I've known about Mazourka Grade in the Inyos for quite some time now, but haven't had the chance to get out on that particular mountain range. Well, with summer approaching here in Southern California and temps on the rise we knew our destination would be cool as most of it was 8500 feet and higher. With supplies loaded and work complete, we made a break for it.
On this particular trip Yosh, Dixie and I traveled alone. We usually make it a habit every couple trips to just head out us three and enjoy the peace and serenity of the land we encounter without anyone with us. Of course this comes with a challenge and the great reminder as to go even more prepared than we already do and keep our wits about ourselves for if and when trouble may strike.
Quick stop at Red Rock State Park along the way to stretch the legs.
We left the shop in Anaheim and headed north up the 395 to the quiet town of Independence. From here is where the Mazourka grade starts north easterly up through the mining claims. The road slowly makes it's way up through the canyon and climbs up eventually into Badger Flats. It's an easy yet slow going road that any stock 4-wheel drive could traverse.
Once on top of the valley floor, you'll get your first view of Mazourka Peak and the communication towers. Because it was late in the day by the time we made it up to this point, we chose to make camp for the night and check out the peak the next morning.
We found a small remote ridge campsite overlooking Bishop and Big Pine down on the valley floor. It was tucked into some trees and provided plenty of shade and protection from the wind. I lit the notebook grill and Yosh had the corn ready for roasting.
Dixie was starving so why not treat her to the good china? We had forgotten her dog bowl, so we just grabbed a snow peak bowl out of our kitchen kit. After all, she's earned it by now.
In mere minutes she was done with dinner and starting to fall asleep. She was exhausted from the ride up.
After a bit we put her to bed in the trailer and started in on our own dinner. Roasted corn on the cob, mixed steamed veggies and peppercorn filet mignon. It was epic. Combined with good tunes, even better company and a small campfire in the distance nearby we couldn't ask for more. We'll take this over a busy steakhouse any day of the week.
After cleaning dishes and making sure the charcoal grill was cold we relaxed around the campfire. Temps dropped and we actually had to put on jackets, but we embraced it because we knew down the hill it was still 85 degrees.
The next morning we woke up and went for a small walk out to a point near camp. The views were nothing short of spectacular. In the distance you could see the Eastern Sierras and Bishop to the north.
After our walk and coffee, Dixie proceeded to do what she does best.
Laying in the sun and praying to the sun gods.
After breakfast was finished it was time to get moving on our way to Papoose Flats. First stop would be Mazourka Peak, not far from camp. The views from the peak are terrific. Behind the truck you'll again see the Eastern Sierra range and Mt. Whitney.
On top of the world. 9410ft. Looking north towards Tom's Place and again, Bishop.
Behind the wheel and loving every minute of it. We're very fortunate to be able to travel as much as we do.
While exploring and making our way towards Papoose Flats we took a turn down a section of trail that dead ended down in a creek. There wasn't any room to turn around with the trailer, so i had to back up the trail. The trail twisted and turned upwards and the rear-end of the truck started to slide off trail.
The weight of the trailer pushed on the rear of the truck and made it even worse. On top of that i couldn't use some of my recovery gear because i couldn't get the spare tire swing out open to gain access to the storage drawers. (Since been relocated!)
I locked up the diffs, aired down the tires more and tried to climb out but it wasn't working. We were sliding more off the trail and more into a unrecoverable location. This is where going prepared and keeping calm is top priority. We were alone and It was time to winch. I sat back while Yosh and Dixie went for a walk. We drank some water, had a snack and after calming down and evaluating the situation, continued to recover. If you get in a frazzled mindset you'll make mistakes. Being calm, cool and collective wins the game here.
After making the self-recovery and getting the truck and trailer back up onto the road, we eventually got up around the section. We were happy to be driving the correct direction, forward.
Not far down the trail we found another person with the same luck in a Westy. The photo of course doesn't show any justice, but the old westy was sliding off every time he attempted to take off.
After a bit of small recovery, we quickly made friends with the group ahead of us and played the caboose the rest of the way over to the flats.
The 4-wheel drive route Badger Pass is the harder way into the valley. There are much easier two-track routes from the Death Valley Road side, but we weren't shy about taking the trailer through some tight technical terrain. It was all the more of a challenge and adventure.
Some scenery along the route. It's was beautiful.
