Coyote flats late June/early July

[troyboy162]

We never saw baker pond and the other high altitude trail up there, so its time to go back. Fishing was more like catching last time and was really fun, so I highly recommend that if you enjoy that sort of thing. Two or three days is up for debate. We can see it in two days easily, but it was the kind of place where you dont mind just sitting with a beer and enjoying it.


"A venturesome minority
will always be eager to set off on their own,
and no obstacles should be placed in their path;
let them take risks, for godsake,
let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned,
eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches -
that is the right and privilege of any free American."
--Edward Abbey

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/Coyote%20flats/P1000294_zpsd0482258.jpg

Difficulty:
3.5ish with unknown big pine trail (http://www.nwtoys.com/reference/trail-rating)

When/Where:
July 17-19
funnel lake Map (http://goo.gl/maps/Yazb8)

CB channel:
14
FRMS/GRMS channel:
15 (bring two radios to share with a CB equipped rig)
2M HAM:
UY simplex primary 146.430MHZ
70CM HAM:
UY/UE simplex secondary 435.000MHz
Optional Repeters for meeting up:
146.940- PL 103.5 Bishop repeter
444.600+ 100.0 Win system in bishop

Requirements for bishop start/finish:
-some form of communications other then cell phone
-working reliable truck this is not a recovery run
-food/water/ice chest if needed
-tools
-spare within 3" of your other tires
-31" tires

Alternate requirements for big pine exit:
-32" tires
-sliders and mild armor or body damage ready.

Recommended:
-3 ply sidewalls and Load range C or better tires for durability.
-flashlights if you want to explore mines
-fishing licence and gear
-"drank" of choice and matching camp chair
-fire wood


Itinerary subject to large changes
Thursday night travel
head straight to funnel lake and make camp. Last time this was a pretty long trip so plan for at least an hour and a half from bishop to funnel lake.

day 1 Friday:
-morning fishing (catching) at funnel lake/Rocky bottom lake while group collects. Barbless hooks only.
-noon roll out for high altitude new trails.
-time dependent hike to green lake.
-make camp dependent on weather. I'll drive down rather then spend another night with 100mph winds like the Inyos lol.

day 2 Saturday:
-9am departure from camp
-Baker lake fishing/visit
-misc independent trips (there are other places to see up here that beautiful)
-camp by baker lake or the meadows in this area

day 3 Sunday:
10am depart down to the alternate return route to big pine.

Camp fire permit:
http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/

Fuel requirements:
Aprox 180 miles round trip from Bishop gas stations

Camping requirements:
Primitive camping. Pack it in/Pack it out.

Weather info and conditions:
Expect chilly nights and mild days at altitude .
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=37.367100,-118.475883

Not much need for a limit but I'll keep it at 6 for now:
1. Troy
2. Sean and lex
3. JD
4.
5.
6.
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/trip_zpspvigklhk.jpg

http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/bigpine_zpsc4v1ivqg.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

Lexi and I are in. Probably rocking a ground tent, might talk her into dragging the trailer up there.

[troyboy162]

july 4th weekend? That should be a 3 day for everyone. Otherwise I could probably only do it june 27-28

[Seanz0rz]

I would expect it to be VERY crowded up there on the 4th. Either is OK with me though.

[boyfester]

I would expect it to be VERY crowded up there on the 4th. Either is OK with me though.

Please count me in. Will my stock tires be ok? They're 31s.

[Seanz0rz]

I think they should be OK. I would expect another flat though!

[troyboy162]

I hadn't thought about it being crowded on the 4th. Gotta think that one over.

Mark you'd likely pop another tire, but the terrain is pretty easy up there. Rocky dirt roads mostly.

[toyotech]

ouch. looking at the directions there. i might have to pass. i have to drive down south and back north again lol do a big U turn to get there. I dont see any roads where i can drive straight east to location instead.... my summer times is usually set for pismo and the local mountains. Ill have to see what I currently have planned.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Fresno,+CA/37.1997,+-118.5118/@35.9875922,-118.8722091,418382m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m11!4m10!1m5!1m1!1s0x80945de1549e4e 9d:0x7b12406449a3b811!2m2!1d-119.7725868!2d36.7468422!1m3!2m2!1d-118.5118!2d37.1997

[04 Rocko Taco]

Another trip to make me jealous!

[boyfester]

I may have to pass on this one. That's a hella long way for a 2-3 day trip for me and I'd hate to get more flats. I do like the Bishop area though. I'm going to plan some stuff in the local mtns (Big Bear) which will be a lot closer to home.

[toyotech]

I'm down for big bear run. I never been. I may do coyote flats next year. My summer time weekends are mainly set for pismo to get out of the valley heat.

[Seanz0rz]

I'll put together a decent big bear run. Something not John Bull but not fire roads either.

