Not For Soccer!: August 25, 2007: Corral Hollow OHV Route

What a trip this was! Marshan, Lalani (in her signature sandals) and Lola the intrepid traildog returned for more after the Sierra Buttes run. Jeremy, Catherine and their daughter Caitlyn joined us in their Jeep Wrangler this time as well. This was also the first trip where everyone had a radio - we found them to be an invaluable tool on this trip.

The drive to Bear Valley takes about 2.5 hours and we were at the rendezvous point (Bear Valley General Store and Deli - try the Bear Trap breakfast sandwich!) by 10:30AM. After breakfast, we departed for the trailhead and soon discovered that the small jeep sign that used to mark it is no longer there. Look for a break in the trees on Highway 4 about .1 miles southwest of the Bear Valley Road turnoff - you can see the trail information board from the highway.

Marshan, Lalani and Lola made the turn but had to wait for the rest of us - we sailed right past the turnoff and had to make a 'creative' directional change a mile or so down the road... Oops.

The Corral Hollow OHV Route doesn't pull any punches - it's rated a DR: 5, but by the end, we all agreed it would be more appropriately labelled DR: 6. If you have a large SUV or full-size truck, find another trail. You CAN make it, but your chances of trail-damage are much higher. I was able to pilot the LR3 through the narrowest parts with the help of some excellent spotting by Sarenna, Marshan and Jeremy.

The rocky trail winds up the ridge through dense forest and can get extremely narrow for larger vehicles. Unlike Sierra Buttes, this trail rarely gives you a break - the rocks, roots and trees seem to go on forever! The trail meanders up the hillside, crossing a number of dry creekbeds (there may be water in them at other times of the year) and our impression was that this trail will only get more difficult as it ages. Not that we're complaining! The roadbed is very loose and powdery, punctuated by large embedded boulders and sharp rocks, roots and stumps.

Traction is difficult, especially on the steeper sections which can exceed 20 degrees. The final climb to the summit is the most difficult section of trail - a steep, rocky hillside with a very loose surface. If you do not have locking differentials, plan your line well ahead! The 'smoother' sections of the climb turned out to be dust traps, virtually impassable without lockers.

At the summit, we were rewarded with an incredible view of the valley below. This was a perfect time to take a break and get the kids (and Lola) out of the truck to burn off some energy. Soon, we were back on the trail, following the ridgeline before dropping down into Bear Trap Basin. The road here is fairly wide and not nearly as rocky as the first section. The trail winds through the trees as you descend the slope and with the exception of a few challenging drops, is fairly easy to negotiate.

And then it happened - On a mild section of the trail, in a spot obscured by the glare, I dropped the rear of the LR3 straight down on a rock half-buried in the dusty roadbed. Sarenna and I looked at each other as the rear crashed down and at that moment, we both thought the same thing - "That CAN'T be good!" We sat for a moment, listening for any strange noises or warning lights to illuminate - nothing so far... Slowly, we pulled away, following Marshan toward Bear Trap Cabin with Jeremy bringing up the rear.

The trail eventually leaves the forest and switchbacks through an enormous field of Mule-Ears. A generally un- attractive plant when not in bloom, they cover the landscape on both sides of the ridge. Finally, just as we're beginning to wonder if we're still on the right trail, Bear Trap Cabin comes into view.

We pulled into the dirt parking area in front and talked with a few hunters who were just leaving before unloading our boxes and ice chests. It is significantly cooler in the cabin and there is a large picnic-style table inside. The creek behind the cabin was little more than a scummy mudhole this time of year, so needless to say, we opted out of it! As I was unloading the LR3, I noticed the driver's-side exhaust hanging lower than usual and looked underneath to inspect the damage. The rock we landed on had crushed the exhaust pipe between the catalytic converter and muffler and sandwiched it up against the transmission housing. It wasn't pinched shut and it hadn't torn the pipe open, so it was still safe to drive on - just another trip to the Land Rover dealer when we get home!

We took a nice break to eat, relax and sign the guest log in the cabin, then loaded up and started on the last leg of our journey. This part of the trail is substantially easier, with fewer turns and rocks to worry about. Eventually, the trail intersects forest road 7N09 which leads back to Highway 4.

On our way home, we stopped to gas-up in Arnold and heard that Highway 4 was completely closed in Avery due to an arsonist setting four seperate fires in the area! By the time we arrived, traffic was being allowed to pass, one direction at a time, and although it was backed up, we eventually got through - just in time to pull off in Murphys for an 'emergency' diaper change. Thanks Jayden!

We all made it back, more or less intact, and had a fantastic time. This is one trail we will definitely be visiting again!

Directions:

I-80W to Hwy. 99 South
Hwy. 99 South to Galt
Take the Liberty Road exit and turn left onto Liberty Road
Turn right at Hwy. 88
Turn left at Hwy. 12
Hwy. 12 merges into Hwy. 49
Turn left at Hwy. 4 in Angels Camp
Trailhead is on the left (7N35) .1 miles south of Bear Valley

Trail Notes:

The Corral Hollow OHV Route has aged considerably since the last written reports and ranges from a DR: 4 to DR: 6. There are several sections of trail that would normally have relatively shallow water crossings, but are currently dry. It appears that the trail was washed-out in places and filled in with gravel and rocks.

This trail is about compromise - the more lift you have, the better you'll get over the rocks, but you'll also end up scraping along the numerous overhanging tree branches on the second half of the route. There are many trees that actually grew in an arch over the trail with branches hanging almost straight down! If you have a short-wheelbase vehicle, you'll make it through just fine, but larger trucks and SUV's will need some carefull spotting to make it through. Long-wheelbase trucks will have to do some multi-point turns to get through the trees. The surface is very loose and dusty - especially on hills - making traction and braking difficult. Give yourself plenty of time to stop and good seperation between vehicles when ascending. This is NOT a trail to attempt in wet weather!

Bear Trap Cabin is a nice shelter for taking a break, but there is no water and the nearby outhouse is 'questionable'. This is also high-country pasture land, so watch where you step! The trail is very dry, so make sure you bring plenty of water.

*** UPDATE ***
The exhaust on the LR3 turned out to be a simple fix. $42.50 and a half-hour later, the damaged section of pipe had been cut out and a new piece welded into place.

Marshan spotting Dan's LR3 through the trees...

Jeremy finds a dust trap on his ascent...

Dan's using some 'colorful metaphors' on his ascent to the summit!

Jeremy's descent into Bear Trap Basin...

View through the LR3's windshield as we start up the trail...