We will be snowshoeing on 1/4/20, yay! However, our Trail Head scouts and the rangers at Pinecrest say the snow at Pinecrest Lake isn't adequate for a safe and satisfying snowshoeing experience. So, we're revamping the location very slightly -- we'll snowshoe at the Crabtree Loop at the Nordic area near Dodge Ridge. The loop is about 4.1 miles with an elevation change of about 330' and is rated as one of the "easiest" trails by the Forest Service. If you have Kathi Joye's book "more Day Hikes Along the Highway 108 Corridor," see page 201, "Crabtree - Redwood Semi-Loop from Crabtree Nordic Trailhead," for a description. Kathi says, "This Dodge Ridge Nordic trek is one of the easier snowshoe/cross-country ski loops in this location. The well-marked trail winds its way through a mixed coniferous forest and past small meadows and seasonal creeks with gradual slopes. There are no dramatic viewpoints but the forest is quiet, the pine aroma is heady and with snow on the ground, the ambience is magical." Magical is right! Sound enticing? Here are the details:
To carpool/caravan, meet at Mi-Wok Ranger Station at 8:15; leave at 8:30. Or meet at Pinecrest Ranger Station at 8:55; leave at 9am. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so we will carpool/caravan from the Pinecrest Ranger Station. DO NOT MEET AT THE CRABTREE TRAILHEAD! We should start snowshoeing by 9:30. We should be back to Mi-Wok by 3pm.
Bring snowshoes and poles. Rent at Sierra Nevada Adventure Co. in Sonora (or Avery) or Heidi's in Cold Springs. You may be able to rent from Dodge Ridge, as well. Dress for snow -- warm, waterproof pants and boots, gloves, beanie. Bring water and snacks/lunch. A thermos with a hot drink is a special treat!
Here's a map of the Nordic trails. We'll be on number 1.
https://www.dodgeridge.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Nordic-Map-AI.pdf
RSVP by 8pm Friday, January 3, if you're going to join us.
No comments:
Post a Comment