NorCal: Sierra Buttes Trail

[tcT4R]

I'm planning on heading up to the Sierra Buttes Trail and continuing north to Gold Lake and Deer Lake. I've never been on these trails but the Sierra Buttes trail looks to be the easiest section except for one boulder thats in a portion of the road. This boulder has been well documented but I wanted to know if anyone has traveled this trail this summer and had an update for the quality of the trail at this point? Do you think a DCLB Tacoma would be able to get by?

I've heard of full size trucks not being able to get around this boulder and with turnaround space limited I wanted to make sure I didn't bring anyone that couldn't get by. I personally have a 3rd gen and should be fine, but want to give guys with bigger rigs a heads up before starting out that way.

If anyone has any pics or other pointers for these trails please share.

Thanks!

 

[Bodie the Dog]

earlier this spring

I'm planning on heading up to the Sierra Buttes Trail and continuing north to Gold Lake and Deer Lake.

If anyone has any pics or other pointers for these trails please share.

I made a run up this spring, and don't recall any particular boulder, just one sandy spot with moguls, early on. I've made that drive about a half dozen times, and only had problems in my Corolla, and when there's ice in early winter.

North of there is a nice crawl on soft dirt roads littered with the occasional iceberg boulder. Things get really bumpy if you head down to Gold Lake and the OHV campground down there. You may also be tempted to drop west, into Gold Valley. All three trails I've tried quickly get very technical and right at the edge of my truck's limits, so I never have been to the valley floor. Deer Lake is a gem. Lots of basalt arrowheads in the area, too, including an ancient quarry.

 

[tcT4R]

I made a run up this spring, and don't recall any particular boulder, just one sandy spot with moguls, early on. I've made that drive about a half dozen times, and only had problems in my Corolla, and when there's ice in early winter.

North of there is a nice crawl on soft dirt roads littered with the occasional iceberg boulder. Things get really bumpy if you head down to Gold Lake and the OHV campground down there. You may also be tempted to drop west, into Gold Valley. All three trails I've tried quickly get very technical and right at the edge of my truck's limits, so I never have been to the valley floor. Deer Lake is a gem. Lots of basalt arrowheads in the area, too, including an ancient quarry.

Thanks for the update Bodie. No lockers for me so hopefully nothing too sandy. I'm looking forward to some technical parts. I did Poker Flat earlier this summer and really enjoyed it, anxious to explore more of the area. From what I've heard and read most those trails are rated easy or moderate.

Bassett Station is last gas before Sierra Buttes trail correct?

 

[Bodie the Dog]

Bassett Station is last gas before Sierra Buttes trail correct?

Correct, but they have odd hours, and were out of business for a while, so have been closed when I was depending on them. I'd call them first.

 

[tcT4R]

Correct, but they have odd hours, and were out of business for a while, so have been closed when I was depending on them. I'd call them first.

Thanks will do!

 

[RDOOGZ89]

When are you planning on making this run? I am new to the bay area from the east coast and I'm anxious to check out some trails.

 

[Scoobyx]

When are you planning on making this run? I am new to the bay area from the east coast and I'm anxious to check out some trails.

X2!

This zone has been on my list for years, I would like to check out poker flat and gold/deer lakes. At this point we should plan a spring trip. Would be cool to run with a group.