4Wheeling/Fishing Trip - Hermitt Valley Campground 8/23-8/25

Getting ready for another 4-wheel Adventure at Emmigrant Trails up by Hwy4 and will be based camp at Hermitt Valley Campground from Friday 8/16 8/23  thru Sunday 8/18 8/25; and after checking out the local area, it looks like there are a couple of lakes close by. Any info/intel on these lakes (Lake Alpine, Kinney Reservior, Upper & Lower Kinney Lake) would be great; not sure if I will kayak or shore fish, but it will depend on your feedback.

Lastly, if you in the area or have a free weekend and wanna kick it on the trails, swing by; but from what my "new" son-in-law is telling me, this might be more than my jeep can handle with it's current mods.....

Glen

sounds like fun, cant wait for some feedback from others.

I fished lake Alpine on my last wheelin adventure. Couldn't keep the planters off the hook, at almost any point on that lake. Watch out for the super mosquitoes. THe native brookies eluded me

What trails are you thinking of running? Unless your heavily modded I would stay away from Slick Rock or Deer Valley trails.

 

I fished lake Alpine on my last wheelin adventure. Couldn't keep the planters off the hook, at almost any point on that lake. Watch out for the super mosquitoes. THe native brookies eluded me

What trails are you thinking of running? Unless your heavily modded I would stay away from Slick Rock or Deer Valley trails.

They did Slick Rock last year, I didn't go; this year it will ne Deer Valley. Define "heavily modded"????

 

  Lift, lockers, front & rear, and 33" or taller rubber. Rocker guards,  On board welder, air,& beer tap!

Sounds fun.
Id love to get back out there but my wheeler won't be back together by then.
Good luck

  Lift, lockers, front & rear, and 33" or taller rubber. Rocker guards,  On board welder, air,& beer tap!

THIS, At least armor and 33"s. Someone should have at least 1 winch.

2 1/2" Lift, 32's, Rocker guards, Skids, front and rear bumper, winch and compressor...

contemplating installing a rear arb locker on the jeep before then.... but might not have enough time....

You should be fine on your set-up. Might need a good spotter or the winch at some point but you should have fun. Corral Hollow and Barney Riley are nearby as well and are easier. I will be up there this weekend for the NAXJA run (Sierrafest)

I'd be all over this hookup if it's a newbie trail. I wonder if there is a way to go around the challenging trail.

Jedmo

Deer Valley is a consistently difficult trail that connects Highways 4 and 88. While the trail is run in either direction it is most difficult from South to North. The trail boasts some great views and landscapes from its mountain tops to it's valleys. Pit toilets and fire pits are available at Hermit Campground without a fee.

Deer Valley is a must do trail if you are in the area. It can be run out and back in one day or driven straight through. To get away and take advantage of the great valleys and meadows you may consider camping near one of the to stream crossings. Although you would be better off in Hermit Campground during late Spring till mid Summer, do to the large number of mosquitoes. Just remember to bring some wag bags and pack everything out.

Trail Access (Southern) - The trails Southern access point is within Hermit Campground, literally twenty feet from our campsite. The trail is well marked and located in the Northeast corner of the campground.

Gatekeeper - The first obstacle you will come across, traveling South to North, is arguably the most difficult on the trail that does not offer a bypass. There are two lines on this section, a high line to the North side and a low line to the South. The high line will leave you feeling a little tippy do to the drop off the back side of the large rock. Use caution and a spotter while navigating the high line. Getting too close to the center of the trail could lead to being high centered or even a roll over. The lower line is much more stable although it will most likely require at least one traction device.

Wedge Rock Climb - This fun little climb takes you up a small rocky hill that is shaped like a shallow "V". With some good spotting it is possible to get a stock or slightly modified high clearance vehicle up the hill.

Off Camber Rock - The entire trail is filled with several medium sized rocks to challenge drivers and vehicles. This particular section has a rock ridge in the center that could push you off camber if you are not careful.

Rock Garden - This section of the trail offers the longest rock section with a decent little drop near the Northern end. From the rock garden it is a short distance to the Southern water crossing.

Water Crossing (South) - The Southern water crossing, Deer Creek, is a great place to camp or just relax and get a bite to eat. This valley is known as Deer Valley and is where the trail gets it's name. Just remember that the mosquitoes can eat you alive until mid to late summer, bring plenty of repellent.

Water Crossing (North) - The Northern water crossing, Blue Creek, is much deeper then the Southern crossing. Keep your speed slow and constant to avoid pushing any water into your intake. This valley offers some great camping and scenery along the trail.

Trail Access (Northern) - The Northern access point is located at the Southeastern end of Lower Blue Lake near the dam. Camping is available near the trail head at Lower Blue Lake Campground. Traveling the trail from this direction is less difficult because it is down hill.

I'd be all over this hookup if it's a newbie trail. I wonder if there is a way to go around the challenging trail.

Jedmo

According to the info, the "Gatekeeper" section has no bypass; so I'm not sure that I will be going on the trail until I beef up my rig.

but save 9/27-9/28! got campsites at Jackson Meadow again this year; and will be taking the jeep in the back hills. you're 'yota should be able to make the journey; bring the kayak, great fishing up there!

Slick rock is short and hard.

Deer Valley is long and hard. <--------- LOL

Barney Riley
Corral Hollow
Mattley Ridge/ Meadow

Way easier.

Your Jeep should be good though.

Your Jeep should be good though.

Was just doing more intel and this website also said stock jeeps can make it....

Recommended equipment: Almost any type of  4x4 vehicle can make it through, but some are easier than others. Stock Jeeps will do the job. Vehicles with a long wheel base will have a little trouble with some sharp turns. Tow hooks and straps are a must.  The less the vehicle is equipped the more work  you can expect.

http://www.californiajeeper.com/deerval/review.htm#recom

That a damn lie!! Like I said the minimum I would go with is what you have. NO stock jeeps lol.