Wheeler Ridge

[David A. Wright]

I just uploaded a new 4x4 Trails page to my website, this one on the Wheeler Ridge Mine Road trail. This trail runs from just over 6,500 feet elevation to over 11,250 feet in the Sierra Nevada northwest of Bishop, California. The trail can be a challenge for stock SUVs and 4WD pickup trucks. there are plenty of maps and photos. The page is found HERE (http://www.gbr.4wdtrips.net/4x4/wheeler.html).

[MrS]

Thanks Dave

That whole area of the east slope of the Sierra's needs to be put on my to-do-list. I see roads on maps and think about it, but never plan the trips. Thanks for sharing the words and pictures.

:ok-kewl:

[RidgeRunner]

David, that was a very comprehensive report. The photos were great. That reminds me of much of the high country in Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

Were you up there most of a day or did you stay over?

Mick

[David A. Wright]

Were you up there most of a day or did you stay over?
My buddy and I spent the day up there. The entire round trip from my house and back was 94.9 miles, and we spent 10.5 hours making the trip. That included a stop for lunch for about 45 minutes.

Another 45 minutes was spent on the worst section of the trail, when I realized that I had left my camera sitting on a boulder back at the where my buddy took photos of me trying to get over the worse boulders. I didn't realize that I had left my camera until I had gotten about two-thirds of a mile up the trail. With no room to really turn around, I elected to walk back down and retrieve the camera. At these elevations, the walk back up took a bit of huffing, puffing and stopping to rest, needless to say ...

[RidgeRunner]

That was a long day. I know what you mean about the huffing and puffing at 10,000 ft.

My wife and I traveled down Hwy 395 one year, spent the night in Bishop (very nice town) and went into Death Valley from the North. We enjoyed several days of exploring. I think that was our second trip there.

Those Eastern Sierra vistas though are really great and I'm going to include them next time.

Thanks,

Mick

[paddlenbike]

Loved the trip report, thanks! The scenery alone is worth the trip and I like the fact that the trail has some obstacles as well.

Now we just have to wait for the snow to clear; this trip is at the top of my list.

[Explorer 1]

Wheeler Ridge really is a great ride. I visited it in the spring of 2006 when the snow pack hadn't melted yet. The climb through the boulders and trees was interesting when you couldn't see a clear defination of what you were climbing. The view from the look out point was like being in a airplane. Good report and I agree stock vehicles could be challanged especially in the spring when the rocks are wet. Without some kind or rear locker it will be a challange at times.