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Slick Rock and Deer Valley Overnight - 2026

  1. Roy & Romika Member Joined: October 2017

    October 17, 2026 - October 18, 2026

    Day 1: Slick Rock Saturday, October 17, 2026

    Overnight: Hermit Valley Campground

    Day 2: Deer Valley Sunday October 18, 2026

    Format: This will be a one night trip, or you can run either of the two trails and make a day trip out of it.

    Slick Rock Group: If you are heading up on Saturday, meet at the McDonalds in Angles Camp (33 N Main St, Angels Camp) at 8:00 a.m. and plan to leave by 8:30 a.m. Top off gas in Arnold. We will run Slick Rock from south to north and then head to Hermit Valley Campground and camp their Saturday night.

    Deer Valley Group: If you plan to run Deer Valley only, then please be at Hermit Valley Campground no later than 9 a.m. or come up Saturday and camp with our group the night before. Deer Valley trailhead is accessed through and begins at Hermit Valley campground. Here is a link for Hermit Valley Campground on Hwy 4: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recare…..ecid=14847

    Club minimum standards apply and ideally 35″ or greater tires and one locker. If you aren’t sure, please ask. If you are running both trails, please be sure you have sufficient fuel. You may need to bring extra fuel depending on your rig. I believe there is gas at Kirkwood but it’s probably best to bring it.

    Make sure you are prepared for the cold.  I nearly died last year.  lol

  2. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #221 Dec 2025, 10:00 AM

    We plan to do the Deer Valley Portion this year.  We heard rumors camping can get on the colder side...

    Kathleen and Brad
  3. Guy and Lynda Member Joined: May 2015
    #321 Dec 2025, 10:29 PM

    Count us on Deer Valley run only.

  4. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #422 Dec 2025, 8:23 AM

    I will probably make this run.

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  5. Ski man Member Joined: March 2024
    #526 Dec 2025, 2:50 AM

    Count me in Planning on both days this year , hopefully no health issues this year.

    Richard & Deborah
  6. Folsom4Rnr (Brian) Member Joined: April 2019
    #612 Jan, 1:47 PM

    Count me in for Slick Rock and Deer Valley runs

    // Brian //
  7. Dale Clement Member Joined: June 2015
    #713 Jan, 12:04 AM

    I’m in for Saturday and Sunday

    Dale Clement
  8. heykell Member Joined: September 2024
    #820 Jan, 9:16 AM

    I'd like to do both runs and camp in the cold with everyone!

    ∼ Kelly ~ (aka SheSquatch)
  9. Jase and Stace Member Joined: August 2023
    #928 Apr, 9:27 AM

    We are in for this as well, both days and camping in the beautiful cool night air!

    Jayson
  10. Roy & Romika started this Member Joined: October 2017
    #1028 Sep, 11:51 PM

    We are just weeks away from more fun. We will need to watch the weather as we get closer to ensure nothing changes in our plans. But considering good weather, let’s start planning and getting a head count.

    Romika and I are in for both trails and overnight camping.

  11. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #1129 Sep, 12:14 AM

    I am looking good at the moment for both trails and camping.

    Is anyone considering camping at the Slick Rock Trailhead Friday?

    Jamie & Damaris
  12. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #1229 Sep, 1:28 AM
    Jamie (K6NUB) said I am looking good at the moment for both trails and camping. Is anyone considering camping at the Slick Rock Trailhead Friday?   

    I am entertaining the idea of going on this trip. Part of me wants to head into slick rock on Friday and camp at the midway creek. I'm not sure if I can pull it off. Otherwise, I am interested in camping on Friday at the same spot as last year.

    Um...what?
  13. Sloguy Member Joined: June 2019
    #1329 Sep, 2:36 PM

    Aileen and I will be meeting up with you at Hermit Valley Campground for camping Saturday night and Deer Valley on Sunday. Kid has a race Saturday morning so cannot do Slick Rock. Weather permitting.

  14. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #1430 Sep, 10:02 AM

    Be sure to check your vehicles before this run, especially if you did the Barrett Lake run. I did a routine post trip inspection after Barrett and my rear, passenger side upper control arm was loose. I quickly realized that the bolt for my control arm had sheard off. The shaft of the bolt was still in there but the bolt broke right where the threads start. I have no idea how it didn't fall out unless it broke at the end of the run.

