NorCal TTORA
California Trail Info

Strawberry Pass Trail
Rating: 5

The Strawberry Trail Connects highway 50 and highway 88 near South Lake Tahoe. The trail is generally easy, although there are two obstacles that can do a lot of sheetmetal damage if you aren't careful.

The scenery and views are amazing, especially on the highway 88 side of the trail.

Requirements: To participate in TTORA Strawberry runs you must have 4WD. A mild lift, locker, and rock sliders will be helpful for navigating the two obstacles.

Directions: If you are heading east on highway 50, go about 38 miles past Placerville, and turn right on 42 Mile Stone Tract. If you hit the town of Strawberry you went a half mile too far. When you cross the river the pavement winds around to the right. Go about a half mile and turn left onto dirt road 11N19. Go about another 2.5 miles and the trailhead will be on the left. A helpful sign hidden in the manzanita bushes reads 10N13.

Gas Up: If you are heading up from the west, gas up in Placerville or Pollock Pines. If you are coming from Tahoe, gas up there.

GPS Coordinates:
Trailhead: N38° 46.145' W120° 6.655'

Click for Wide Area Map

The trailhead is sometimes easy to miss, especially early in the spring when it's a little overgrown.

In 2003 the forest service cut several very deep waterbars. Long wheelbase vehicles without sufficient clearance will drag both the front and rear bumpers in several places.

The first obstacle is called the 'waterfall'. The waterfall is much more difficult during wet conditions. Lockers are helpful here, although picking the perfect line will get you right up.

Sliding off the side will get you high centered.

A short way up the trail is the second obstacle called 'V' rock or 'painted' rock. Lots of care needs to be taken at this point if you don't want to add your paint to the rock.

There's not much room for error.

The trail climbs to over 8500' elevation. It's not unusual to see snow on the trail well into June.

The views from the highway 88 side are incredible.

You can't really tell from this pic, but Pardoe's trail runs across the ridge on the other side of the valley!

This spot at the top is a perfect place to have lunch before heading down to the pavement.

Links to more Strawberry Pass pictures:
http://www.norcalttora.com/gallery/album82/
http://www.norcalttora.com/gallery/album86/