The ancient rocks and trees were very dramatic. You drive over small slabs and steps throughout the winding trail.
I spotted a ranger down on the meadow below us. I took my eyes off the road for two seconds and quickly it turned into another winching session. It's funny, no matter how much you practice and how good of a driver you think you are, stuff still happens. It just goes to show you to always be on your game and never under estimate the terrain you're dealing with. In this case it was shale type rock with small pebbles that acted like marbles. I tried pulling back onto the road but it was too late. The trailer again was pulling my down the 1,000 foot hill. It was turning out to be quite the adventure!
This photo was taken After we were out of harms way. Getting the photo this time wasn't high on my priority list.
After winching off a tree and then another vehicle ahead of us, we were safely back on the shelf road. We continued on with nerves rattled a tad. It's not often you have to winch yourself twice in one day.
These ancient bristlecone pines are gorgeous. Some of these trees in the area are said to be of 4,750 years old. That's 1,000 years older than any other tree in the world.
The rock formations in the area were stunning too. Again, the photos don't do any of this justice. You really need to see the area for yourself to understand how beautiful it is.
As we rounded one of the corners of the pass we caught our first glimpse at Papoose Flats. It was jaw dropping.
Dropping into the valley our eyes lit up and we grinned from ear to ear. The view of the Sierras, not a soul in sight and two track roads. Doesn't get much better thank this.
We made camp near a natural arch. After the multiple recoveries earlier in the day and all the technical driving i sat in the dirt and was happy to be done driving for the day.
It wasn't the worst place to take a shower either. Pretty epic.
The view from camp wasn't half bad either. The Piute indians used this land for trading for hundreds of years. Now i see why. It's amazing.
Some old routes are now protected from land travel as well they should be. The BLM hasn't gone overboard, they're still plenty of open land and various remote primitive camp sites.
A shot of camp from across part of the valley. You can barely make out the truck and trailer near the center of the photo.
After relaxing and hiking around the area, we started in on dinner. Marinated chicken breasts and asparagus were on tap tonight. Yosh made a side of mac and cheese to go with it. Just sounded good for some reason. Lifes to short not to eat well.
As the sun set on another day behind the huge rock outcroppings, the fire tender Yoshi took her position. We had once again, made it up prior to the fire restrictions for the year.
The next morning we woke up to clear skies again and cool temperatures. It was time to make our way back down the valley. Funny, Dixie didn't want to leave. I understood more than she knew, no words needed to be spoken as Yosh and I felt the same way.
Heading back out the valley Westerly.
There's something to be said for looking across the Owens valley directly at the Eastern Sierras. Just doesn't look real, especially if you know how high they are.
Heading south and towards Death Valley Road. Every road in the world should look like this.
Looking back at the valley, it's almost like the view just kept getting better.
Dixie checking out the terrain at every corner and sniffing all the good smells before we once again, hit pavement for home.
Hines Road twisted and turned the entire way. Up and down through valleys and small peaks with views everywhere you looked.
At one point the trail came to a drop off. You can see Death Valley Road in the distance so we knew it would have to lose elevation quickly. The trail started to descend fast and with sharp switchbacks after that. It wasn't exactly trailer friendly, but once we started we were basically committed.
The first switchback wasn't too bad, the next was about as tight as we can handle and the third wasn't do-able at all. It wasn't even a turn, it was a "v". Here we were again, alone and having to use our experience and training to get us through. I had to do a three point turn on the side of a steep drop off and back the trailer up the side of the bank of the hill. It didn't feel great, but i had no choice.
Thankfully we made it through and that turned out to be the last switchback of the pass. We were happy about that. The road continued on and began getting a bit tighter.
Towards the bottom of the canyon approaching the highway, we ended up dropping down some tight sections of canyon rock walls.
Dixie spotted me through a few portions.
Once down the canyon and out to Death Valley Road, we were smiling and for once happy to see pavement.
We aired up, grabbed some fuel and headed home, making it safe and sound again from another adventure!
I want to thank again all our sponsors and friends, family for reading this. We do appreciate it. Also, i wanted to point out that this was the very first report we've put up where it was done entirely with smartphone images. Yes, you guessed it... after 5-6 years of doing this, i finally forgot my memory cards for the DSLR.
Till the next adventure, thanks again for reading!