Moderate
Monache Meadows/Kern Plateau SCLR Trip

Date:
Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23.

Destination:
Monache Meadows is located within the Sequoia National Forest. It is the largest complex of meadowlands in the High Sierras. The average elevation in the meadows is about 8,000 feet above sea level (asl). Olancha peak at 12,000 feet asl, dominates the eastern skyline. Flowing southward through the meadows is the south fork of the Kern River.

Historically, the meadows have been used for cattle grazing for well over 100 years. And even to this day, keeping with _old west_ tradition, modern day ranchers from Olancha and Cartago still drive their cattle up the Olancha Trail to Monache meadows for summertime grazing. It is said that most present day trails in the area were originally established by cattlemen, long before the national forests were designated as wilderness.

Wildlife is abundant in Monache Meadows. Animals likely to be seen include mule deer, marmot, squirrel and coyote. You may also see black bear, red fox, pine marten, or even cougars. The Kern River contains wild stocks of german brown and hybrid golden/rainbow trout.

Weather:
Expect dry, warm days, with cool to cold nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in August. Please be prepared for varying weather.

Itinerary & Driving Directions:
From LA/Orange Ct.y. areas:
405/5 N to 14 Fwy. Take to the 395 N. Pearsonville is located @ 8 miles north of the 14/395 merge.

Alternate directions for Orange County:
Take the 91E to the 15N, exit the 395N and take to Pearsonville, which is just north and west of Ridgecrest on the 395.

Update to meeting Location at Bottom

For those who choose to go up on Friday evening, camping is available at numerous locations off of road 21S02, located beyond Kennedy Meadows. Troy Meadows campground is quite popular.

For all others, plan on meeting Saturday, August 2nd, at @8:00 am at the Pearsonville Shell station. Note, it’s about the only thing in Pearsonville. It is located on the east, or right hand side, as you travel north on hwy. 395. (Please note that it is approximately a 3 to 3.5 hour drive to Pearsonville from Orange and Los Angeles areas.)

We will travel up Nine Mile Canyon road up to Kennedy Meadows and then proceed to Monache Meadows, making a stop at Black Rock ranger station to obtain campfire permits.

Proceeding to Monache Meadows we will set up camp, explore the meadows at leisure and possibly do the Sherman Peak 4x4 trail, time permitting. If not, we will definitely be going on this trail early Sunday morning. The trail is rated as intermediate, with little to no spotting required. Stock vehicles are welcome, but please remove any side steps if your vehicle has them. Long wheelbase vehicles may find this trail a bit tight. The trail is quite fun and includes a spectacular vista near Sherman Peak. We will ascend to over 9,500 feet asl!
Please note the camping in, or near Monache Meadows is primitive. Toilets and running water are not available.

My cell # is 949-742-0550.
CB/FRS channel 4.
Look forward to seeing all who can make the trip.

Meeting Time/Location: 9am Saturday @ Kennedy Meadows General Store, (approx. 25 miles from US395/Ninemile Canyon junction). This junction is about 2 miles north of Pearsonville on 395. Turn left off of 395, go up the hill and keep going for 25 miles to Kennedy Meadows.

My contact info.
Cell 310 721 0416
Work 310 783 2486
Email andrew_rutherford@ahm.honda.com

I've got contact info. for Paul von Klosst-Dohna, still waiting on same from Steve Diane Perry (Is this one person or two?)

Allow about 1 hour from Pearsonville, which means a total of 4~4.5 hours from LA/OC.
Paul also has some NorCal guests with Series trucks.

And as always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions/concerns.

Regards,
Andy R.