RR: D-ville Solo... Tamarack/Sardine Lakes

[art23rockpile]

While at camp mulling over what to ride Saturday (I didn't have any shuttles lined-up), Dean mentioned the Tamarack Trail. After buying a topo map of the area in town, I decided on a promising route. As it turned out, Steve (kanga) has ridden it on a previous trip and was able to offer useful information. My plan was to do the ride solo.

The photos will tell most of the story. The breathtaking scenery is only hinted at in the pics. The trail had it all: climbing, steep rocky ('baby-head') jeep trail, stream crossings, nice granite rock drops, steep HAB thru evergreen forest, STEEP loose exposed singltrack, 'baby-head' rock descent for miles, and some flowing s/t. Solo rides are good for the soul.

Photos:
1) jeep trail descent
2) Yeti at home in snow
3) Sierra Buttes
4) Lower Tamarack Lake
5) Packer Lake from saddle climb
6) Upper Sardine Lake
7) Sierra Butte
Lower Sardine Lake
9) Trail/S.B.
10) S.B./Upper Sardine Lake

[kanga]

I knew you'd like it!

[JoeTruth]

Nice job, Art. That sounds and looks like a heck-of-an-adventure!

Let's hit the backside of the Gabes soon for some midweek exploration.

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by kanga

I knew you'd like it!

That's puting it mildly, my friend! Next year, I want to bag Sierra Buttes peak, even if it's via a
day-hike.

Originally Posted by JoeTruth

Nice job, Art. That sounds and looks like a heck-of-an-adventure!

Let's hit the backside of the Gabes soon for some midweek exploration.

Maybe i'm becoming a "trail snob", but after this trip, the Gabs are the only place i'll be truly stoked to ride for a bit. Another midweek ride sounds fab!

[MTBBill]

Originally Posted by art23rockpile

I decided on a promising route.

Great freaking call, That is an awesome bit of trail. The views of the Sierra Buttes are amazing. There are a couple switchback there where the views are the hazards.

[eruizela]

Sup mtnbike bill. ur video of Downieville is what got me up this past week. This place is the real for sure.

Art, great freaking pics, you where enjoying the views while i was grunting up hill to big boulder!!!

[VTVic]

Wow Art, nice pictures. Where exactly is this place at? Thanks for sharing and great RR.

[art23rockpile]

Originally Posted by VTVic

Wow Art, nice pictures. Where exactly is this place at? Thanks for sharing and great RR.

It's near the campground most everyone stayed at (Pack Saddle Campground). There's two different ways of getting to Tamarack Trail: a fire road near the campground or from another trail near the trailhead at the top (Packer Saddle) where people hit Sunrise trail to start their 'shuttle runs'. For various reasons, I took the latter route.

[ladera Dave]

Great shots, I did the ride also with Rand & Phil, did you stop at the first lake off to the right of the trail it was Epic. Can not wait till next year.

[art23rockpile]

No, I didn't stop at either of the Tamarack Lakes (except to take the photo)... as I was riding solo and wasn't really sure about the route, I wanted to keep moving. Next time, though.

I can't wait until next year either!
That's why i'm thinking about another trip up there before the end of the riding season.