BACKCOUNTRY & 4X4

Posted by Last Chance Rand on November 07, 2001 at 17:20:02:

Trail Report for: Pleasant Canyon/South Park Canyon Loop

Only a month after my previous visit, when I found this route quite challenging, we found the trial much improved already.

At the start of the riparian zone our group of eight Land Rovers encountered a full-sized Chevy pickup having a difficult time ascending the wet rock bed, particularly since the driver refused to accept any contact with the ground, other than with his tires. We spent the next half hour stacking rocks and spotting him until he reached a spot wide enough to pull to the side, allowing our group to pass by.

Also a month ago the riparian zone was very overgrown with vegetation, restricting visibility and contributing greatly to existing pinstripes. However, since then, this area was well cut back with sheers. I'm guessing this was done by Cal4WD on a pre-run for its early November Panamint Valley Days event, where this trail is quite popular. But this is just a guess...

The ridge to the south of Rogers Pass has seen enough travel in the past month to reestablish vehicle tracks up & down the hilltops.

The few staircases below the Briggs and Thorndike camps were much improved over last month -- less challenges but still great fun. Lastly, from the narrows to the valley floor, the route was also in better shape than a month ago, allowing for faster progress on this last stretch.

Including our half-hour wait at the start of Pleasant Canyon's riparian zone, and three short breaks, our group completed the loop in six hours total.

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