Central California Trail Recommendations

[IdeaMan]

A buddy and I want to go hit some trails Monday. I have a stock height '97 XJ with fairly aggressive 275/75/15 tires, recovery points, and body armor. He has a '90 Wrangler that's fairly stock.

What are some good beginner trails close to Fresno, California? I have a couple books that list a whole bunch of trails but I don't know which ones may be closed this time of year. I just wanted to get some recommendations from anyone in the area that might be a little more experienced.

 

[Goatman]

I'd recommend Bald Mountain Trail, which stays open all year and can be run in a mostly stock vehicle. If there's snow you'll have some problems, and you won't be able to do all the lines, but you can run the trail. It's a fun challenge for a stock rig, and the view from the top, if you can get up there, is terrific. Strawberry Lake is also a good one that you can run, but they have likely closed it already.

Have fun,

 

[ChuckD]

Hey post on the Sierra Chapter board the next time you want to go. That's generally where we post our loacl runs.

Like Goatman mentioned, but be careful on Bald, it's been geetting a bit more difficult. I have to say though at this time is should be covered in a lot of snow.

 

[Big Red]

What are you guys doing 12/26-31? Want to set aside a day to hit the trails around Fresno, Bald Mountain stuff. I've never been there yet and wouldn't mind doing some trails. My sister, bro-in-law, nephew are in town then and my wife & I would like to take them out for a snow run. I'd like to do that or wheel by me to Bowman Lake or Morman Immigrant.
Troy

 

[IdeaMan]

So would Bald Mountain be too difficult as a "first trail" in a pretty much stock Jeep in the snow? If so, can you guys recommend something else within say 3 hours of Fresno?

 

[ChuckD]

So would Bald Mountain be too difficult as a "first trail" in a pretty much stock Jeep in the snow? If so, can you guys recommend something else within say 3 hours of Fresno?

Well if you don't want snow there is three more places.

Jose Basin, just at the top of the Four-lane towards Shaver Lake. You can try Google on this one, I recall a couple sites with directions.

Frank Raines, near Paterson, there is a creek trail that is plenty fun with a stock to a semi-modified rig. It is an OHV park so there is a a small entrance fee.

Hollister hills, OHV park, you could get some of those Bay area guys to join you.

As far as Bald, it depends on how much snow is up there. Even with my rig, 4-6 ft of snow on the trail makes it extremely challanging. Just becasue it would be hard doesn't mean it's not fun.

PM me, I might be interested in any of the above. I should have some time on the 31st and the 1st.

 

[IdeaMan]

I searched for Jose Basin without too much luck. Then I went to MapQuest and looked it up. Does this: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/...CA&2rc=B3AAA&2v=STREET&2y=US&2z=93602&rsres=1 seem right?

 

[dyna]

That area has become my home away from home. everything but bald mtn is closed this time of year. Last year it didnt open until memorial weekend. You have, Dusy eirshim, coyote/red lake, Swamp rte, spanish rte, the list goes on. There is a place somewhere near Coliga ca, something creek? Never been there yet so I really dont know what its like. Gorman/hungry valley up I-5 by 166. There was a route from Gold mtn down to lockwood valley and out thru Ojai, dont know if its open anymore. Do yourself a favor come spring and hit the shaver lake area. its top notch for fishing,views,lakes,4x4,atv,horses,camping,etc.

 

[ChuckD]

I searched for Jose Basin without too much luck. Then I went to MapQuest and looked it up. Does this: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/...CA&2rc=B3AAA&2v=STREET&2y=US&2z=93602&rsres=1 seem right?

Ya that looks like it.

http://www.4x4him.com/trail_reports.htm

Here's the link I was thinking of. It pretty much has most of the trails around the Fresno area.

 

[IdeaMan]

Well we went up Jose Basin Road and eventually ended up on the north side of Redinger Lake before we turned around and came home. We hit some hills and crap on the way, but overall it was sort of a bust. It was fun to be able to put it in 4WD and get a little dirty but we definately didn't find the spot Chuck was trying to refer us to.