Re: anyone going this weekend from the los angeles area?

I think the shocks matter as much as the tires. If your shocks go bad from the bumps, be sure to tell the automobile store that you want shocks for bumpy roads. Something else that probably helps are caps over the shocks. I am not an automobile person but my mechanic said that shock absorbers often do not have caps to keep dirt out of the shocks. You might ask if that is relevant to your vehicle. If yours does not have caps but caps can be added then try to get that done. Finally, when driving on the dirt road, it might help to go medium-fast instead of slow. I am not sure but that might reduce the amount of bumping you feel. However there are many people with much more experience driving those roads than I.

Otherwise, an alternative route is to go to the dam and then hike the six miles. It is a longer hike than Bowen Ranch but less elevation gain/loss. The advantage is that there is much less driving on dirt roads. Just be sure you know how to get out if you return to your car after dark; it can be difficult to find the way after dark. If you go that route, you will find a nice surprise along the trail; a very nice bridge across Deep Creek. It is for people; it is part of the trail. You absolutely must cross the bridge; the trail on the side you start on soon ends after the bridge. There is a little elevation gain on the other side of the bridge but that is the only place where there is much of a climb. Be sure to bring a flashlight in case you get caught by the dark at night.

If has been about tenty years snce I have been to Deep Creek. The last tme was soon after an earthquake in the area and before a fire that closed the area for a while.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2012 09:05AM by Sam Hobbs.