The Truckee-Donner Land Trust sends along information:
The newest section of the Tahoe Pyramid Trail starts in Hirschdale, just east of Glenshire, and ends in Floriston, roughly four miles downstream. Along the route th trail provides sweeping view of the canyon and approaches the banks of the Truckee River in several locations. Occasionally, mandated by rugged terrain, the trail nears the interstate above, but is generally quiet and scenic.
Mixed conifers give way to sage as the trail heads down, with willows, cottonwood and alders along the river. Of note, mountain mahogany trees are also along this stretch of trail.
As the trail approaches Floriston, a new stair and boardwalk section of the path on the Hogback Ridge are well worth a visit, cantilevered out off a steep slope dropping down to the river below.
The surrounding Truckee River canyon walls include numerous Land Trust acquisitions totaling more than 5,000 acres, including Gray Creek, properties above Floriston and other conservation easements.
For those looking to explore farther, the trail crosses under the interstate in Floriston and continues down toward Farad and Verdi.
This trail is open to hikers, bikers, but closed to equestrians.

Article and photo from the Tahoe Donner Land Trust Newsletter here.
​
Click here for more detailed information and maps.

It’s time to start coming out of the mountains to some of our favorite foothill trails. Fall and winter are my favorite hiking seasons. I do love the flowers in spring but the solitude of winter hikes is charming to me.
The Stagecoach Trail in the Auburn State Recreation Area is three trails in one. Park in the confluence area near the kiosk. Keep in mind there is a $10 day-use fee. Behind the state park kiosk there is a trail that leads under the Foresthill Bridge (The tallest bridge in California at 730 feet). You will be headed up river left — not to be confused with the popular Clementine trail on the other side of the North Fork of the American.
Behind the kiosk you hike the moderate uphill climb toward the bridge with the river on your right. If you know the area you may be familiar with the two left turns off the main trail. These lead to first the lower and then upper Stagecoach Trail.
If you take the first sharp left onto Lower Stagecoach at the sign you enjoy the view of the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge and the American River that flows beneath. You can continue to the bench for a view of the confluence area and onto Russell Road. The out-and-back hike is approximately 2 miles.
Upper Stagecoach offers nice canyon views and isn’t as heavily trafficked at Lower Stagecoach. Keep your eye out for the heart tree. It is a tree that has been covered with heart shaped rocks placed in the nooks and crannies of the tree bark. Both trails are home to a variety of wildflowers in the spring.
Have you ever continued along the trail by the river and under the bridge? If not, I suggest you give it a try.
Park rangers have warned me not to linger under the bridge as objects have been dropped and could be a danger to hikers or mountain bikers traveling under the bridge. Walking under the 730-foot foundation offers a different view of the bridge those of us who hike here regularly know so well.
The trail drops down to the base of the foundation before continuing along the canyon wall. It isn’t a very long trail, maybe 2 miles round trip, but at the end of the trail there is a great picnic spot. An open area that overlooks the river and has a seasonal waterfall that runs along the edge of the grassy area.
A combination of trails can make for a good workout and great views of the river and canyon.
Mary West is the author of the book series “Day Hiker — Gold Country Trail Guide.” 

To see the original article and photos by Mary West in the Mountain Democrat newspaper, CLICK HERE.

