The High Sierra Poker 4X4 Trail Run on the Swamp Lake Trail is held under
special permit of the US Forest Service High Sierra Ranger District . Oversized
off-road vehicles are not not recommended on Swamp Lake Trail. Camping equipment
and food required for overnight trail runs. Locked or semi-locked differentials
in either the front axle or rear axle is required for the Swamp Lack Trail Run.
Of course, the Margarita Blend Off will take place Sunday Night with a $100
prize to the best blend.
ACCORDING TO CAL4WHEEL WEBSITE
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.
- Tow rope or tow strap.
- Seatbelts for all passengers
- Fire extinguisher.
- Roll bar or hard top.
- Working emergency brake.
- Mufflers.
- First aid kit.
- Jack capable of lifting vehicles such as HiLift jack.
- Spare tire and wheel.
- Tires with reasonable tread life and off-road design.
- All loose items including battery secured.
- No antennae over 54” long.
- Air pressure lowered to max. of 15 PSI before safety inspection.
- Tow hooks or points.
- One locker required
- Proof of registration and insurance
- All vehicles must pass safety inspection prior to entering trail
