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gauging interest - Gold Lakes weekend trip

DHappel

Preferred date for Gold Lakes weekend  

11 members have voted

  1. 1. Which weekend works best?

    • July 14-15-16
      7
    • July 21-22-23
      4

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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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I've wanted to get back up here for a while so let's make it happen.

 

I'm thinking July but looking for date input.  Most likely the first weekend (7/1) is out as it's too close to the 4th.  With the 4th falling on a Tuesday I'd say people probably won't want to take off right after that either so our 2nd weekend (7/8) is out.

 

The last weekend (7/29) is getting closer to the Sierra Trek (starts 8/6) so we should leave people some gap to prep for that if I can.

 

That leaves us with the weekends of July 15 or July 22.

 

I'd like to make this a 3-day trip, Fri-Sat-Sun.  

Arrive early/mid day on Friday and claim our spots (no reservations at Gold Lake and pretty popular in the summer)

Possibly a short run that evening

Saturday is trail day!

Sunday relaxed morning then break camp and head for home.

 

There are lots of trails in the Gold Lakes area so we can find something for everybody from stock to built.  I'm not too focused on specific trails at the moment since I don't know who's coming - there are enough trails of varying difficulty that we should be able to put a couple different runs together.  I know I'd like to take the D1 over Snake Lake trail since it's put a hurt on me the last couple times I've done it in the LR3.  Gold Lakes is also close to my all time favorite easy trail, the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout.  Those are just 2 ideas from many.

 

This doesn't have to be a wheeling-only trip - Gold Lakes campground is....right on a lake.  Plus there are something like 20 other lakes in the area so bring the kids, the canoe, the hiking boots, etc.  

 

Here's the official Gold Lakes website:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/plumas/recarea/?recid=11198

 

The Gold Lake 4x4 Campground is located in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Located nine miles southwest of Graeagle, California, this recreation area has special geological features. There is breathtaking scenery and over 20 small lakes nearby, most of which are accessible by hiking trails. This area provides a multitude of recreational activities including camping, fishing, boating, hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, swimming, windsurfing and nature study. In the winter visitors can snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe. This 4x4 campground is located along the shores of Gold Lake at an elevation of 6400 feet. This campground has 16 sites with tables, food lockers, fire rings and pit toilets. There is no water or garbage service available

 

We need to nail down a date for planning so I'm going to leave the poll open until next Friday, 6/9.  

 

So who's up for a July weekend and what weekend do you like best?

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GraemeWare Newbie

GraemeWare

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Fail on the rebuild. He has to take it out and send it back to SoCal under warranty. burning a quart of oil every tank of gas..

 

 

Sorry to hear that.  How is the oil pressure and compression?

 

Wait .... a quart every tank of gas .... isn't that normal?  One of mine does that.

 

Regards,

 

Graeme

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Jethro Rising Star

Jethro

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On my radar, been wanting to run the snake trail and check poker flats. Might be worth going up a day early to hit some of the other trails too.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

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Jethro Rising Star

Jethro

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So need to change my vote the earlier date as I'm heading to San Diego for work the following weekend

 

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Jethro Rising Star

Jethro

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According to NorCal back roads and SUV trails it's like a 2. High clearance preference. There are trails around there listed up to a 6 plus snake trail which is a jeep rated trail requiring a locker and 33s from my Jeep trails book but has real experience with that trail.

 

I took my stock LR4 on corral hollow a couple years ago and had no issues and tires were pretty bald too.

 

Recently upgraded tires on it but kept the 19s for now as we're just using for mild off roading/overlanding.

 

The Cooper zeons are great, big difference from stock!

 

Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your rig.

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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I'm definitely interested if we schedule for the weekend of the 22nd. 

 

How challenging is the trail to the campground? I've heard mixed things. Mostly concerned about my street tires (running a still-stock LR4). Could be a good excuse to upgrade though.

You will have no problem with the entrance trail in any Rover, stock or not.   OK, a Freelander might have to pay attention but otherwise it shouldn't be any worry.

 

As for trails in the area, there's a wide selection to choose from.  I'm planning to run Snake Lake which is a tough trail, NOT suited to stock rigs, but we'll also want to do milder runs as well.  

 

And as I mentioned, even those who don't want to spend a day on the trail can hang around the camp and play at the lake or visit one of the many other lakes in the area.  

 

Right now it looks like 3-2 in favor of the weekend of the 15th.  I'll keep the poll open until this weekend then we'll call it so be sure to put a vote in for your prefered date.

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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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Bringing this back to the top.  I dropped the ball on it for a while there as my schedule got messed up but I'm back to 'normal' now and want to get on this again.

 

At the moment it's 4-3 in favor of the earlier weekend.  Anybody else have an opinion before I make the call and put it on the calendar?

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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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OK then, I guess it's time to call it.  We have 4 to 3 in favor of the earlier date so it's going to be July 14-15-16

 

To help get you in the mood, here's a link to a trail description of Snake Lake - this is the toughest trail in the area and it has kicked my a$$ the last couple times I've done it in the LR3.  This year I'm taking the D1 and I plan to show 'ol Snakey who's boss!   ;)

 

http://4x4trailmaps.com/4x4Trails.php?Trail_ID=47

 

From the link:

 

The Gold Lake Basin Area is a great place to relax and hit the trails. There is available OHV camping along the trail next to Gold Lake. Camping is first come first serve and is available without a fee. Most of the campsites line the shores of the lake and can be reached by stock four wheel drive vehicles, so come early to get a great spot. 
 
Snake Lake Trail is the most difficult trail in the area and gets it's name from one of the numerous lakes in the area. The Pacific Crest Hiking Trail also crosses the trail a few times and offers a great reason to take a walk. The trail is run out and back with a loop at one end of the trail. 
 
The trail is more difficult if the loop portion is run in the clockwise direction. This will require you to drive up Snake Lake Hill, which is very steep and loose. If you would like to attempt going up Snake Lake Hill it is suggested that you have at least one locker. 
 
I would also suggest running the trail's loop in the counter clockwise direction. There is a small area at the bottom of Snake Lake Hill, next to Snake Lake, to stop and rest. It's fun to watch others attempt the climb and there are opportunities to turn around at the top of the hill if you would like to give it a try.
 
 
 
Here are a couple pics from last year when I did it solo.  I ran it clockwise which is the harder direction and snapped a winch extension getting up the hill.
 
 
Tight squeeze!
 
 
Base of the hill - not too bad here
 
 
Above the squeeze - note all the loose rock; this is what makes it tough.  The LR3 just dug instead of climbing.
 
 
 
So who's with me?   :D
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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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Don't feel like quite that level of adventure?  Here's another option; Deer Lake trail, rated moderate.  Most of it is pretty easy with an option for a harder bit dropping down to the lake itself.

 

http://4x4trailmaps.com/4x4Trails.php?Trail_ID=80

 

From the link:

 

Deer Lake Trail is a simple trail that is mostly graded. There are a few slightly rocky sections but remains mild. There are great views of the Sierra Buttes and Deer Lake along the trail.
 
There is a steep graded road leading down toward Deer Lake. The Road ends about 500 feet before the lake. Please respect the restriction of the lake. There is not travel of any means beyond this point.
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DHappel Mentor

DHappel

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Another great option would be to combine the Deer Lake trail with a drive to the Sierra Buttes fire lookout which has spectacular views and is easily my favorite trail in the area.  It's an easy trail, though if you continue out to the south via Sierra City you have a long down-hill shelf road that while just an easy gravel road can make some people uncomfortable due to the exposed nature of the shelf.

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