Laurel Lakes and Coyote Flats *Pic Heavy*

[xonetruthcrewx]

So I finally got a chance to break in the new 4Runner. I headed out Sept 21st and spent a few days in the Eastern Sierras. First stop was Mammoth. My friend Paul came along with me and being that he had never seen the Mammoth area, I had to show him around a little.

First stop was Deadman Pass. Nice overlook of the area including Mammoth Mountain.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_1054.jpg

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Quick stop at 'Earthquake Fault' as well.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_0116.jpg

After that we headed down for some lunch at my favorite spot in Mammoth. Robertos.

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After putting down the entire 12lb burrito, we were off to Laurel Lakes!

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***Forum software change screwed things up. Had to move half the pics to the last page due to the 24 pics per post limit.***

[troyboy162]

great pictures! thanks!

[Bud]

Great panoramic shots, awesome view and clean rig

[Robinhood4x4]

What's the giant backpack on the tire?

[Seanz0rz]

seriously steve?!

www.trasharoo.com (http://www.trasharoo.com)

[4x4mike]

Ha, ha!

[Good Times]

Great photos Colin! The Laurel Lake shots are amazing! That place is a must visit I tell ya!!

Wouldn't mind going back there again :)

[Marc P]

Very nice!

[Crinale]

jealous! looks like an awesome trip with some amazing scenery

[Robinhood4x4]

seriously steve?!


Meh...I vaguely remember seeing that posted a while ago.

[xonetruthcrewx]

Glad you all like the pics. I am ready for round two already!

[xonetruthcrewx]

... the remainder of the pics.

Next day... Out to Coyote Flats.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_0194.jpg

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Old Schober Cabin.
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Some Remains of Schober Mine.[i]
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[i]Coyote Ridge. Right at 11,000ft.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_0244.jpg

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Meadow Below Baker Lake.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_0258.jpg

Funnel Lake.
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Rocky Bottom Lake.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f392/xonetruthcrewx/4th%20Gen/Laurel%20Lake%20and%20Coyote%20Flats/IMG_0284.jpg

Overall, it was an awesome trip. I definitely needed it! Covered about 100 miles in the dirt and the 4Runner handled flawlessly. In fact, I used 2wd the entire time. (Well, I did use 4low a little for Laurel Lakes. Steep and needed the gearing.) Aired down to 25psi, and it was good to go.

For those of you who have not visited these areas, I strongly suggest that you do. Laurel Lakes is simply amazing. Definitely one of my favorite spots now. As for Coyote Flats... The area is huge. So much to explore. Not just driving either. Take the time and hike. I cannot wait to get back out there. And hopefully I can extend my stay out there even longer next time!

And FYI... The panoramic shots were take with my iPhone.

[troyboy162]

for laurel lakes is there just the one dirt road? I cant find any others for that location. Im trying to plan a trip but it looks like just the one 4.5 mile road

[xonetruthcrewx]

Yep, just the one road. Short and sweet.

[Robinhood4x4]

Yeah, it's just south of the town of Mammoth and pretty close to hot springs hatchery road.

[xonetruthcrewx]

By no means is it a gnarly trail. Only reason I went to 4wd was for the lower gearing as it pretty steep. Definitely not a trail you should skip though.

[troyboy162]

bummer on the one road but it sure does look amazing! thank you for the quick reply dashing my dreams lol. I have only done coyote flats and thought for sure laurel lakes was the same kind of trail system. The laurel trail sure does pack alot of scenic pictures in its short length. Id of figured at least 10 hours with all the views!

[xonetruthcrewx]

I spent a good bit of time hiking up there as well. And if you fish.... Place is awesome man!

[4x4mike]

I go to that area for fishing and mountain biking. Wheeling much of a distance is harder to do.

[Good Times]

Laurel Lakes is a must for anyone that covers the central valley. The trail is short but the views are amazing and definitely worth every second you're there. Hiking in the surrounding areas will definitely make it worthwhile that you can probably spend the whole day there.