MARYSVILLE, Calif. (November 6, 2019) – A diverse group of nine organizations announced today their commitment to prioritize, plan, and execute forest restoration on an unprecedented scale in the North Yuba River watershed, covering 275,000 acres of the northern Sierra Nevada.
The memorandum of understanding spells out the group’s commitment to work together to increase the pace and scale of ecologically-based restoration within the North Yuba River watershed and to prioritize community safety, forest health, and resilience through landscape-scale restoration.
The North Yuba Forest Partnership includes Blue Forest Conservation, Camptonville Community Partnership, National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Nevada City Rancheria, Sierra County, South Yuba River Citizens League, The United States Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest, and Yuba Water Agency.
“Many forests in the North Yuba River watershed are critically unhealthy, overcrowded with small trees and brush,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Unhealthy forests are at a greater risk of high-severity wildfire due to fire suppression and historic timber harvesting practices, a risk that is exacerbated by a changing climate.”
The North Yuba River watershed runs through multiple Northern California counties and two national forests, from Yuba Pass to New Bullards Bar Reservoir. The area includes thousands of acres of forest habitat, is an important source of water for downstream users, supports high biodiversity, is home to many rural communities, and offers excellent opportunities for recreation.
“We’re loving our forests to death,” said Willie Whittlesey, Assistant General Manager of Yuba Water Agency. “A ‘hands-off’ approach to forest management is no longer an option now that our communities, infrastructure and water supply are at significant risk. To make a meaningful impact in this massive effort, it’s going to take all of us who care about the watershed coming together.”
Forests once characterized by large, widely-spaced trees and beneficial low-to-moderate severity fires are now overrun with vegetation that is not fire-resilient. This has increased the risk of destructive wildfire causing significant damage to local communities, entire ecosystems, and watershed health.
Projects to restore resilience to the North Yuba River watershed include clearing underbrush, thinning smaller trees, managed burning, reforestation, and meadow restoration, among other efforts. In addition, traditional ecological knowledge from the local Nisenan people will be incorporated into planning and design.
“We are planning ecological forest management projects using the best available science,” said Rachel Hutchinson, River Science Director for South Yuba River Citizens League. “It’s important to all of us that we strike that balance between the desperate need to restore the forest’s resilience to wildfire and the need to preserve and protect vulnerable species and cultural artifacts.”
“This public-private partnership holds promise as a model to restore the forests of the Sierra at a landscape scale,” said David Edelson, Forest Program Director of The Nature Conservancy. “By using the latest science, innovative planning and new funding approaches, together we can accelerate the restoration of our forests while maintaining the environmental safeguards and community input that are central to success.”
This effort is expected to take up to 20 years to complete, with the highest priority given to at-risk communities, emergency response, evacuation access routes, forests of critical ecological importance, and areas that have the potential to stop a wildfire from spreading.
While planning efforts for the larger North Yuba River watershed are just beginning, the 14,500-acre Yuba Project is already underway, serving as a pilot for the larger-scale North Yuba River watershed restoration effort. The Yuba Project is benefitting from a new financing tool called the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB), a public-private partnership that accelerates the pace and scale of forest restoration through investment from private capital sources, including foundations, impact investors, and insurance companies.
“Investor demand for this first-of-its-kind private investment to support public land management greatly outpaced supply. Investors are eager to finance future, larger projects,” said Zach Knight, managing partner of Blue Forest Conservation, the lead developer of the FRB. “The North Yuba Forest Partnership plans to use the FRB model and other innovative approaches to finance planned work in the North Yuba River watershed.”
To learn more, visit the partnership website at yubaforests.org.
 
About the Partners:

• Blue Forest Conservation: An innovative nonprofit organization committed to creating sustainable financial solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
• Camptonville Community Partnership: A nonprofit organization with a mission of rural people working together for a safe, sustainable, and healthy community.
• National Forest Foundation: Engaging Americans in promoting the health and enjoyment of our public forests.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to scaling up forest restoration across the Sierra Nevada.
• Nevada City Rancheria: The local tribal unit of the Nisenan people of Northern California, passionate about forest health and management, as it is central to their well-being.
• Sierra County: Positioned at the headwaters of the North Yuba River, Sierra County’s highest priorities include reducing wildfire risk, enhancing forest and watershed health through implementation of fire resilient treatments, and protecting its rural communities.
• South Yuba River Citizens League: Uniting the community to protect and restore the Yuba River watershed, SYRCL understands that forest health and resilience are essential to a healthy watershed.
• The United States Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest: Sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and managing over 50 percent of the Yuba River watershed, which lies within the Tahoe National Forest.
• Yuba Water Agency: A special district in Yuba County, committed to forest health in the entire Yuba watershed, to ensure a sustainable water supply and reduce the risk of fire for the people of Yuba County.

Contact:
DeDe Cordell, Yuba Water Agency
Communications Manager
dcordell@yubawater.org
(530) 329-9563

Go here for original press release from the South Yuba River Citizenship League
https://yubariver.org/2019/11/north-yuba-forest-partnership/

The colors have been beautiful so far this fall – and not just in the usual places. From the local’s favorite fall hike on Elizabethtown Meadows to Royal Gorge, here are three options to leaf peep on Tahoe Donner Land Trust Land.

