Long Lake Trail opens Saturday
Posted: April 21, 2015 Filed under: Access, Maintenance | Tags: access, Hi-Lo's, Long Lake Trail, TNF Leave a commentThe Tahoe National Forest (TNF) Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) has the Long Lake Trail opening on Saturday the 24th. Last weekend, the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s got permission to run the trail early to make sure it was open and safe for the general public.
We drove down Saturday morning without a major issue. One guy heard a rattle and after borrowing a 1/2″ coarse thread nut from a fellow traveler, we were on our way.The run in was a very casual pace. It was nice not to be rushing to get somewhere for a specific time.
The Long Lake Trail only had one tree down but it was rather large:
The nice part was that it was rotten and cut very easily. It actually broke apart as we tried to winch it out of the trail.
We made camp at the campsite along the trail. Other than the two geese that woke everyone up at 6:30am, it was an uneventful stay at the camp. Rain clouds threatened over night. but it never rained.
The drive out was slow and steady. No break downs but some challenging spots going up Cadillac Hill. It seems the rocks continue to “grow” out of the mountain. Future maintenance will be needed to prevent further erosion along Cadillac Hill.
So, the Long Lake Trail is open for business. Please stay on the trail and remember that it ends 0.91 miles in. Also, the campsite is one way in and one way out. Please do not attempt to make it a drive through. Any off trail driving/riding could get the trail closed.
If you come across any issues with the trail or have any questions about the Long Lake Trail, please email me or the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s at LakeTahoeHiLos@Gmail.com.
Enjoy
The season begins
Posted: April 20, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: access, Hi-Lo's, Long Lake Trail Leave a commentLast week I checked out the Rubicon for the first time this season. There was evidence of trees that had fallen across the trail but had been cleared, but no snow to speak of.
That was a little different on the Richardson Lake Trail, 14N39. This trail opened on April 1st. That is earlier than most side trails along the Rubicon. My plan was to drive the trail up to the gate at the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and clear any trees across the trail.
Along the way, I came across a few snow drifts on the trail, mostly on the northern aspect of the hill. Some had tracks of previous travelers but the last few did not. It’s a cool feeling knowing you are the first person of the season to run the trail. As long as I was breaking trail going uphill, I felt I was okay. Although alone, I had a winch, gravity and all my other recovery tools if I didn’t make the climb.
When I crested the climb and came across another snow drift in front of me going downhill. It was time to turn around.
This drift was no larger than any of the others I had already driven through that day but it was downhill. If I got stuck, I’d have to winch against gravity or further down the hill. If I had another vehicle with me, I would have driven it for sure. Maybe next time.
The snow is melting fast. I suspect most of the snow in that picture is now gone.
The Hi-Lo’s drove down to the Long Lake Trail on Saturday to open the trail for next weekend. There was one HUGE tree across the trail but it’s been moved. That trail opens to the public on April 24th. I’ll post a detailed report when I get some pictures from my fellow Hi-Lo’s. Enjoy!
Tree Elves
Posted: April 16, 2015 Filed under: Maintenance | Tags: maintenance, Rubicon Leave a commentI ran the Rubicon out to the intersection of forest road 03-04 on Monday. There wasn’t must in the way of snow on the trail but there was plenty of evidence of ‘Tree Elves’ working the night.
Even with the mild winter, several trees had blown over across the trail. These are just a few photos. This is good evidence to support the motto, go prepared. Late winter and early spring travels should dictate bringing a chainsaw and all of the safety gear that your should be wearing.
More than once, over the years, I’ve found myself cutting a log out of the trail on the way OUT! It’s easy to turn around on the way in if you encounter the trail blocked but what do you do on the way out? If you are prepared, you either cut or drag the tree out of the way.
LTBMU grant comments are in
Posted: April 8, 2015 Filed under: Access, Maintenance | Tags: Hi-Lo's, LTBMU, OHV grant, STORM, Twin Peaks Leave a commentThe public has spoken regarding the proposed grant requested by the LTBMU. In short, the public does not support a grant that does not support four wheel drive trails. Specifically, the public does not support mountain bike trail maintenance with OHV funds.
Here is a link to the comments on the LTBMU grant request: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28161
Most of the comments are from South Tahoe locals who either drive Twin Peaks or ride the Sand Pits. These locals not only use our public lands for OHV enjoyment but they also step up and volunteer to maintain these areas. Both the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s and STORM (South Tahoe Off Road Motorcycle club) members took the time to comment. Thank you to everyone that commented.
Hopefully, the LTBMU will read and act on the comments and include 4wd trails and the Sand Pits in a rewrite of the grant proposal.
This is how the process is supposed to work. Let’s hope it continues to work.