McKEON-PONDEROSA ROAD TRAIL
Tuesday, April 5,  2011

Rescheduled from earlier date

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

ELEVATION:  Starting elevation - 2040 ft.  Lowest elevation -  700 ft.

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approximately 6.5 miles - in an out, not a loop.

GENERAL LOCATION:  On the Foresthill Divide -- before reaching the town of Foresthill

DESCRIPTION:  This formerly popular unpaved road connects the Foresthill Divide to the Middle Fork of the American River following pretty Gas Canyon.  The road was closed in 1980 by the Bureau of Land Management, and now it is a wonderful (albeit steep down in 2.2 miles,  and  --- guess what! --  steep up in 2.2 miles) trail to the awesome Middle Fork and viewing of some spectacular rapids.   After reaching the famous Western States Trail after the 2.2 mile mark, the trail is undulating and less strenuous.  If you were on the Ruck-a-Chucky trail hike in February 2010, and were disappointed as the hike plans were changed due to the impassable rain-swollen creek,  you won't be saddened on this hike as there is no creek crossing!!   On this hike the views of the river are marvelous!!

DESCRIPTION UPDATE: After doing the prehike on March 8th,  we realized that there are two impassable rain-swollen creeks ---- and we were in between both of them when we descended from the McKeon-Ponderosa Road Trail, so we were unable to hike very far, hence the hike is only 6.5 miles instead of 8.  Also, sadly we were unable to view the spectacular rapids.  Nevertheless being at the awesome Middle Fork was absolutely delightful --- and we will be spending one hour for lunch to take in the power and majesty of the river!! 


TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  One hour driving time and 33 miles one way.  Return time to Lincoln ---- between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.   A donation of $6 is suggested for riders.  Driving directions  --- see below and please print before coming to the hike, if driving. 

HIKE LEADER:  Sue Geisler   SWEEP:  Kathy Bannon

SPECIAL NOTES: 

    FACILITIES:  No bathroom at the trailhead.  We will stop at a McDonalds at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Foresthill Road.  There are nonflush toilets at the Ruck-a-Chucky Campground where we will be having a leisurely lunch.

    PREPARATION FOR HIKE:   1)  IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
        2)  Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
        3)  Always bring 2 pairs of shoes along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
        4)  Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, gloves, and warm & layered clothing if windy or cold weather, and trekking poles are recommended, but not required.  Be sure to bring at least 2 to 3 quarts of water, if the day is predicted to be warm.


RAIN CANCEL THE HIKE!

QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME:  8:00 AM    LEAVING TIME:  8:15 AM

PHOTOS FROM PREHIKE


DRIVING DIRECTIONS:    Travel east on Hwy. 80 past Auburn and exit at the Foresthill -- Auburn-Ravine Road turnoff ---- turning to the right, and then turning right at the light onto Lincoln Way ---- then left into the McDonald's Restaurant to use the bathroom.  From McDonald's turn right onto Foresthill Road ---- cross the bridge, and continue until you see the sign "Driver's Flat Road".  A short distance past that road watch for a small yellow sign on the left  Spring Garden Road --- and immediately after that you will see a small yellow sign on the right McKeon-Ponderosa Road.  Drive the road slowly for 3 miles until the pavement ends.  Park well off the roadway.