Here in the Central Valley of California we have the some of the best forest trails around. Because of their high altitude, and being they are deep into the mountains, snow covers them 7-8 months of the year. That being said, in the spring I'm chomping at the bit for the snow to melt so I can run as many as I can before the gates are closed once again.

November 1st is right around the corner, so today 9-25-11, I ran a less talked about trail for my first time, Spanish Route.
Here are some pics of what I seen, ENJOY:

The trailhead:


At the outset, there is tight brush as the trail winds it's way up in elevation:


Every hunter is after these right now. It cracks me up to see 6 grown men, decked out in camo, stuffed into a Chevy Surban.
I wonder if they all sing "a hunting we will go"

Everything is still so green:

The next few pics are of the typical terrain:




Having reached the camp at the end of the trail I set off the find the two lakes. Being the dope I am, the hand held GPS is back at home. But I did find a meadow.






Saving the lake till next time, I made my way back up to the camp sites, this is looking back:

The camp sites available to camp at:


Heading back out the way I came in, all pretty much downhill:



Some of the views between the trees:






Some more of the sites:





Back on pavement:


All in all, this little over 10 mile round trip trail is perfect for a day run, suitable for newer Jeepers, and scenic with abundant camping in the area.

 

Beautiful! will have to remember this one...

 

This trail is about 15 miles up the road from the one we did.