US West China Springs road, Gardnerville NV

[TJDon]

We did this weekend trip 2nd week of December ‘18

I left my home town of Galt and made the 3 hour road trip up highway 88 to 395 and met my buddy in Gardnerville. Had a killer burger at Ham Dogs for lunch and made our way to China Springs/Leviathon mine road. A unmaintained muddy trail down to shores of the Carson River. Set up camp with a nice warm fire for the 24deg night and enjoyed the clear cold skies.

Woke up early and wanted to find the natural hot springs and take a little swim in warm water. But the snow drifts on the trail we’re making it difficult to make decent time being we wanted to be back on the roads home by noon. We wound up following along the river trail and decided to start heading back out. Great weekend and beautiful area we had all to our selves.
Following a Christmas wagon through the town of Ione

Heading up hwy 88 near Kirkwood ski resort


Hamdogs for lunch!

What a view of the sierras

Making our way down

Because we can [emoji16]


Time for cocktails and fire

Little poser shot
Trail conditions got worse the further we went.

 

[Kent R]

Awesome!

 

[JCWages]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Magic Mike]

Looks like a great trip and great pictures!

 

[Nickzero]

Man this looks like fun! How did that tent work out for you?

 

[TJDon]

Man this looks like fun! How did that tent work out for you?

It kept me dry lol
The smittybilt tent is by far NOT the best tent out there. The mattress pad is horrible and the tent itself will not keep you warm. It got down to 18 that night. Heater buddy is a must and a good sleeping bag. But it’s better than sleeping on the ground.
I picked up the tent really cheap brand new for $300 so I can’t complain much

 

[Nickzero]

It kept me dry lol
The smittybilt tent is by far NOT the best tent out there. The mattress pad is horrible and the tent itself will not keep you warm. It got down to 18 that night. Heater buddy is a must and a good sleeping bag. But it’s better than sleeping on the ground.
I picked up the tent really cheap brand new for $300 so I can’t complain much

Sweet! The setup looks great!