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Loomis Basin |
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updated 12/26/05 - Visitor #
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Loomis Basin |
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Dru Barner Equestrian Staging Area
This is a memorial to a wonderful horseman and a wonderful person. She is sadly missed by all who knew her.
| This large, pristine campsite will accommodate a large number of campers and has some amenities. There are plenty of places to park among the large pine trees, and cement water troughs are everywhere. Picnic tables and grills are also provided. It is a gorgeous place to camp or simply drive in for the day. There is no fee for day use or overnight camping; however, campfire permits are required. Driving time from Auburn (I-80) is one hour. Take Hwy 49 south to Cool, turn left on Hwy 193 to Georgetown, turn left at the four-way stop in the middle of Georgetown. Proceed 3 1/2 miles then stop at the Georgetown Ranger Station, El Dorado National Forest (916-333-4312), to pick up maps and check on the current situation, then continue to the turnoff. It is marked with a US Forest Service sign on the left side of the road "Dru Barner Staging Area 1.7 miles". |  |
There is an excellent blacktop road from the turnoff to the staging area. Part way down the road to the staging area is a fork; go left (Bottlehill Road) rather than the right fork to the heliport.
The trails offer incredible vistas from a nice variety of wide fire roads and lovely single track trails. Some of the trails have not been used recently and provide the adventurous spirits a great opportunity to go exploring. The terrain is varied. There are fairly level areas, such as the gorgeous Bottlehill Road along a ridge top with open spaces, knee-deep meadow rue and big pines. As you ride on either side of Bottlehill Road the ground becomes much steeper. When you cross Wentworth Springs Road, the ground is more rolling. There are a number of trails in this area being used by motorcycles. It doesn't seem to be a problem during the week, but it certainly could be a problem on the weekend. Balderston Corrals is also on this side of the road. It is an excellent staging area, but no camping is permitted in this area. There is a large area that is critical deer winter range - closed November 1 through May 1. Many of the trails are well-established and some trail intersections have markers; however, this may not be the best choice for anyone who is map and compass challenged. Explorers will find this area irresistible. At altitudes from 2,000 to 4,500 feet, it is slightly cooler than the valley, but far from the weather whims of the mountain tops.
The El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation is responsible for the park and area equestrian trails. They ask for a donation ( $7 per rig per night) to help fund improvements. The group puts out a newsletter, hosts a ride and various fun events. For information about this group contact president Dave McLane 916-333-1482.
Consider joining a club that does trail rides. (The last time I was at Dru Barner the Sonoma County Riding and Driving Club was camped there.) Besides an itinerary, they can provide valuable information including maps of potential ride sites and trail suggestions.
If you and/or your horse are novices then you are probably better off going in a small group rather than a large club outing: however, different groups have different procedures and expectations for members. The internet also has a variety of websites that are trail related, for example, Back Country Horsemen. Some of these sites have excellent trail information and maps, etc. Check the website links on the main page.
SAFETY TIP: Be sure that someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back.
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updated
12/26/05
Web page by moomom