SLO's August White Mountain & Mammoth Adventure

SLO_F-250

Explorer
Hey All,
A little late getting a trip report up, but better late than never eh? WARNING: This will be heavy on pictures, especially of my rig. First trip with the new camper and my girlfriend called me obsessed! haha :elkgrin: I'm sure ya'll Understand!

We left Thursday 8/9 from San Luis Obispo CA headed for hwy 178 and Walker pass on our way to the east side of the sierras. On the back side of hwy 178 as you head down to hwy14 there are some spots to camp along the way. Its mostly BLM land. We had a friend tell us about a good spot where they camp on the way to the mountains. Coordinates are 39 35'03" N 118 00'22" W

Picture of camp.

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In the morning we could see where we were. High Dez and lots of J-Tree's. Nice but it was getting HOT! Time to get outta there!

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We headed out toward Bishop but stopped by the old Manzanar Japanese Internment camp. Last year I designed the the historical rebuld of the housing structures. Quite a little challenge. The criteria was that it had to be exactly as it was 70 years ago but be to current code. haha They turned out pretty good!

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Nice shot of the rig & lady with the mountains in the background. :elkgrin:

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We then headed up toward Big Pine then hit hwy 168 and then White Mountain Road. We drove up that road to Grandview Campground. Its not a bacd backcountry camp, but there were too many people around for me. In the back of the camp is a dirt road. I was thinking LETS GO!

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Picture of the area showing where we camped the next 2 nights.

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Where we ended up.
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Yup, I was liking taking pictures of the new setup!
Few shots from Camp.

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The clouds started to come in and threaten, but that is all they did.
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Now it was time for Beers and Dinner! I was a happy dude being out here in the middle of nowhere!

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Didn't really set up the full shop, but got a the little BBQ going.

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Dinner time! Turkey Burgers with portebella mushroom, couscos and salad!

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Cocktails at Sunset and we'll call it a GREAT 2nd night in the camper!

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And that was the start... More picts coming up soon. :ylsmoke:
 

SLO_F-250

Explorer
Nice report and pics. Glad you guys are having fun and the camper is working out for ya!

Thanks Mike! Now I just gotta get this fridge situation out. Thanks for your help/advice so far!

Alright, lets keep the pictures a coming!

The next morning we woke up and the plan was the drive up to the base of white mountain. You can drive all the way to a locked gate. Puts you about 12,000ft. Its all pretty smooth graded dirt road. Great views along the way!!

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Had to stop at the overlook. Quite a good view of the valley!

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I think it was about 17miles of dirt. We're getting closer! BTW, there are tons of other dirt roads to explore off this road and tons of back country camping!

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Finally parked at the gate. I forgot to take a picture but there is a parking area. I was surprised to see about 9 other cars there. Lots of people hiking.
We started out and it was climbing right away! The trail goes about 7 miles and climbs up, up, and up!

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After about 1000ft and a rough climb after we passed the high altitude research station up there we stopped for snacks. Again, I forgot to take a picture of the research station. DANG! haha

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Good shot of my girl and I! :bike_rider:

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The road then continues. It was a fairly easy ride. Mostly 4x4 back country road. Once you get to the base of white mountain I would recommend you park your bike and switch to hiking shoes and hike the last 1000ft. It was a loose steep hike a bike up to the top. Not fun!

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At the top! :wings:

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On the way down a storm rolled in and we got hailed on. It was a bit nerve racking as we were completely exposed. Luckily the lightening was not close so I was not too worried.

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It rained and hailed the whole way down! Made for a fun ride in the truck. All in all, no complaints and a fun day!
On our way back to Grandview and Camp for night 2.

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Also, on the drive, the ole 7.3L hit 212,000 miles at about 12,000ft on a dirt road. I was so proud! HAHA

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That's enough for tonight. Ill keep the pictures coming! Thanks for reading. :elkgrin:
 

SLO_F-250

Explorer
Thanks for the comments guys!!! My girlfriend was down visiting this weekend from SLO so I was able to steal some of her pictures. A few more shots from the White Mountain Ride....

Me grubbing down on a snack. That altitude sure makes me HUNGRY! :chef:

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Another shot of where we are going. Long way up!

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The shack at the top. Not sure what it is up there for.

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My girl's garmen watch showing the elevation.

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The route down. OH BOY! :bike_rider:

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The muddy drive back to find a campsite...

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Ill get more pictures of the cool campsite we got later. In one of the posts above, I put up a google earth shot of the area. It was the star designating "night 2". :costumed-smiley-007
Cheers,
Paul
 

Desert Dan

Explorer
Thanks for the nice trip report and pictures! That is great country!

What a ride!

I have hiked White Mtn Peak 2X from the locked gate.
 

SLO_F-250

Explorer
very cool.
Nice pictures and nice set up.

Thank you! :ylsmoke:

Desert Dan said:
Thanks for the nice trip report and pictures! That is great country!

What a ride!

I have hiked White Mtn Peak 2X from the locked gate.

Thanks!! It was quite a ride! I would not attempt it all the way to the top again. Trip would be ride to the base of White Mountian. Like 6 miles. Leave the bike and put hiking shoes on to summit. Still fun though! :sombrero:
 

SLO_F-250

Explorer
Alright,

How about some pictures from night 2 in the area. (night 3 total) In the map on one of my previous posts you can see where we ended up. Just up the hill from the night before.

Oh how I love this view!! :smiley_drive:

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Where we ended up. The hill was WAY steeper than it looked! Just enough room to level out though!

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Cool view from the cocktail spot!

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How about Tacos for dinner! View and all!

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Ok, more truck picts.... Sorry, cant help!

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Next morning it was Egg Taco time! A little salsa theme that day. :costumed-smiley-007

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Morning Coffee Spot now.

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On the road again! Headed to Mammoth. Great time in the White Mountain/ Ancient Bristle Cone Forest Area!! :elkgrin:

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Just a bit more to come. Some shots of riding in Mammoth and a few of Tahoe.
 

BCHauler

Adventurer
Nice pics. I drive the same truck with the v10, and I'm very curious about your fender trim. I would love to put the same on my truck. Is it stock or aftermarket? Thanks.
 

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