FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Slick Rock 2011

here is some information regarding this year's edition of Slick Rock. campsite information will be PM-ed to everyone who has RSVPed on the Slick Rock 2011 event page.

Slick Rock 2011
August 18-21 (Thursday - Sunday)
Level: Moderate - Difficult
Comms: FRS/GPRS - 7-31; CB - 31

this year, we plan to do Sour Grass trail (aka Pine Needle Flat) again and possibly another easy/moderate trail. as usual, you are not required to be present from the first day. you can arrive and depart as you please. Slick Rock is tentatively scheduled for Friday, but this is subject to a majority vote.

view the Slick Rock Trail description for a better idea of what to expect. also, please view the Slick Rock 2010 video as well.

NorCal FJ Code of Conduct is in effect on this and all NorCal FJ runs.

Trail Run Schedule

Friday: Pine Flat and/or local, easy, scenic trail (EASY - MODERATE)

Saturday: Slick Rock (multiple groups leaving at staggered times - determined at camp) (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Sunday: Deer Valley (contact GHOST for information) (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Trail to campsite is easy.

here is some more helpful info regarding camping and wheeling:

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Bring what you would normally bring camping. Tent, sleeping bags, etc. For driving, bring whatever recovery equipment you have (standard practice). If you have any additional spare parts, it's always a nice-to-have for the trails.

Q: This is my first time wheeling. Can I do Slick Rock?

A: No, it is not recommended. This is a moderate-difficult trail and you should have some wheel time under your belt before attempting this trail.

Q: Can I do the trail stock?

A: Yes, but expect some damage. That being said, you should bring your own spare parts, spill kit and recovery gear. Your spotters are not responsible for any damage you incur.

Q: I have no rear locker or ATRAC...can I do Slick Rock?

A: No. You will most likely spin your tires and either damage your rig or leave a large impact on the trail.

Q: What's the toilet situation at the campsite?

A: There are two pit toilets available at the campgrounds. If you don't like to use pit toilets, you are more than welcome to bring your own PETT (environmental toilet). We do not recommend digging around the campgrounds.

Q: What is the food & beverage situation?

A: It is bring your own. However, you are encouraged to team up with others on some meals to prevent wasted foodstuffs and to help cut down on budget. Feel free to use this discussion thread to discuss food management or PM is good as well.

Q: Should I bring firewood? Are fires allowed? Are fire permits needed?

A: Yes, yes and yes. Firewood is also available at the Bear Valley Resort, but is always a little pricier. As of today, fires in fire rings are still allowed. We haven't had any fire restrictions in Bear Valley the previous years, so let's hope that remains the same this year. We will have one or two fire permits with us, so that should be good enough. However, having a fire permit is always recommended because you just never know when you'll want to head out camping. You can fax in your information for a campfire permit. Here is the link to access the .pdf California Campfire Permit request.

Q: Is there cellular signal at the campsite?

A: As of last year, no. The nearest signal is at Bear Valley Resort up the road.

Q: Is this a family-friendly run?

A: As with any NorCal FJ run, yes. However, if you feel uncomfortable having children around alcohol at the campsite, there are sites set further away from the main campsite.

Q: Are there bears in the area?

A: Although we have not seen a bear in the area on previous runs, you are always responsible for items that you leave out that may attract bears. Always err on the safe side.

Q: Is there a campsite fee?

A: No. It is dispersed/undeveloped camping, so there is no fee. If, by some long shot, we need to move to a developed campground, then you will be responsible for paying fees onsite.

please feel free to ask any questions (via this thread or via PM) that were not covered here.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by GHOST on August 2, 2011 at 9:53am

I think running Slickrock Friday would help with traffic. I would not mind either way but hope to have a definitive date for slickrock so I can set a deer valley run afterwards. Anyone interested lmk. We will talk logistics at camp. Can't wait.

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on August 10, 2011 at 10:49pm

since there are a few folks planning to run Deer Valley on Sunday, i think we'll stick with Slick Rock on Saturday and possibly Pine Flat and another trail on Friday depending on when everyone plans on arriving.

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on August 16, 2011 at 12:33am

...has been updated with the trail run schedule. we will run Slick Rock on Saturday in multiple groups and GHOST will lead a Deer Valley run (south to north) on Sunday. i have also sent everyone on the RSVP list a PM with camping and other information.

please confirm your RSVP by Thursday at noon if at all possible. we will need our numbers to accurately plan the groups that will hit the trail on Saturday. more discussion will take place Friday evening around the campfire.

if you have any questions regarding any of the trails, please ask before you get to the trailhead. we look forward to another memorable Slick Rock run...now in our 5th year!

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Permalink Reply by Philly on August 16, 2011 at 3:18pm

Ill be getting up there late friday night. Im down to run slick rock sat and DV sunday and then head home. Not sure if this was covered, but where are people setting up camp on friday? I will be setting up camp in the dark.

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on August 16, 2011 at 3:32pm

everyone on the RSVP list should have received a PM with additional information, including campsite info. please let me know if you did not receive it.

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Permalink Reply by Philly on August 16, 2011 at 3:55pm

Got it... posted it before I checked the pm

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Permalink Reply by Briman on August 17, 2011 at 11:43am

this is so tempting. but after sierra trek at fordyce for 6 days last week, i'm a little camped out. maybe i can get the wife to go with me after work on saturday. we could get up there by 4. anyone want to run slick rock at night?

the only other minor issue. alternators going out on my yota. have to make an exception for jeeps. only thinking out loud for now. will have a definitive answer later.

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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on August 17, 2011 at 12:45pm

slickrock night runs are fun!

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Permalink Reply by Briman on August 17, 2011 at 1:42pm

night runs anywhere are fun. fordyce, rubi, slick, pismo. doesnt matter. its a whole new experience. i guess they are more fun at slickrock because its real forgiving in my jeep.

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Permalink Reply by C4B_ROCKs on August 19, 2011 at 10:03am

yup night runs are fun at slickrock...

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Permalink Reply by Briman on August 21, 2011 at 8:31pm

Saw some of you guys this afternoon. We headed up in my red yj today. Ran it
All the way through and went back out the way we came. Good day

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on August 22, 2011 at 8:23pm

Had a great time with all that was in attendance and can't wait till next year. Thanks to Steve for organizing a great event and scaring my wife enough to warrant me to keep guard all night as she slept, LOL. To all those who ran Deer Valley, that was one hell of a run. Hope all is well and see everyone on the trails soon.