High Sierra Poker Run
August 31 - September 3, 2007

Map to Event

Are you ready for the challenge of the Swamp Lake Trail or would you prefer the scenic beauty of the Bald Mountain Trail?  The run stages at Bald Mountain base camp which is reached by a paved road accessible by motor homes and fifth wheels and offers plenty of camping.  Sunday night  will feature dinner and raffle, and the third annual Margarita Blend-off will be held at base camp as along with registration, tech, and games

Saturday morning up to fifty rigs will head to Swamp Lake, a challenging trail that climbs to over 9,000 feet and offers awe inspiring views of the Sierras including Mount Whitney, Grouse Lake and old mining operations.  Squeeze Rock, Rooster Rock, the rock garden and Blast Rock are just some of the problems that drivers and spotters must negotiate over the fifteen mile loop trail.  Full size rigs can negotiate the trail if the driver is skilled and can accept  body damage.  A locker, 33 inch tires, front and rear tow points, and other usual CA4WDC are required.  A winch and CB are strongly recommended

The run this year will feature a dinner to be served to hungry drivers and passengers at Swamp Lake camp on Saturday night, which is halfway on the trail.  Sunday we will drive out and return early to base camp for games and Sunday dinner

If you have a new rig, a new driver, or you just want to try out your new SUV, Bald mountain trail offers challenges and scenery that are still fun, but less stressful than the Swamp Lake trail.  The Bald Mountain Lookout offers breath taking views of Shaver Lake and the Central Valley.  Hollywood Hill, Vee Rock, and Shale Hill are thrilling, but less likely to result in scratched body panels.  There are other nearby trails that individuals can run on their own on Saturday or Sunday.  Bald Mountain Will be run on Saturday and Sunday as well if there is enough interest for a second run

The Margarita Blend-off has been won the last two years by shaken not blended margaritas.  Those willing to taste the various entries are given votes.  The mixologist with the most collected votes from the tasters wins  $100.  Other awards and prizes will also be given, including the RTI ramp and best club participation.

The Central District is pleased to  sponsor this CA4WDC fundraiser and we hope that more wheelers will make this part of their Labor Day plans.  We are experiencing growth in the number of participants and volunteers for this Run.  Since the Swamp Lake Run is limited to fifty rigs, be sure to sign up early if you are interested in this run.  We will have on-site registration, but our hosts, the High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest is very committed to protecting these trails for all to enjoy in the future.  For more information, contact event chairs Robert Escalera at broncodealer1@hotmail.com or Steve Egbert at steve@calaccess.net