FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Where to go? Looking for a recommendation.

I promised some friends of mine that I would take them out on a "get to know your vehicle" (aka intro to overlanding) trip this month. My problem is that I have not had any luck identifying a trail that makes sense so I wanted to reach out to the group for some ideas. Some info first though:

Vehicle is a Jeep Rubicon (stock) - not worried about traction limitations.
Would like to keep it within 3-4 hours of Sacramento
Would like to keep it below 5000 feet in elevation (my guess at a snow level)
An area with limited pinstripe potential
Would like to stay away from Mendocino National Forest (camp sites there tend to have a lot of glass!

Thanks in advance!!!

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on April 4, 2012 at 11:00am

If you go later in the month, there should be time for the snow to melt some. Seeing how the issues with the El doraldo NF trails is uncertain, I would consider maybe Gold Lake OHV trail. The trail is up there in elevation so I am not sure what the snow level looks like. If I get bored I will head that way and report back.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 4, 2012 at 12:22pm

Yeah that would be awesome - let me know - my guess is there would still be a fair amount of snow though.

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on April 4, 2012 at 1:38pm

Poker Flat would be in similiar area and at the highest point it is about 6400ft. Gold lake does look like it would be later in the season as it gets up past 7000ft.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 4, 2012 at 3:13pm

Yeah last year with the heavy snowpack there was still snow blocking the trail into late summer!

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on April 4, 2012 at 3:20pm

Mengel Pass OHV trail in Death Valley would doable. But a little farther away.

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Permalink Reply by Overlander36 on April 4, 2012 at 8:25pm

Hey Esty,

Don't discount Mendo Forest because of your previous experience. The area you traveled through last time is very hevily used, and unfortunatly abused, by a lot of people. Take a look at the M2 forest route out of Paskenta. this area is more remote and does not get the heavy use by disrespectful people. The area is mostly used by hunters (and in the summer and fall pot growers). This is a great time to go here. Check a topo map as some of the areas (mostly the range between round valley and the central valley) are well over 5000 feet and may be snowed in. If you do go check out the history of this area. Indians from the Chico area were rounded up and force marched on this route to the present day reservation in Round Valley. Tough country to tackle on foot, many died making the trip.

Just dirt roads, nothing technical - not much brush, more oaks and firs - great camping spots, remote - points of interest if you research the history - could be a good overland trip.