[toyotech]

Yea John bull is a tough trail. Need either SAS with 33/ or ifs and 35s

[troyboy162]

It didnt used to be. I think we might have been 33 open/open with just sliders the first time we went. Each year it gets more eroaded though. Its exponential as well lol...As soon as it becomes challenging, then the buggies and 37" tires come chew it up.

[Seanz0rz]

I've been thru I think 3 times. First was open/open, no armor on 33's. No body damage, but I needed a few tugs. Did it with a rear locker and sliders 2 more times, one with body damage due to a bad spotter. I have heard it is much worse in spots and much better in others.

[Kryptoroxx]

Went through in 2013 with a buddy in his jeep. Rear locker, sliders, and 33s but we didn't scrape as I recall. All terrain tires were more his issue and that was just once. A locker is definitely required though. There was a similar jeep with mud terrains that just couldn't hack it in multiple spots due to a lack of locker.

[troyboy162]

heres what I am looking into... The dark blue track is the high altitude run we took a few years ago. The red track is a bunch of trails that I cant find much info on, but might be open. You can clearly see from the map that this is unexplored territory so falling off the side of the earth or encountering dragons is highly possible. I remember thinking this area was closed when I researched years ago, but it looks like people have taken pictures in 2014 with side by sides. Its sizable are we havnt covered so I hope we can check it out.
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/trip_zpspvigklhk.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

I'll bring the buckshot and a strong magnet just in case. Dragon steaks sound delicious!

I'm game as long as there isn't too much off camber stuff.

[Jaydee914]

Depending on the weekend, I'd love to make this trip again. I can't do June 27 or July 4, but I'll be watching this thread...

[troyboy162]

I gotta figure out when the heck I can get out of here, if those dates dont work the next I could do would be july 17.

also the optional back route departure looks like a go. Just have to avoid the red trail
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/bigpine_zpsc4v1ivqg.jpg

[Jaydee914]

I've read that that trail down to Big Pine is tough but I think that's only for mere mortal trucks. I'm thinking it'll be fine for us.

[troyboy162]

I remember reading about impassable washouts and buggies taking the trail, but you are right...there is pics of stock trucks on it lol. From sat images, even the "rock garden" looks easier then our normal trails.

[troyboy162]

first post updated . Dates are July 17-19.

[Jaydee914]

Aw, too bad. I'm not going to be around that weekend. Sounds like another fun trip!

[troyboy162]

Crapper! I choose that date since I thought you could. What have you got open for late June thru mid July?

[Jaydee914]

Oh man, I really appreciate that. It makes it hard to say I can't go! But honestly, my June and July are nuts and I have a few things up in the air around then.
Thanks, but do whatever weekend works best for you guys and I'll try to make it if I can. I definitely be bummed to miss this trip but I'm not holding my breath to be able to make it during those months.

[Seanz0rz]

Let me find out when I can't take off in June and I'll let you guys know.

[troyboy162]

yup sounds like we should do a roll call...
I am good for:
june
26-27 two day trip

july
3-5
11-12 two day
17-19

[Seanz0rz]

June 26 I cannot take off. If it's just a sat/sun trip I'd be OK but I'm not fond of the turn and burn.

[Jaydee914]

As luck would have it, it looks like my July 17-19 weekend may have just opened back up. So I'm tentatively in again!

[troyboy162]

Never took you off the list of attendees ; ) Sweet!

[Jaydee914]

Yes!!!

[troyboy162]

I'll be trying to cook on this trip. That should be good for some cursing
http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/troyboy162/IMG_20150509_134418965_HDR_zpsnpryyj1h.jpg (http://s723.photobucket.com/user/troyboy162/media/IMG_20150509_134418965_HDR_zpsnpryyj1h.jpg.html)

[paddlenbike]

This trip looks awesome. I am not sure the timing will work out for me, but if it does I would love to join.

My brother-in-law has expressed interest in coming along on a trip. He has a completely stock 2nd gen 4Runner on 31" tires. Do you think this trail is a bit much or do you think it is doable? The Coyote Flats part of the trip sounds like it would be okay and perhaps Funnel Lake is the harder part?

[troyboy162]

its just rocky roads up there. popped tires are the worst thing about it. I remember the run into funnel lake got a little bouldery in a few spots but it wasnt hard.

[Seanz0rz]

Dan did it in his stock 3rd gen on 32's

[paddlenbike]

Sweet. I love the eastern Sierras and these trails look fantastic. I will do everything I can to make it. My wife has a major surgery, probably in June, so we will see how the recovery/etc goes. I will check with you guys later on to see if it's okay to join and possibly bring my brother in law.

[4x4mike]

If that doesn't work Ken, we'll be going up to Packer Lake that weekend. There is a cool looking trail I'd love to explore, just not by myself.

[Seanz0rz]

Bump! I got my time off!

Who else is going to join us?

[troyboy162]

Woohoo! I need some outdoor time! : )

[Kryptoroxx]

I need to take some leave myself. I need to talk to the wife first. With the purchase of a new family car looming it may happen and it may not.

