Feature > Events/Trail Rides
Dusy-Ershim Trail
story & photos by Sven Schlogl
Granite domes like this one are found around Chicken Rock. These formations were carved by glaciers and are a spectacular sight within this dense pine forest.
A lot of people in Southern California travel to the mountains to escape the summer heat. We tagged along with the On the Rocks Four Wheelers for a four-day trip to the Fresno area. Almost the entire trail is at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. Temperatures were comfortable during the day, but at night they dropped to around 32 degrees.
Our group of nine Jeeps met at eight a.m. on Thursday at the entrance of Camp Edison in Shaver Lake. Trail boss Scott obtained a fire permit the day before (free permits are available at the Forest Service). With full tanks, extra gas, spare parts, and plenty of food and water to survive a multiday trip into the remote mountains, we started the trail from the Kaiser Pass side.
Scott catching some air on Divorce Rock, one of a few named obstacles.
A four-inch Currie lift and Johnny Joint suspension clear the 33-inch tires on Rob F.’s TJ. This five-speed rig runs stock gears and gets help from a Teraflex 4:1. A Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit is attached to the transfer case.
Notice the supercharger sticking out of the hood, which pumps up his horsepower to about 270.
The terrain is similar to the Rubicon’s: boulders everywhere, and loose sand lifts from the ground like powdered sugar and sticks to everything. Our trucks made their way over obstacles to 10,100 feet, where we enjoyed lunch, marveled upon the surroundings, and looked for Mount Whitney. The trail required our full attention, so it was difficult to enjoy the scenery while driving. During the ascent, we had to fix a loose power-steering hose and leaking heater hose. We reached our destination, Lakecamp Lake, at 2:30 p.m.
After pitching tents and gathering fire wood, some of us went fishing while others fought back mosquitos.
This 2004 Rubicon is owned by Mark. A four-inch Skyjacker lift makes room for 33-inch tires. K/N and a Jet Chip help the engine while Skidrow Skid Plates protect the underside.
Joe and Carolyn might have the oldest vehicle, but it’s one of the most capable. Joe’s 1977 CJ7 is powered by a 304 V-8 mated to a SM465 transmission. It features a Dana 300 T-case, a rear Dana 60, and front nine-inch ARB Lockers provide uninterrupted traction. The 35-inch tires fit easily thanks to the eight-inch lift. A custom misting system keeps occupants cool even in desert temperatures.
Jeff and Carol’s 1998 TJ is a five-speed, four-cylinder with underdrive and is raised five-inches by a Currie and Rubicon Express combination. It has a Jet Power Chip, a Borla Exhaust, and rolls on 35-inch MTRs on Champion Beadlocks.
We got another early start the next day on a trail that snaked through the forest and opened up to meadows featuring creeks and lakes. Some sections were tight — no surprise given the trail’s origins: In 1958, four wheelers driving CJs and Flatfenders cut the trail through the wilderness. They tried to fell as few trees as possible to conserve the beauty of the area. We mostly had Wranglers in our group, and our three Cherokees found it difficult to fit through narrow spots. A rig popped a bead on one of the countless boulders, but the tire stayed on, which we just re-inflated.
Our next lunch spot was Ershim Lake — inviting for a swim, but we had to move on. In the afternoon, we crawled over the famous Divorce Rock, a tilted granite slab that offered a short, steep ascent and a narrow ridge. After reaching the camp at East Lake, we washed off the dust in the pleasant water. A campfire kept us warm after dinner as temperatures dropped with the sinking sun.
One of many lakes in this beautiful mountain area. Much of the water has a comfortable temperature — we took the opportunity to wash off the dust.
Many scenic areas are available to gather the group and take a break. We crossed a few refreshing meadows.
David’s 1990 YJ rides on a 4.5-inch lift with shackle reversal. In the rear, a Ford 8.8-inch resides while the front diff is upgraded with Warn axles. ARB Lockers provide continuous traction.
The third day greeted us with more four-wheeling challenges; during the lunch stop at Thompson Lake, minor repairs were undertaken. We continued further and encountered the first traffic on the trail — traveling during the week has its advantages. After squeezing between trees and rocks, we reached Thompson Hill, a steep descent with big boulders and more loose sand. Following a lively discussion, we chose a good line and stacked rocks for a safe climb downhill. All rigs made it through this fun obstacle unharmed. Our next and last camp was Dusy Meadow Creek, an incredibly scenic spot with a view of two huge granite domes. This turned into the longest day, with a drive time of eight hours. We were tired in the end but satisfied with the adventure-packed day.
Joe maneuvering a tippy section towards end of the trail.
Rigs line up on the highest point of the Dusy Ershim Trail at 10,100 feet. A lunch spot with an amazing view.
Trail leader Scott has been working on his rig for years. His 1995 four-cylinder YJ has manual transmission and 4:1 underdrive, a Dana 20 Bronco T-case, 4.88 gears, and 35-inch MTRs. He carries a Ready Welder and power tools just in case.
On the last morning, Scott treated us to pancakes and bacon — a breakfast feast in camping environments. We hit the road at 9:30. More challenges and offcamber sections met us on our way to the pavement. The last big obstacle was Chicken Rock, a gigantic granite slab with a serious descent. This is like Moab in white: steep with a lot of traction. The tricky part was to find the trail at the bottom and squeeze through boulders into the forest. One rig kept having fuel-pump problems but made it through to the pavement. Everybody tackled the trail without vehicle breakdowns. A few trucks left with minor body damage — but that just adds character.
Via the Courtright Reservoir dam, we returned on sealed roads to Shaver Lake.
The outing with this Southern California club was a great experience. The company and the wheeling was enjoyable and new friends were made. Comradery. That’s what it’s all about, right?
Jeff shows some flex on Thompson Hill. Loose rocks and dirt between big boulders make this hill a real challenge when going up.
This is one of three Cherokees Damian owns. It has a Dana 44 rear axle with Detroit Locker and a stock front axle with ARB. He runs 33-inch tires with a six-inch lift. The latest goody is the Avenger Supercharger.
Rob P. and JJ’s 1993 XJ (with 32-inch tires) might have the lowest clearance, but the list of modifications is long: A Currie nine-inch rear axle with Detroit Locker, 4.11 gears, a five-inch Rubicon Express lift, Krane diff covers, custom front bumper, K/N, Borla Exhaust, and radiator upgrades.
The author’s rig is a 1994 XJ with a six-inch Skyjacker lift, 33-inch Xterrains, Durango 4x4 bumpers, and ARBs, just to name a few. It’s also converted for long-term travel, as the rear seats have been replaced with storage compartments and a matress.