Fordyce Creek 4x4 Trail, California

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 12.2 miles / 19.6 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: : A premier hard-core trail. First-time users should consider driving this trail during the annual Sierra Trek event sponsored by the California Association of 4WD Clubs in early August. At that time, CA4WDC arranges with Pacific Gas & Electric to restrict water flow in Fordyce Creek to passable levels. Expert spotters and winches are provided at five critical points and no vehicle is ever left behind. Other than during this special period, water levels can drastically rise without warning, leaving vehicles stranded between stream crossings. Your best chance of a low flow rate, other than during the Sierra Trek, is in late September until the first snow fall.

Rating:

Difficult. Tight maneuvering over miles of large, steep and awkwardly positioned boulders. Deep water crossings at low water flows; impassable during high water flows. Mechanical or body damage a frequent occurrence for all but the most aggressive modified vehicles. Rollovers are not uncommon. Minimum 33-inch tire size and one locker almost a necessity. Two lockers with very low gears recommended. Travel in a group with at least one winch-equipped vehicle.

This trail is one of 75 trails from the book, Guide to Northern California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails, by Charles Wells, and is available at www.funtreks.com.

Tips: We ran this trail during the Sierra Trek when water levels are reduced. Water levels may be too deep to cross at other times.

Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php)

Points of Interest

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Start of Trail

From staging area, head northwest staying left under power lines. This is not the same staging area used during the Sierra Trek. See Point #3 for that location.

Bear left under power lines after staging area Photo

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Join Sierra Trek Route

Stay right here. Left comes from an OHV campground and a massive gravel bar used for staging during the Sierra Trek. They have so many vehicles, the regular staging area is not big enough.

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Sierra Trek Staging Area

We've provided this point in case you drive this trail during the Sierra Trek. The event will provide you driving directions to the start. They actually post signs to direct you to this staging area.

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First Water Crossing

After coming down a very steep obstacle called "Sunrise Hill," you encounter first water crossing. This water crossing can be extremely deep. Water flow is reduced during the annual Sierra Trek to make it possible to cross.

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Winch Hill #1

Very tough section. During the Sierra Trek, volunteer spotters line the hill to assist drivers.

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Second Water Crossing

Second water crossing is soon followed by another winch hill.

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Third Water Crossing

Third water crossing is followed by several more winch hills.

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Early Exit Route

Look for a rusty boiler, which marks location of an early exit route on the right. It curves around and heads south along Fordyce Lake and returns to Interstate 80 near Cisco. To continue on trail, stay left.

Lots of waiting during the Sierra Trek Photo

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Launna's Hill

Climb very difficult Launna's Hill, which is followed by several more difficult winch hills.

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Winch Hill #5

Last of the difficult winch hills. After this, you'll continue past the Excelsior Mine on a much improved road.

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Summit City

Summit City Historic Site alongside beautiful Meadow Lake. This is base camp for the end of the Sierra Trek. To exit the area, continue right on Meadow Lake Road along the lake. It runs into smoother F.S. 86 after 4.3 miles. Stay left and go another 6.6 miles to paved F.S. 07. At 9.5 miles go right to reach Highway 89.