Description
Jeff Simmon and I are going to Monache Meadows on Thursday to get a good campsite and will meet the group at the Blackrock Ranger Station at noon on Friday to lead everyone to camp. Call me, (949) 275-7602, if anyone else would like to go on Thursday.
I have the necessary campfire permit for the group on this trip. If you would like your own permit for future anytime this year use they can get had for free at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/
We will leave Friday morning and rendezvous at the Blackrock Ranger station at 12 noon. Those towing will be able to drop their tow vehicles at the Ranger station as we have before or at the trailhead at Monache. I will be going out on Thursday to ensure we get the great camping area that they have used before. I will meet everyone at the Ranger station and lead you out the campsite that I was able to secure. Call me If anyone is interested in going out on Thursday.
The adventure begins here once we leave the ranger station. We will have a little pavement and then we will hit dirt and the trek out to Monache Meadows. We will set up camp and maybe spend the afternoon fishing or exploring Monache Meadows.
On Saturday morning, we will head out of Monache and our destination will be the Sherman Pass 4x4 trail. This trail should take about 4+ hours to complete. It can be tight, rocky and tippy in spots therefore, wide, long wheel base, beware. It is a very beautiful trail high up in the tall trees. There may still be some snow in the shade of the trail.
If you plan on fishing, make sure you are aware of the regulations for the Golden Trout Wilderness.... barbless hooks etc...
Insect repellant is a safe bet..... bring firewood.
Take hwy 395 to the Pearsonville Shell gas station. This is the last place for gas and there is a Subway if you want a sandwich
Continue north about 2 miles to 9 Mile Canyon Rd...The name says it all if you have never been on this road... drive carefully. 9 Mile Canyon Rd will turn into Sherman Pass Rd. Follow it towards Kennedy Meadows. At the Kennedy Meadows store, you will bear left and will still be on Sherman Pass Rd/ Forest Rt 22S05. Continue past Fish Creek Campground and Troy Meadows Campground. Once you pass Troy Meadows campground, continue and follow signs to Blackrock Visitor Information Center. This is the rendevous point for the trek.
Reference “Guide to Southern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails” pages 124 & 125 for detailed driving instructions.
Rendezvous Black Rock Ranger Station at Noon on Friday.
Location
Rendezvous @ Blackrock Ranger station
If you are late..and this is difficult to do in the dark.
From Black Rock Ranger Station go north 3.5 miles on paved 21S03 and turn right on paved 21S36. Go another 3.6 miles and turn left on dirt road 34E38. The trailhead is on the left in another mile.
From the Trailhead it takes about an hour to get to where we intend to camp. Zero your trip odometer. Follow the trail down the mountain.
2.3 miles cross Snake Creek Bridge.
2.5 miles The trail is sometimes flooded here and there past this point. The forest service put gravel down in these locations for traction during times of flood. Don’t veer off the trail even if it's flooded. You’ll get stuck.
3.3 Sandy trail and some whoops
5.1 miles stay left at the fork and keep going north
5.7 sign should be in place to say overflow camping to the left
6.0 road swings right, then left (north)
7.0 miles the road curves left and heads west
7.7 miles turn right and head north again
You drive over and down a wooded hill for about 1 mile
At the bottom of the hill is where we intend to camp. That could change based on availability.