This was a very high-elevation-gain route, so some sort of overnight would be a good idea. I wanted to scope it out first, so I did a one-day thing yesterday, to see what it's like. Conclusion: very nice area, completely unrideable roads, not a viable approach, unless somebody is REALLY determined.
The OHV roads here are extremely steep, chunky and full of moon dust. I gained ~ 7000ft yesterday, and of that gain I rode maybe 300ft; the rest was a hike-a-bike. The descents were technical, but doable, so that's something.
The route crosses Seymour Creek and Lockwood Creek a few times. They are all flowing well. Eventually you can see Alamo Peak in the distance
The first view into the Piru Creek valley. Much bigger canyon than the others, but less water
And you can see the Miller Trail climbing up Alamo. Steep!
At the Piru Creek crossing is the Sunset Camp
It's a nice spot. Found this guy near the stream
He's tiny, less than 1in long. Here is also the start of the Miller Trail. The sign says that fun time is now over
It was already a rough slog to get here. Can't wait. Looks like this:
Since I was already walking every climb, this wasn't all that much worse. But the potato bugs love it here
Saw a few. Eventually (6300ft) you get up into the trees, and it becomes real nice
At the flatter summit area is the Dutchman camp. This is at the junction of the two roads that circle Alamo Peak.
The road does get a LOT better here, but I wasn't anywhere near Sewart still (where the hike would begin). And my turnaround time was approaching. So I cut my losses, stashed the bike, and walked towards the Alamo high point. It's pleasant here
After passing one false bump after another, I finally arrived at the one true bump
This is apparently an HPS peak, so there's a very civilized register box and a register inside. Cool views:
I took a different line down from the summit, and found a bobcat
The return was full of rough descends and climbs, and took a while. Just barely missed the sun, and had to finish in the dark. Which meant that the road is full of fat toads:
This trip was the end of the road for my boots (anybody have any recommendation for durable boots?)
and for my shirt (lesson: watch your speed on rough, technical descents even if you're trying to beat the sunset)
So yeah. Cool area, probably not viable route. Maybe waiting until the Post fire closure to expire is the answer.
