Description
Some of us want to return to the Papoose/Squw Flat areas, and explore more of the trails.
Unlike last year, we will not combine this with the Swansea to Cerro Gordo trail. We will not visit the Cerro Gordo mine on Friday, which I said that we might. This is better to combine with a trip into Saline Valley.
On Friday, we will meet at Kramer Junction, ready to roll by 9:30. Arrive early if you want to have breakfast at the RoadHouse.
Last Gas is in Big Pine, then we head East on Highway 168, and in 2.4 miles, turn onto Death Valley Big Pine Road. After 11.2 miles, we will turn right onto the trail, air down, and start wheeling. We will pass thorugh an area called The Narrows, which isn't as bad as it sounds. We will also pass Squaw Flats, and before sundown, arrive in the Papoose Flat area. We will camp near where we did last year.
Open fires are allowed, so if anyone has a propane campfire setup, please bring that. Propane stoves are OK, but make sure that you have a fire permit. It's usually warm in the daytime, and can be cool at night. Sleeing in a cot or hammock with a light blanket might be fun.
Saturday we will explore trails to the North of camp. There seems to be 3 ways into Papoose Flats. Our plan is to make a big loop out of the 2 ways in that I haven't taken. We might choose to explore some dead ends, looking for mines and prospects. We will return to the same camping area.
Sunday, we will head south, where we have a bit of fun off-roading, then visit Mizourka Peak, and take Mizourka Canyon Road (very easy) back to pavement. After airing up, we have a short drive into Independance.
This area is outside of Death Valley National Park on lands administrated by the Inyo National Forest.
Please tell me if you can't access the Gaia links, These are for Day1, Day2, and Day 3, respectivey.
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.8/-118.1763/36.9922&pubLink=rejLxa18GecJNk83Qlgc7uNo&trackId=13310dde-81f3-480e-8fe5-72606db90e39
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.0/-118.1135/37.0250&pubLink=AtjppGNZ9LdApUND4rAQ8AMr&trackId=67b2892c-05dc-4d33-9d4b-df176b9c7251
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.0/-118.1135/37.0250&pubLink=KBe13LqFyo5sQEwjDjIOGj20&trackId=05170bcc-483c-4ba4-bb96-8b6750d9ddfd