Deer Valley Trail 7-2-05

[Duffil]

Hey guys...some friends and I are gonna hit up Deer Valley on Sat. July 2nd.  If anyone wants to go, you're more than welcome...Deer Valley runs between highways 4 and 88 up near Tahoe.  I should have more info on when we're leaving pretty soon..let me know if you wanna go... 

[lilbuddy]

What kind of wheelin is up there? Any more precise locations of where its at? I might be interested

[Duffil]

I've never been...I'll find out more specifically where it is and let you know...from what I understand, it's a pretty good trail, lots of rocks...

[MiniSimp]

From NorcalTTORA
http://www.norcalttora.com/trails/deer_valley.php

The Deer Valley Trail
Rating: 6

The Deer Valley Trail connects highway 88 and highway 4. This scenic trail has two water crossings which can be moderately deep in the spring and early summer. Some of the more challenging sections include large boulders and off-camber spots adjacent to steep hillsides.

Requirements: To participate in TTORA Deer Valley runs, you will need to have 4WD. Rock sliders and lockers are recommended to prevent damage, although this trail can be navigated by a stock truck and some careful spotting.

Directions: From highway 88 exit on Blue Lakes Road. Blue Lakes Road is about 2.5 miles west of the highway 88/highway 89 intersection and about 67 miles east of the highway 88/highway 49 intersection. Follow Blue Lakes road about 12 miles. You will come to an information display for the Blue Lakes campgrounds. Take a left and follow the shore of the lake to the trailhead.

Gas Up: If you are heading up highway 88 get gas in Jackson. If you are heading up highway 4 stop for gas in Arnold.

GPS Coordinates:
Highway 88 trailhead: N38°36.480 W119°55.523
Highway 4 trailhead: N38°32.341 W119°53.803

The highway 88 side starts down a rocky trail next to the river. It then opens up into a very scenic meadow and sometimes deep water crossing. There are many tight spots on this trail. Careful driving is required to avoid leaving paint on rocks and run-ins with trees. After reaching the summit, the trail heading down to highway 4 has some off-camber spots next to a steep drop-off. This trail (and all Sierra trails) change from year to year due to weather and erosion. This particular spot gets a little more tippy every year. Once down the hill toward the highway 4 trailhead, the last obstacle is a large boulder and a rock pile that have claimed many a quarter panel or door. There are several moderately steep and boulder strewn sections on this trail. Rock sliders are helpful in many spots.

[Duffil]

Thanks, MiniSimp  

[lilbuddy]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Only problem is that its probably a little bit too far from chico for me to come I was thinking it was on the northern side of Lake Tahoe...

[Duffil]

no worries, dude! maybe next trip!

[BLACKDOG]

I might be interested in jumpin in on this, is it still happening?

[Duffil]

ya, it's still happening...let me know if you wanna go!

[Waterman]

Before you go, you might want to check conditions as this trail is pretty high and is normally not open until late June or early July in Normal Years...this year it may be a snow run....

[Duffil]

hey...too much snow at deer valley, so it was moved to Slickrock Trail... 

[Duffil]

damn, no way on slickrock either...this might turn into Niagara Rim...