Monache Meadows Sept 18-20

[lacruiser]

Kemasa and I will co-lead a trip to Monache Meadow, in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, about a 4 hour drive North from the Los Angeles area (approximately). Monache Meadow is the largest Meadowland in the Sierras, the south fork of the Kern river runs through it, and it's quite beautiful. There are numerous camping opportunities in the area, we'll try to get our favorite spot next to the river. The camping is free, but it is wilderness-style camping, no facilites at all. In other words, bring ALL that you will need: all drink, food, etc, and keep in mind there are no toilets up there. We also will need to pack all our trash, so bring some kind of trash bag. Since campfires are nice, if everyone brings at least one bundle of firewood, that would be great.

Ken and I will leave mid-morning Friday, if you can join us then, great. If you can't drive up early on Friday, there is the possibility of meeting us later in the day at the Blackrock ranger station which is nearby the entrance to the meadowlands. You will need to contact me in order to arrange for this. We will also plan on departing from the ranger station on Saturday morning for some 4-wheeling. The planned route is the Sherman Jeep trail, it's not a difficult trail, stock LandCruisers should be fine on it.

This is not a "technical" 4-wheeling trip. I'm going to rate this trail as somewhere between a 2+ and a 3, but of course that's a subjective rating. And if you prefer not to do the trail, it's a very relaxing camping experience up there, so feel free to hang out in the campsite if you prefer.

We will have CB and 2 meter ham radio.

If you any interest in doing this trip with us, please contact me.

Hope to hear from you!!

Dana

 

[fireflyr]

There are pit toilets, but no TP.

Beautiful spot!

 

[bogus one]

Better check the campfire limitations. It's been a dry year. Blackrock Station can tell you that over the phone.

Might need to watch out for flies as well. 2 years ago the cattle herd had free reign all the way up to the "dam". They came through camp every moring and every evening.

Gawd, I love it up there.

 

[kemasa]

Already did, no fire restrictions. It should hopefully getting cold enough at night to cut down on the bugs.

 

[e9999]

how'd it be like to bring a trailer up there?

pop up with 12" wheels and 8" or so of ground clearance OK?



also, is the Red Rock Canyon rec area worth exploring, if you know?

 

[bogus one]

how'd it be like to bring a trailer up there?

pop up with 12" wheels and 8" or so of ground clearance OK?



also, is the Red Rock Canyon rec area worth exploring, if you know?

I've seen small trailers in there, but I think it would be a hassle. There are some pretty tight spots.

Red Rock is the bomb. Talk to Calico Kid, he knows it like the back of his hand.

 

[e9999]

I've seen small trailers in there, but I think it would be a hassle. There are some pretty tight spots.

Red Rock is the bomb. Talk to Calico Kid, he knows it like the back of his hand.

ah, even to get to the camping spot, eh? I'm not talking trails here.


yes, I'll do that.

 

[bogus one]

ah, even to get to the camping spot, eh? I'm not talking trails here.


yes, I'll do that.

There are spots on the trail where you are squeezing the trees.

There's really no wheeling, per se. You take the trail to get to the camp areas, set up and kick back.

also remember that you're in a National Preserve. The Rangers frown upon stupidity.

 

[cruiserruf]

Looks beautiful!! Wish I could!

 

[Kofoed]

ah, even to get to the camping spot, eh? I'm not talking trails here.


.

There is a camp spot near the trailhead where all the deer hunters park RV's and horse trailers--but it is dry. Typically there is a lot of logging slash for firewood.

There is smallish spot along the pavement by the huge metal water tank fed by a spring (if it is still there.

Be careful of an early season snow storm

 

[kemasa]

If you look at:

Monache Meadows Photos

There is a picture of a vehicle with a trailer and I think they are all the way in. So, it is possible, but that trailer looks like it might have more ground clearance.

You would not want to take it on the Sherman Jeep Trail though .

 

[fireflyr]

I wouldn't suggest bringing anything bigger than a jeep/adventure trailer on the Monache Meadow Jeep Trail. I'm going to head in Friday morning and depart Sunday morning. Where are you guys planning on camping? I usually cross the river and camp at one of the last spots. Hope to see some cruisers in there.
Pat

PS This is me.

 

[Brentbba]

Pat - a few of us will be departing the valley around 9 am 10.18.09. We'll see you there. lacruiser and kemasa are the trip leaders and can chime in with more details. I've never been there and am looking forward to it!

 

[kemasa]

We are hoping to get a spot next to the river. If you could hold some spots for us, we would appreciate it and it will ensure that you have some Cruisers near you.

 

[fireflyr]

We are hoping to get a spot next to the river. If you could hold some spots for us, we would appreciate it and it will ensure that you have some Cruisers near you.

Sounds good. See you up there. FYI: the fishing wasn't bad last time I was up there (3 weeks ago).

 

[kemasa]

It is unknown when people will start heading back. I suspect that it will really depend on how far people will have to drive and how they feel. It is a short drive out to the pavement from Monache Meadows, so people are free to leave on their own. It is also possible that some people will want to explore the area and others might not.

 

[fireflyr]

When is the group heading back - early, mid, or late Sunday?

For your planning, the Monache Meadow Jeep Trail takes about 1.5 hours from Blackrock Ranger Station, and the drive from Kernville to Blackrock is another 1.5 hours. The drive from LA up the desert going up 9 Mile road is shorter; about an hour to Blackrock from the desert.
If you are coming from the desert, the Kennedy Meadows Store is the last place to get stuff. They have a 'happy hour' on Friday afternoon and it's always nice to talk to the locals (especially after they've loaded up on cheap beer and free pizza). They serve a good breakfast on Sunday morning until 10 (I think).

The elevation is around 8000', so mornings will be cold.

 

[bogus one]

I wouldn't suggest bringing anything bigger than a jeep/adventure trailer on the Monache Meadow Jeep Trail. I'm going to head in Friday morning and depart Sunday morning. Where are you guys planning on camping? I usually cross the river and camp at one of the last spots. Hope to see some cruisers in there.
Pat

PS This is me.

The climb out just past the gate?

 

[bogus one]

To add to Fireflyr's info:

There is NO fuel in Kennedy. Stop in Pearsonville and top off.
9 Mile Road is the best route, but plan on a loong climb. Watch out for oncoming traffic as well, especially once you hit the narrower section towards the top.

Coming down 9 mile on the way home, SAVE YOUR BREAKS!!!!!!!!

no guardrails and a killer drop on your right

 

[lacruiser]

I think the last time we camped was just before the little bridge over the river. I remember a large parking area and some really nice spots right next to the river. I think that's where we'll aim for. The other spots back up the right road, near the dead-end are also very nice.

I'm in an 80-series, silver-grey color, and so is Kemasa, gold color. Brentbba is also in an 80, Brent yours is white? We also have some friends in a white Chevy P/U coming, and a guy from Sandiego in a Wranger. A guy in a Tundra from California City may also come if he can get off work. Some others have expressed interest, but these are the confirmed ones so far.

Bring hammocks, folks! it's a relaxing place.

As far as departure on Sunday, as Kemasa said, we'll play it by ear and see what happens.

Dana