I am going to explore Scotts Lake and Crater Lake to the Alpine Mine in Hope Valley on July 5. Both these trails are listed in Roger Mitchell's book "High Sierra East Side" Both these trails are less than 10 miles in length, in and out, rated 2 - 3/6 on the Mitchell Scale which he describes requirements of high clearance, 4WD with low gears. He describes the Crater Lake trail as steep and sometimes rough class 3. In comparison, he lists Slickrock as 2 -5/6. Scotts Lake is listed in All Trails as moderate. I have not been on either of these trails but they can be seen on OnX maps and All Trials. The trailheads are very close together off Hwy 88 on the opposite side close to Red Lake.
If these trails do not pan out or if there is time, OnX maps shows the Burnside trail at the junction of Hwys 88 and 89, also in Hope Valley. This trial leads to Pickett Peak Road and Hawkins Peak Road. OnX rates them as 1- 4/10 scale. OnX trail reports that Pickett Peak is open, Hawkins Peak may have snow at the top.
If there is any interest, please post. We would meet at the Shell gas station off Hwy 50, Sly Park Exit, 6529 Pony Express Trail at 8:00 and head out at 8:30. We would pick up MET to 88 to Hope Valley. Would expect to be done by 2:00 or 3:00 depending on how many of these trail folks want to do.
Post if looking interested in getting out after 4th of July.
