rocky, steep, & tippy in a few placesGood driver, high clearance stock vehicle, w/ good spotting and rock stackingSnow in shady forested areasFaint tracks on exposed granite (there are Jeep signs and cairns for trail markers) There are 3 tricky sections on the trail; First is a steep climb- supposed to look harder than it actually isSeries of round ledges- about 1.5 miles inWashed out section- towards the end, can bypass if we return the way we came The video shows these three sections in order listed above[video=youtube;v8VoYziznrM] Other videos of the trail Snow Melt[video=youtube;-RaFovco1vg] Long movie[video=youtube;6r7lUmgOnlo] I have been and will continue to check on the snow conditions at Shaver Lake and Bald Mountain throughout the coming weeks. Questions:Who would be in for a trip like this?How would the LR3's do with the rock ledges (2nd obstacle)?Is it worth the trip? Expect possible snowy/icy surfaces, which may mean we don't even make it up the first steep hill:mad:I have waypoints, but no track for this trail, does anyone have a track or know someone who has done this trail? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 I found a way to create the track for Bald Mountain using the map in the first post. It was originally made by scanning the trail from the book, then using the waypoints, aligned the track to fit. Well, I did the same thing only in Google Earth. I saved just the track as a .png, and used the overlay image function in GE, and aligned it with the existing waypoints from the book. I then tweaked the position of the points to the visible area of the trail in GE. Next, I went to GPSVisualizer.com and converted the .kmz file to a .gpx file. Can I get a few people to load this on their gps units to test? It should have everything from Camp Edison, Dinkey Creek Rd. to the Bald Mtn. trailhead, that track with waypoints and notes. Hopefully the notes (not long per point) don't obscure the track on your screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasquatch Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Thanks for all the hard work Brenton. I'm a bit on the fence right now. It's such a fun snow fest trip. Partial snow or icy conditions over dirt and rock doesn't sound ideal. If the snow melts off and we don't see a significant storm in the forecast, I say we postpone the date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPittl Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Bald Mountain looks fun and not that crazy for us LR3 folks. Its hard to say from videos and the factor of snow/ice conditions could make an easy obstacle a hard one for all. I'm always up for a challenge so count me in for whatever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 Yeah, that's why I wanted to post this early enough for people to decide if they want to cancel/postpone the trip. For those who made reservations, here is the info on cancellations. The "fine" seems to only apply to the deposit, which I wasn't charged for. I'll call the office and try to get more info on how much $ can be refunded, and how long before the reservation date. CHANGE OR CANCELLATION GUIDELINES If you wish to . . . Cancel Entire Reservation 14 + Day Notice$10 Fee Forfeit 1-6 Days Notice1/3 of deposit 7–13 Day Notice Forfeit 2/3 of deposit Day of Check-inForfeit Entire Deposit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPittl Posted January 24, 2012 Report Share Posted January 24, 2012 I did some searching on Caltrans road conditions and it looks promising for now. They are requiring chains or 4x4 with snow tires on Hwy 168 east of Shaver Lake... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pedram Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Thanks for all the hard work Brenton. I'm a bit on the fence right now.... I say we postpone the date. Yes I agree.... LOL... I need time to repair my rig for any off road trips. I need to wheel it in something other than a parking spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasquatch Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 ok. I've come to my senses. We're in no matter what! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drafdog Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 I knew you would see the ways of the force! . Sounds like a party for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pedram Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Dang nabit! I almost got you guys to change it to later..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted January 28, 2012 Report Share Posted January 28, 2012 I see a small amount of snow on the cams this morning and snow/rain predicted for the 6th, which could give us -some- snow. Kids' school records attendance up to lunch, then we are free to leave, probably around 12:30. We are still doing the cabin thing, but are waiting til the last minute to make a reservation, lots still available... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2012 I wouldn't count on a lot of snow at camp at this point. The turn onto Rock Creek Rd. (from Dinkey Creek Rd.) is 1000' higher than Camp Edison. With any luck, most of the snow will be there, plus any that may come next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPittl Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Okay so for now my plan is to meet up with you guys in Gilroy at 9:30am on Friday. I'm down to just 2 other guys coming with me. Fingers crossed for some snow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 30, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 Ok. I'm going to post up a rendezvous thread tonight. We should try and get to Camp Edison and setup camp asap. I'd like to get out to Rock Creek Rd. and see how much snow is there so we can make an action plan for Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasquatch Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Perfect. I liked the old meeting spot off 152. Since PETA won't be going, I'm sure everyone will be on time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'll have to meet u guys at camp between 10-11pm i'll try to text as we get closer toCamp. Just me and my brother one tent kinda large Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lutz Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Same here should be at camp at 10am Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Solis Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Same here should be at camp at 10am Did u mean 10 pm or really 10am? If its 10pm we can try to meet somewhere (warning super slow up the last grade) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Please post up where you expect to meet the caravan on Friday. I'd like to keep on this schedule as much as possible. When we get to camp and setup, a small group will head to the trail and do some scouting. Gilroy- arrive by 9:30am, gas up and on the road by 9:45Vieira’s Shell Gas Station101 South exit 356, to 10th St/ CA-152 E850 Pacheco Pass HwyGilroy, CA. 95020 96.7 mi – about 1 hour 45 mins Madera- arrive by 11:30am, gas up and on the road by 11:45amValero Gas StationI-5 South exit 403A, to CA-152 E/CA-33 S to Los Banos/Fresno1502 E. Yosemite Ave.Madera, CA. 93638 53.6 mi – about 1 hour 18 mins Camp Edison-If the office is closed when you arrive, stop by the camp host to get your camping pass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lutz Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Yea 10am sorry missed the pm part Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelCowan Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Unfortunately it looks as though I am going to miss this trip again this year... just can't seem to make it work?Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco2Guy Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Sorry you can't make it again Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desertcrawler Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 Sorry you can't make it again Nigel. We had it down on our calendar for a weekend later over Presidents weekend. So if we do make it, it will be only Tyler and I, with tent cots, no Tent Trailer. But we are only 60 - 70% at this point... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasquatch Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 C'mon Chucky!!! I haven't seen you in a long time. We've got some drinking to make up for (poke poke) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinB Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 Is the plan to still do pizza for Friday dinner? If so we might need 2 groups for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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