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  15. BKGM Jeepers President Joined: June 2003
    #1530 Sep, 12:10 PM

    With a scheduling conflict we cannot make the Deer Valley Day run this year.

    My apologies - but have fun everyone!

    Kathleen and Brad
  16. Nubby Webmaster K6NUB Joined: February 2018
    #166 Oct, 12:36 AM

    I confirmed that Grant will be joining me, so you know what that means.... I will be bringing my flat top and anyone is welcome to use it!

    Jamie & Damaris
  17. Calaveras32Spcl Member Joined: May 2023
    #176 Oct, 1:20 AM

    I saw something posted on FB about a water crossing being closed, I believe it was on one of these trails. Not sure if it was real or not, just wanted to let you guys know so you can verify.

    Dale Mogg - WRZG209
  18. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #186 Oct, 1:10 PM
    Calaveras32Spcl said I saw something posted on FB about a water crossing being closed, I believe it was on one of these trails. Not sure if it was real or not, just wanted to let you guys know so you can verify.   

    I will be running Deer Valley on Saturday so I will report back if it is closed. I will also be that the meeting the Wedneday before this run. I didn't see a closed sign at the northern trailhead o Deer Valley today. No real creek crossing on Slick Rock if I remember correctly. Can you try to find a link to the post you are referring to?

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  19. Dale Clement Member Joined: June 2015
    #196 Oct, 1:12 PM

    Kelly and I will be there Saturday and Sunday. We will each be driving our own rigs.

    Dale Clement
  20. Dale Clement Member Joined: June 2015
    #206 Oct, 1:15 PM
    Jeff_R said
    Calaveras32Spcl said I saw something posted on FB about a water crossing being closed, I believe it was on one of these trails. Not sure if it was real or not, just wanted to let you guys know so you can verify.   

    I will be running Deer Valley on Saturday so I will report back if it is closed. I will also be that the meeting the Wedneday before this run. I didn't see a closed sign at the northern trailhead o Deer Valley today. No real creek crossing on Slick Rock if I remember correctly. Can you try to find a link to the post you are referring to?
      

    The only water crossings are on Deer Valley

    Dale Clement
  21. Calaveras32Spcl Member Joined: May 2023
    #216 Oct, 11:39 PM
    Screenshot_20261007_063854_Facebook.jpgJeff_R said
    Calaveras32Spcl said I saw something posted on FB about a water crossing being closed, I believe it was on one of these trails. Not sure if it was real or not, just wanted to let you guys know so you can verify.

    I will be running Deer Valley on Saturday so I will report back if it is closed. I will also be that the meeting the Wedneday before this run. I didn't see a closed sign at the northern trailhead o Deer Valley today. No real creek crossing on Slick Rock if I remember correctly. Can you try to find a link to the post you are referring to?

    Dale Mogg - WRZG209
  22. Dale Clement Member Joined: June 2015
    #228 Oct, 6:02 AM

    Looks like it only affects the Sour grass trail. Slick Rock and Deer valley trails are still open.

    Dale Clement
  23. Calaveras32Spcl Member Joined: May 2023
    #238 Oct, 10:09 AM
    Dale Clement said Looks like it only affects the Sour grass trail. Slick Rock and Deer valley trails are still open.    

    I apologize for getting that wrong. Have fun out there.

    Dale Mogg - WRZG209
  24. Jeff_R Member Joined: October 2016
    #2411 Oct, 11:09 PM

    Typically you can have a campfire at Hermit Valley Campground at this time of the year. Before you go I would recommend calling the Calaveras Ranger District to confirm it. It got very cold in Hope Valley Saturday night. I think it's supposed to get warmer later this week but it will still be relatively cold at night. I believe that the campground at Utica Reservoir is hosted and campfires will probably be allowed but you can ask about that as well. I ran Deer Valley on Saturday and the trail is in good condition and in my opinion, getting a little more difficult in places. The northern (second) water crossing was the deepest I have ever seen it. The fall colors seem to have occurred early this year so it might not be as colorful as it has been in the past. Have a fun and safe trip!

    Ranger Station
    5519 Highway 4, Hathaway Pines, California
    (209) 795-1381

    Jeff and Kathy Root
  25. Folsom4Rnr (Brian) Member Joined: April 2019
    #2512 Oct, 4:07 AM

    Nate and I will meet at Slick Rock south end trail head on Sat morning (staying at in-laws Friday night) and run Slick Rock on Sat and Deer Valley on Sun.

    // Brian //

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