Sour Grass
Though this trail was once quite easy, I would say some off-road experience is a plus as there are a few tricky spots. Any 4wd vehicle can make it, just be prepared for some banging of rocks to the undercarrage at a few spots.

This will be a light wheeling trip with plenty of time at camp so bring your board games and cards.

Here's the itinery:

Sat (6/16)
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9am--Pleasanton McDonalds
6800 SANTA RITA RD
PLEASANTON, CA 94588

10:30am Angels Camp (at Burger King)
290 South Main Street
Angels Camp, CA 95222

10:30-11:30pm I'm leaving this hour for time to shop for food for the weekend

We will then drive to the trail and head in, arriving at camp with plenty of time to make camp, have dinner, and hang out at the river.

*we might camp at the Sourgrass camp ground, but that is open right now.

Sun 6/17
This will be a leasurely day...pack up camp and head out. I'll be leading a side trip for those up for it to Slick Rock/Deer Valley (to check the snow level and hopfully wheel the trail).

** CB #8, FRS #12 **

Sign me up!

1. Huey
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sign me up!

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3.
4.
5.

Sign me up!

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3.Enjoi408 (Froggy) *requested off. Mostly likely going but very rare chance not.*
4.
5.

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3. Enjoi408 (Froggy) *requested off. Mostly likely going but very rare chance not.*
4. JoeBob (Jeff)
5.

Sounds like some real fun...can 4x2 make it on the trails?

Unfortunately, no. You may be able to ride shotgun with someone else, though.

Maybe if I replace my power steering by then.

Geoff

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3. Enjoi408 (Froggy) *requested off. Mostly likely going but very rare chance not.*
4. JoeBob (Jeff)
5. Ruski (Vitaliy) * will go if not on-call that weekend.

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3. Enjoi408 (Froggy) *requested off. Mostly likely going but very rare chance not.*
4. JoeBob (Jeff)
5. Ruski (Vitaliy) * will go if not on-call that weekend.
6. SLOMatt Definitly in for Saturday, not sure about Sunday yet.

1. Huey
2. XPLORx4 (Dean)
3. Enjoi408 (Froggy) *requested off. Mostly likely going but very rare chance not.*
4. JoeBob (Jeff)
5. Ruski (Vitaliy) * will go if not on-call that weekend.
6. SLOMatt Definitly in for Saturday, not sure about Sunday yet.
7. Zoojunkie (aka Matthew, co-worker of Dean; Isuzu Trooper)

I assume that the trip is going to be light and we do not need to pack extra axles, 3 spare tires and gallons of gas. Is this correct? Also, is anybody coming from the penninsula? I am going to leave San Mateo around 7:40 am.

Correct, no need to pack anything hardcore, but do pack some tools and extraction gear. slomatt might be leaving from SF.

See you at McDonalds.

so um.. ive got a problem.. my cv axel boot is torn.. and now in 4wd when i turn to the right it starts clicking and it slows down my car slowly.. its not too bad. I can still offroad and it doesnt limit me but im not sure how long thats gonna last.. i could replace it on thursday but i dont want to replace the axel till i lower the front end a bit.. i think its lifted too high and thats why it tore early.. what do you guys thing

JoeBob, you should be fine, but if I were you get it replaced if you can. I must warn you though...there is a sizeable water crossing on this trail and there's nothing worse then water getting into a torn boot. If you are replacing the entire CV then no worries, but if you are doing just the boots that would be bad. Although with the clicking noise it sounds like the CV is bad already.

When you are testing the CV in 4wd are you on dirt or pavement? Hopefully pavement, as your 4wd system won't like being engaged on dry pavement and will make turning hard + clicking noises.

BTW, lowering your truck shouldn't be too hard if you know how to adjust the t-bars.

"Hopefully pavement"

You mean dirt right? hehe yeah i was doing it on dirt.

and yeah im gonna replace the whole thing im sure lots of crap has gotten in there already

and yeah i know how to lower it but i dont have any time before this weekend to lower it.. get it aligned.. and replace CV axel.. since i have finals on wednesday and thursday eh heh

Oops, typing too fast last night and forgot the "Not"...You should be fine for this weekend. If you already bought the CV bring it along just incase and we can do a trail repair in the event of an extreme emergency.

Good luck on your finals!

Kelly and I are planning to leave Saturday evening to head back to the Bay Area. We'd really like to camp and explore Slickrock on Sunday, but have other commitments. (note: a way better idea would be to explore Slickrock on another trip so I can go )

So, if anybody was not planning on going on the trip because they aren't free on Sunday here's your chance to turn this into a 1 day trip. Sourgrass is a nice trail and an excellent shakedown or "intro to the Sierras" run. We'd be happy to lead a 1 day group back out, though if you are already commited for 2 days then you're stuck with that since I don't want to detract from the camping experience.

- Matt

Huey,

Pardon for stupid questions (I am somewhat new to this field). With a completely stock X we won't need any water proofing for that water crossing that you're talking about right?

Ciao,
v

Nope no water proofing at all. I should have been more specific, the water may come up to the mid point of your wheels so no need to worry unless you have torn CV boots.

Here's a picture of the water crossing on Sourgrass:


Oops, wrong photo, sorry. Here it is:


- Matt

good one

The first pic seems more doable than the second. You be nuts to cross the second pic!

Especially with that darn Xterra in the way, I'm not sure I can make it over another truck.

- Matt

Ramming speed!