I don't have the coordinates, but the first crossing from the Blue Lakes side is only about 30 -45 min from the parking lot. It's an easy section that follows the creek to Deer Valley Meadow which has great camping. If it's too busy there it's only about 1 to 1.5 hrs of intermediate rocky trail...
Corral Hollow would be a great place to start. Your Rubicon will have no issues and there are some great views at the top side of the trail near Bear Valley.
You can also take a side trail down to the cabin at Jelmini basin. There is a cool Forrest Service Cabin at Bear Trap basin thats right...
Hey Chris,
You're going to struggle with 32" tires and no front locker, especially with a long wheel base truck. I'm sure you could make it, but you would likely spend a lot of time stacking rocks and may need a strap at a couple of spots.
If you decide to try it I would go in from Blue Lakes...
The trip from Blue Lakes to Caples Lake was pretty spectacular !
Upper Blue Lake:
Lost Lake:
It was unbelievable how many people are escaping to the mountains. In 30+ years of traveling the back roads of the Sierras I've never seen this many people up in the mountains.
I think next time...
Deer Valley was beautiful as usual and the truck did great. We have a couple of battle scars on the sliders and I found out where I need to clearance a little more on the front fenders, but otherwise it was a great trip!
My pup (Holly) had a great time on her first camping trip. She wasn't too...
Bummer. You must have passed as I was getting camp set up. I was tucked way back in the trees at the lower crossing.
The trail did seem a little tougher than I remembered, but last time I was in our FJ40 on 40's. It's a completely different deal in a 126" wheelbase weighted down rig on 37's...
Hey fellow Adventurers,
I'm taking the Colorado out this weekend for a little trail run in the Sierras. Planning to leave Roseville tomorrow at 8AM which should put me at the Deer Valley trail-head /Hermit Valley Camp around 11 o'clock.
Should be a nice rocky climb up to camp at either Deer or...
Fly Boy- Sorry for not getting back to you on your question but it looks like slomatt had some great suggestions. Hopefully you were able to take the turn off to Jelmini Basin when you did Corral Hollow, thats where the picture was taken in my original post.
We've been super busy buying a house...
Hello fellow Adventurers,
I've been wanting to get the Colorado out on a little tougher trail so I'm planning to run Deer Valley and Strawberry Canyon the first weekend in August.
My plan is to camp Friday night at the top of Corral Hollow, then head to Deer Valley Saturday morning, camping...
Our 2010 Chevy Colorado is a little different..
These trucks make a pretty decent overland platform that are comfortable and cheap (unless you get carried away like I did).
After reviewing all of the latest Calaveras district closure orders on the forest service website, it appears the only trail still closed under the seasonal closure extension is Slick Rock Trail. I also found that Esprit de fours 4wd club is planning to be doing a trail opening work day on...
Thanks Guys!
It took me about a year and a half to get it to where it is now. I wasn't in a hurry, but there was a lot of time spent on design and mock up since I wanted to make a rig that drove safely on the highway but would still be able to run the Rubicon comfortably. It could definitely...
Thanks!
If you're in Caldwell we may be neighbors one day. I know, just what you need is another Californian moving in..
For the SAS (Solid axle swap) I used (2) Dana 44 housings to make the passenger drop high pinion. You could eliminate all that by using a factory low pinion 44 from a full...
Last one for today, heading up to the Sierra Foothills Overlanders Meeting tonight.
Hideaway winch:
Made slightly more challenging since I was using an upright style winch that I had. A lay down style would be the way to go here.
I've had this Idea for a pull out side drawer for a while now. Finally got it off the drawing board.
Its a little too high for my wife to see into, but it's mainly going to be for recovery gear and other mechanical junk. She'll have her own drawer that pulls out from the bed..
Actually, that was from last week. I've finished the back door of the bed cover since then.
Had enough of the all black so I added a little patriotic flair.
I basically replaced everything from the transmission out. The master plan went something like this:
Narrowed 14 bolt rear axle with ARB and factory disc brakes.
Custom built High Pinion Dana 44 front axle with ARB and 3/4 ton brakes.
Atlas II Transfer case with 3.8 low range.
Heavier rear leaf...
Hi Guest, Become a Member to gain access to the Member Forums, Member Map, Member Calendar of Events, and Rally Point overland trip planner! Click this link Learn More for more information!
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.