http://californiajeeper.com/corralhollow/trail.htm
We decided to take my family on a day run in the Moose this past weekend. We got up early on Saturday morning and headed out. We had two stops to make before we hit the trail. First was a fuel stop for the family. We got our coffee and donuts and the moose needed to eat too. After filling up the moose with gas it was time to head out.
The Moose:
We hit the turn off to Corral Hollow and took a wrong turn that cork screwed throughout a series of dusty back country trails for 2 hours. Then I decided it was time to turn around. I knew an easier rout from the Bear Valley side. We headed up and found the trail head and we were off.
The first part of the trail was a lot rougher than it has been in years past. There were lots of ruts some of which were very deep. It proved a good time to test out the articulation in the Moose. I was still in 2 wheel drive and the rear end was traveling well keeping the tires on the ground. This part of the trail proved to be more challenging due to the long wheel base and negotiating the trees. After forging our way through the trees we came across a fallen tree road block. We had two choices, one to turn around and go back the way we came, which meant to a very disappointing end to a day. The other was to attempt to make it through a narrow gap between two trees and continue our adventure. Not being a family that quits (or not being too smart) we decided to put it in 4 low and try our luck at shoe horning the moose between the pines.
Fallen Tree Blocking the trail:
Raylene jumped out and guided me through the trees. It was tight only three to four inches on either side one lean would have meant sure body damage, but my lovely wife was able to stay calm and guide me slowly through the obstacle.
We continued our adventure and the trees eventually faded to the wild poppy field. For those of you who have never been on Corral Hollow its best to go after the snow has melted and wile the ground is still green. If you close your eyes and imagine mountains covered in green long leafs with wild poppy flowers. Think to yourself what Dorothy walked through on her way to the wild poppy fields. This has got to be one of the most beautiful spots to see in the Sierra. Rolling hills covered in green and yellow flowers. Our trail curved up a mountain through this beauty. The trail ahead was loose dirt and full of small rocks. I now knew it was time to engage 4 low.
The Meadow with the poppys:
It was hard to concentrate on the trail with the surrounding beauty. But focus on the trail was a must since I am new to the Moose and still finding out how it handles off road. We ventured up the trail to the next beautiful spot. Once you’re through the poppy fields you come over a brief ridge onto a great spot for lunch. This spot overlooks bear valley, with its wild bare mountains on each side with a beautiful canyon below. Legend has it that a hunter once trapped one of the largest California Grizzly bears in the canyon and had to hike it out. I don’t know the facts about that, but I do know that this is a wonderful spot to stop and have lunch.
Lunch Spot:
After our quick lunch stop we continued our outdoor adventure. We followed the ridge for a while and then it was time to put the canyon behind us. Back into the trees we went. We were back in 2 wheel drive territory and back to dodging trees again. We came across the only other person on the trail. He was a nice guy in a very set up Toyota Tacoma. I stopped and warned him about the narrow part that we had past earlier. He informed me that he was the person who opened that part of the trail earlier in the day, and that we were probably the first two rigs on this trail this year. To me that added even more excitement to the day.
After meandering through trees we came across the Aspen forest. The ground was green with grass the Aspens had been hit hard by the winter snows. Many had fallen, but the ones that remained were still majestic and very stunning. I love the way the leafs twinkle in the wind. They are a joy to look at. We decided to stop here and take some pictures of their beauty. It was soon time to venture on; next up on the trail was another area of poppy fields closely followed by the cabin.
After passing another beautiful poppy field we came across the forest service cabin. This cabin was placed here for people to stay. You can stay or stop by and sign the log book, we signed our names, but there were other staying the cabin so we decided to stay outside for a while and relax. Soon it was getting late and we ventured on. The rest of the trail is a beautiful ride through the forest.
Venturing on the Cabin:
More Pics of the Cabin:
One More of the Cabin:
If you have not been to Corral Hollow I highly recommend it. This trail is not hard; any high clearance vehicle can make it through. So if you’re looking for hard core wheeling go someplace else. What this trail offers is one of kind beauty and a place that is magnificent in sure beauty. So if you in need to go on beautiful scenic trail ride I highly recommend this trail.
My Family:
Paul
