Coyote Flats near Bishop, CA

[fyton2v]

Anyone know how long it takes to get from Bishop to Funnel Lake or Coyote Lake? Also, how technical is the trail leading out that way?

Thanks.

 

[rockclmbr]

About 1.5 hrs IIRC. It is a fun dirt trail with a lot of switchbacks. The main drag is easy with a medium section towards the end. Nothing a LC can't handle.

 

[fyton2v]

I'm concerned about the trail because one person in our party has a 2WD Tacoma. It's one of the "beefy" models with bigger tires and pretty good ground clearance. The other "car" in our group is a 4WD Nissan Pathfinder/family truckster.

Since the Tacoma is the lowest common denominator, are there any sections where 4WD Low is required?

Thanks for the info.

 

[rmirandayopo]

We did it , I have a photo report that could help you...

pre run
http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod=gally&id=23&eid=109

final run
http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod=gally&id=23&eid=110

 

[surfpig]

I'm concerned about the trail because one person in our party has a 2WD Tacoma. It's one of the "beefy" models with bigger tires and pretty good ground clearance. The other "car" in our group is a 4WD Nissan Pathfinder/family truckster.

Since the Tacoma is the lowest common denominator, are there any sections where 4WD Low is required?

Thanks for the info.

Some of those come with rear lockers... He should be fine anyway.

 

[fyton2v]

Great photos. Question. How much of the wheeling was optional? From those pics I'm sure that even the Pathfinder wouldn't make some sections. We wouldn't be leaving the main Coyote Valley Rd.

We did it , I have a photo report that could help you...

pre run
http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod=gally&id=23&eid=109

final run
http://www.yopo4x4.com/index.php?mod=gally&id=23&eid=110

 

[rmirandayopo]

The pathfinder will be fine if you selected the final run trail, but a 4x2 Taco...depends on the driver...I don't think that could be a good idea... I prefer not to try...

 

[FJKai]

I used to go up to coyote flats quite a bit 4-5 years back. As long as you plan on staying on the main roads up there, you'll all be alright. There may be some flat rocks or two on some of the main roads, but nothing you couldn't get by, or if the roads have gotten worse since I've last been there, pull/ winch someone through a very short section or two. You'll see most everything on the main roads. The smaller less traveled roads you'll want to scout out, I wouldn't recommend taking a 2x on them really, depending on which ones, they can be pretty rocky and rough and require slow 4x4'ing. Coyote lake (pond really) should be no problem for all of you guys. The farther back lakes across Coyote Flats (Hidden Lake, Thunder and Lighting Lake, which is no joke, the worst thunder and lighting storm I've ever been in was up in that area, very scary, though we were going to be hit by lighting, or at least the vehicle would; Big Pine Lakes) are all going to be tougher to get to and require some 4x4 action, not gnarly, but needed. You'll know if you are heading out to these areas due to the long, wide open flats, along with the passing of an old airstrip/ runway. I love that place and miss it, I want to thank "rmirandayopo" for posting those pics, brought back some great memories. As stated before, about 1.5 hours from Bishop due mainly to slow switch backs and rocky slow going roads. Beautiful views from up there, stop towards the top and look back down at Bishop and the Owens Valley, awesome view. Damn! I wish I was going too. Have fun and explore as much as you can.

 

[philos1]

It'll be at least twice as long to get there seeing as you're a trojan....J/K


great area, you should be fine on the main sections w/ 2WD, my dad's taken us back there lotsa times in years past in an old Ford pickemup to go camping. and yeah thunder and lightning is scary/eerie sometimes- theres hardly any trees, just lots of big granite chunks...


have fun

 

[fyton2v]

Great news on the 2WD action. . We're set to head up there tomorrow morning.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

A couple of the switch backs going up are steep and loose, but it should be OK. I did not shift my 60 out of 2 wheel drive until the last switch back. Just put the Taco behind the heaviest 4wd (probably your cruiser) and tell him not to be manly and accept a strap if there is any question. Otherwise it's sort of rough here and there, but not difficult. I would not take the back way out as you have to traverse a mud bog and a difficult slope to get out that way.

The trail out to the Lake is rocky and rough but not hard. I don't think that will be a problem.