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[Jaydee914]

Woohoo! I need some outdoor time! : )

I know what you mean... I can't wait for this trip!


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[Kryptoroxx]

Bah I talked to the wife and got shot down like a nazi bomber over london. Two birthdays and a vendor event for her jamberry stuff. I'm out.

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[Seanz0rz]

Bummer!

I am trying to get the truck ready, Working on skidplates and a roof brace to keep it from rattling all the time!

[Kryptoroxx]

Bummer!

I am trying to get the truck ready, Working on skidplates and a roof brace to keep it from rattling all the time!
Yeah I knew about the birthdays but since I discovered today both my little girls like offroading mommy is just gonna have to endure lol. I am hoping to get all of us out once this year.

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[Seanz0rz]

Pismo!

[Kryptoroxx]

Pismo!
I'm working on it lol. It might just be me this year too.

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[Seanz0rz]

Any more info on the tracks and trails? Just curious what to expect.

I will be rolling solo this trip. Hopefully I won't be driving up there in the dark on Thursday. I get off work at 2:30, it should take about 4 hours from my house, or 4 hours from work, to get to Bishop. So I would be rolling up there about 9 if everything goes well. Not ideal. I might try to roll up early Friday morning, we'll see. Or maybe I can blow out of work a bit early on Thursday.

[troyboy162]

nothing new. I have been pretty busy. It all looks pretty straight forward. The back way out I think will end up pretty easy.

[Seanz0rz]

Sounds good. Email me the general GPS track you have.

[Jaydee914]

Sounds good. Email me the general GPS track you have.

Me too. Il see you guys up there Thursday afternoon/evening.


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[troyboy162]

I will try to remeber the gps from my work computer. I will be heading out around 4pm thursday as well. last time I remember thinking I would be there early and still rolling in around 9pm since it takes so long to get up in there.

[boyfester]

This is just around the time for my monthly trip since my trip to Utah and Colorado was June 17. Perhaps I can swing it although I still only have my stock tires though and no sliders. What are the coordinates of where you are meeting on Friday morning at Funnel Lake? From my house to Bishop it's about 6 hours. Perhaps I'll stay in Bishop on Thursday night and wake up early on Friday and meet you at Funnel Lake in the morning. Let me check with the bosses.

Marc

[Seanz0rz]

We hope you can make it! I'll email you the coords of Funnel Lake.

[Jaydee914]

Marc, I don't see this trip being much rougher on tires than the last Mohave trip, and certainly less technical. Get up there, it'll be a great time!


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[boyfester]

Not going to be able to make it. I injured my hip yesterday mtn biking and can't walk. Terrific. At doc right now hoping nothing's fractured.


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[4x4mike]

Don't you know you're supposed to land on your head? That's why you wear a helmet.

Hope it's not fractured and you heal up soon.

[Seanz0rz]

No bueno! Take care of yourself!

[Kryptoroxx]

Ouch! Bikes are no fun to fall from. Hope you're not fractured as well. Those can take a while to heal.

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[boyfester]

Don't you know you're supposed to land on your head? That's why you wear a helmet.

Hope it's not fractured and you heal up soon.

That's hilarious. Turns out I fractured my pelvis (inferior pubic ramus). So bummed!

[Seanz0rz]

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery! Scary stuff!

[4x4mike]

inferior pubic ramus

Hey man, keep it clean!

Bummer news about the hip.

[Seanz0rz]

Got a few more pieces of roof insulation in, don't feel like doing the rest until I get back.

Truck is ready to go, but I still have to pack up the camp stuff and whatnot. I will be a busy beaver after work for the next few days.

[troyboy162]

just catching up with this post. Looks like its just the three of us again. My truck passed with flying colors on its daily driver duty. I'm packed, I've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and I'm wearing sunglasses... Hit it.

[Kryptoroxx]

Have a great time guys!

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[troyboy162]

Thanks!
Also I am bringing moonshine soaked cherries. They look deadly lol

[boyfester]

Take lots of pics!


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[4x4mike]

How was the trip? We were in the woods this weekend and prior to our trip I was looking at the weather. We were dry but it looks like you guys may have had some precip?

[Seanz0rz]

I'll wait for Troy to post a full report. We didn't get any foul weather (except for wind, always wind...) on the mountain, but got it pretty good on the drive home Saturday night. We cut the trip short a day because we had pretty much tapped out the area.

The way out got a bit sketchy and I almost took another tumble dryer ride down a 500 foot hill side. A rock saved me and the truck but damaged a tire. Ended up winching the truck nearly sideways to get back on track. The combination of a bad line and an off camber trail meant I kept sliding in the wrong direction no matter what effort I put into it. Besides that, the weekend was flawless and extremely relaxing.

Pictures are up on facebook, and I will put them up on my flickr at some point this week.

[troyboy162]

Firing a quick one up now : )