FJ Cruisers of Northern California

El Dorado National Forest Trail Pre-Run

There is a trail that I travel several times each year and I am wondering if anyone would be interested in running it as well. The trail is not terribly difficult for the most part, but there are a couple parts I would say were moderate. I have done the moderate parts on my own with my stock FJ.

There is a catch though. I went up there a couple of weeks ago and there is a 24" to 30" tree down across the trail. So there is some trail maintenance to do. I talked with the Forest Service Office up here and they said as long as we are not removing the wood from the forrest, it is ok to cut and remove it from the trail.

A map of the area can be found at the following website http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/recreation/travel/index.shtml

The map is named MVUMPlacervilleSide02.pdf and the trail head coordinates are approximately:
38 45 N
120 15 W

I can bring some tools and rent a chainsaw if no one has one. There are some interesting views along the way (see photo below)

If there is interest, we can set up a date that works.

Let me know.

Added Information

So far it looks like the 20th of June is the date of choice. I have some concern about snow still being on the ground at the top of the trail and I will make a run up to the area to check it out prior to the trip. If there is snow, it would be very difficult to make it as the trail gets fairly steep close to the top. I would imagine that by June 20th it should be clear.

How far away are people coming from?

I would like to leave the start point by 9 or 9:30 if possible, but if there are many people coming from farther away we could make it a bit later if needed.

As a start point, let's meet in the Safeway parking lot in Cameron Park. The address is actually Shingle Springs on most map software.

3380 Coach Ln
Shingle Springs, CA 95682

This should give us plenty of space and a place to pick up any last minute items.

NEW INFORMATION

If we have a tree clearing run this Saturday, it looks like these people are interested.

Pkelly72
Sonof40
EstySalinas
BKReese
BigFish
DHeigher

05/28 Update

I just checked the weather report for the trail area and there is a 20% chance of thunder storms on Saturday. I will still go unless it ends up pouring rain. If you are still willing to go, let me know and be at the Safeway Parking lot listed above at 8:00. We will leave at about 8:15 or so.
If you are running late and miss us getting to the trail is easy.

Continue up Hwy 50 toward Tahoe, just past Kyburz (about 30 min. from Cameron Park) take a right on Silverfork Road
A few miles up Silverfork Road, take a left on Long Canyon trail (dirt road)
The tree is down a mile or two down the trail. The Forest Service Map is pretty good to follow.

I will have a CB on Ch 31 and 7/31 on FSR. Mobile phones do not work well in the trail area.

I have secured the use of two chainsaws, so I do not think we will need any more.

Be prepared for changeable weather.

See you there.

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IMG_5930 reduced.jpg, 371 KB

Replies are closed for this discussion.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 3:25pm

See added infomation above.

Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on May 26, 2009 at 4:58pm

Was up at 7800 ft memorial day weekend, near watson lake. There was some snow left, but most of it passable. Should be all clear by that late in june.

Permalink Reply by BigFish on May 26, 2009 at 7:38pm

The saw is ready to go. If your run up this week end let me know. I might be in for Sat am - need to be back by 3:00 PM. I was thinking of checking out wrights Lake again anyway.

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 8:35pm

How long is the bar on your saw? (No, that is not a personal question!) It should be 18" minimum to get though the log with a cut from each side. Do you think we should have two saws? I am hoping we only need to make two or three cuts and then can roll the pieces out of the way.

I am not sure which weekend I will go to check for snow. I will try to let you know.

Permalink Reply by bkreece on May 26, 2009 at 9:24pm

I think I'm in for the 20th if I can get back to sac around 4:00 or 5:00. Also, if anyone is headed up this weekend, I'd be interested.

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 9:44pm

Getting back to Sac by 5:00 is not likely unless you leave before the end of the trail. Round trip from Cameron Park is about 6hrs just to drive the trail, plus work time. It might work if we are able leave by 9AM.

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 9:45pm

Does any one have an objection to starting at 9AM?

Permalink Reply by bkreece on May 26, 2009 at 10:26pm

Don't change plans on my account. I'm still not 100% sure I'll be able to make this run. Thanks DHeighter!

Permalink Reply by BigFish on May 26, 2009 at 10:27pm

I have a 30" bar. One saw can do it with no issues if the cuts are in the right place. Otherwise it is ugly. If there is interest this weekend to at least drop the tree out of the way I will confirm my schedule Weds PM. I have a buddy that fished Loon Lake over the weekend and there was no snow around the lake.

If anyone is up for a drop the log trip this Sat and the trail run in June, post up your desired schedule.

How far up the road is the tree down? There may be other trees down as well.

If I go Sat, I like to stop in PP for a breakfast hit. Three good places, two near Safeway just off Hwy 50 at the Sly Park off ramp.

Permalink Reply by bkreece on May 26, 2009 at 10:30pm

I am definately up for something this saturday!

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 10:43pm

The tree is not far down the trail so there is a definite possibility of other trees being down along the rest of the trail.

There are several people interested in going this weekend to clear the trail. If we do that, we can still run the trail on the 20th for anyone who is interested.

Chime in if you want to go this Saturday.

Permalink Reply by DWH on May 26, 2009 at 11:15pm

If anyone would like my phone number send me a PM.