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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

Hope Valley - Fall colors, Crater Lake, Scott's Lake

  1. Jeff L Member Joined: October 2023
    On the calendar: Hope Valley - Fall colors, Crater Lake, Scott's Lake → #120 Jul, 1:13 PM

    Day run to Hope Valley to see the Fall colors, Scotts Lake and Crater Lake.  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 have been on both trails and would list them as easy to moderate.  These trails can be seen on OnX maps and All Trials. The trailheads are very close together off Hwy 88 on the opposite side of Red Lake.

    If there is any interest, please post.  We would meet at the ARCO gas station off Hwy 50, Sly Park Exit, 6529 Pony Express Trail at 8:30 AM and head out by 9:00.  We would pick up MET to 88 to Hope Valley.  Lunch would be at one of the lakes.  Would expect to off trail by 2:00 or 3:00.

    Post if interested.

  2. Jeff L started this Member Joined: October 2023
    #210 Sep, 1:39 PM

    Bumping this up to see if there is any interest.

  3. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #311 Sep, 3:32 AM

    Kathy and I will probably be up in that area all week. I have done the Crater Lake trail twice in the past two years. It is very easy compared to Slick Rock. It does have some steep spots and several switchbacks. Even in a TJ you have to make a three or three plus point turn. There are some very steep slopes on the sides of the trail in spots. There are some old mines and structures. I will be running Deer Valley on October 10th so I can't make this run. It's a beautiful time of year in this area due to the fall colors.

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  4. Jeff L started this Member Joined: October 2023
    #414 Sep, 12:50 PM

    I am moving this event to October 17 from October 1O.  If interest in the run, please note the date change.

  5. tonytech1 Member Joined: July 2025
    #514 Sep, 12:57 PM

    We will be there on the 17th.

    Tony & Amy
  6. Jeff L started this Member Joined: October 2023
    #614 Sep, 1:11 PM

    This run is now on the same weekend as Slick Rock/Deer Valley and is targeted for those not going on Slick Rock/Deer Valley looking for an easier run 3/10 verses 5-6/10.

    Those going so far.

    1. Jeff L

    2. Tony and Amy

  7. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #714 Sep, 11:08 PM

    I can't make it on the 17th for this run or for Slick Rock/Deer Valley the same weekend. People could do this run with Jeff Light and then Deer Valley on Sunday with the other group if they want to. Deer Valley is easier than Slick Rock, so that's an option to consider. In the past, a number of people have just done a Deer Valley day run and not the Slick Rock run portion of the run.

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  8. tonytech1 Member Joined: July 2025
    #827 Sep, 3:04 PM

    Jeff, looks like my brother-in-law and sister-in-law may be able to join us. Joel and Melissa.

    Tony & Amy
  9. k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
    #928 Sep, 2:09 AM

    I'm a maybe for this one. I'll know for sure as it gets closer. 🙂

  10. Jeff L started this Member Joined: October 2023
    #1028 Sep, 5:41 AM

    Sounds good everyone,

    Please remember this run has been moved from October 10th to October 17th.

  11. k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
    #1113 Oct, 5:16 AM

    Is this still happening on the 17th?

  12. Jeff L started this Member Joined: October 2023
    #1213 Oct, 5:51 AM

    This run is still on for the 17th as described.

    Folks atttending:

    1. Jeff L.

    2. Tony and Amy

    3. Maybe Kevin

    4. Maybe Joel and Melissa

    We will be meeting up with Tony and Amy at the Kirkwood station around 9:45.

  13. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #1314 Oct, 5:55 AM

    I went to Crater Lake last Friday. The water is very low compared to normal but still worth going. Depending on what route you take, there is a great spot to stop on the way up that overlooks the valley below.

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  14. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #1414 Oct, 7:00 AM

    Jeff_R wrote:

    I went to Crater Lake last Friday. The water is very low compared to normal but still worth going. Depending on what route you take, there is a great spot to stop on the way up that overlooks the valley below.

    Hey Jeff, if you go tot the gallery page, you can create a new gallery and select to link it to the forum so there will be links back and forth between them, give it a try!

    Jamie & Damaris

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