Royal Gorge Fall Color Walk:
While evergreen conifers including some beautiful fir trees dominate the forests of Royal Gorge, the ground cover beneath is awash in gold and red this fall, with gooseberry and other species spread out across the forest floor.
Follow the winter ski trail signs from the Summit Station Trailhead off of Pahatsi Road. Take Big Ben Trail to Rodney’s Run (right), then turn left on Killy’s Cruise. Turn left out to Lyle’s Lookout for an incredible view of Palisade Lake and Devil’s Peak, then backtrack to Killey’s Cruise, turning left to continue on to Palasade, where you’ll turn right and head back to the trailhead.

Wendin Way in Johnson Canyon:
This south-facing canyon above Donner Lake gets a lot of sun on a cold, blustery fall day, making it a great option when the weather turns. Fall colors are dominated by the bitter cherry that lines the trail, small bunch willows, and a giant Scouler’s willow that towers over the Wendin Way Trail.
Start at the top of Donner Lake Road, just above intestate 80, where you’ll find the Land Trust’s trailhead parking area. The trail climbs steadily up the canyon, eventually reaching the Donner Lake Rim Trail, where you can choose to make a longer hike either heading up toward the Drifter Hut in Tahoe Donner or toward Summit Lake on the way to Castle Valley.

Elizabethtown Meadows Trail:
Our go-to fall hike thanks to its large aspen stands, Elizabethtown Trail starts at the intersection of Highway 267 and Northstar Drive, meandering 2.3 miles through Jefferey pine forests and popping out to the meadows edge where bright aspen stands are turning yellow and gold. Be sure to stop at the trail head kiosk to learn more about the property’s human history – the land has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans and Elizabethtown was a short-lived silver mining town located in the meadow.
With little elevation gain, it’s a great choice for a short walk for those not looking for a strenuous outing.

To see more information, CLICK HERE for the Tahoe Donner Newsletter "Hikes of the Month" series.

Electric assisted bicycles, or e-bikes, are becoming more and more popular across the United States. Throughout the country's national parks, that could be a good and a bad thing.
It can be tough to distinguish an e-bike from a regular road or mountain bike by sight, but once you start pedaling, you sure feel the difference.
Battery-powered electric motors make pedaling much easier, uphill or down. Depending on the class of e-bike, the motors can give riders a boost of up to 28 miles per hour.
This year, the Interior Department directed all its bureaus, including the National Park Service, to adopt a policy for e-bikes.

Natalie Levine, with the National Parks Conservation Association, said that directive left parks about a month to scramble and adopt their own rules about where e-bikes are allowed.
"There are many parks where traditional bicycles are currently only allowed on park roads. So in those situations, adding electric bicycles there might not be as a big of a concern," Levine said.
But some parks, such as Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Acadia National Park, have more sensitive unpaved roads open to cyclists.
"We think there should be more analysis of the impacts of these bicycles," Levine said.
In Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which sits between Cleveland and Akron, there are miles of dedicated mountain bike trails.
Stephen Metzler, head of the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association, said the park's carefully built trails weren't created with heavier and potentially faster e-bikes in mind.
"Speeds on the downhill, with a heavier bike, it could potentially cause injury to the rider and other trail users," Metzler said.
Cuyahoga Valley rolled out a draft policy allowing e-bikes on its roads and multi-use paths, but it banned them outright on the mountain bike trails.
"We, at this time, don't have enough data to be able to answer the question, 'Is an e-mountain bike different than a traditional mountain bike?' as far as impact on the trail or on resources," said Pamela Barnes, public information officer for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Ban or no ban, mountain biker Cody Rider said e-mountain bikes are already on the trails in Cuyahoga Valley anyway
"I think it's a lot like cars. Anybody can go buy a car, and anybody can go the speed limit. And then you can also drive considerably over the speed limit and make it an unpleasant experience for everyone around you and unsafe for that matter too," Rider said.
Proponents of e-bikes say the addition of pedal assist allows users of different abilities to ride mountain bike trails.
"It's just like riding a bike with less effort. I don't know how that's destroying any trails," e-mountain biker Matt Lewis said.
"This will get you back out there and get you doing the things you haven't done in a long time just because it's a lot easier," Lewis said.
Cleveland-area bike shop owner Chad Marn has no problem with people of any ability using e-bikes in national parks, but he's against allowing them on mountain bike trails that can be challenging for novice riders.
"If someone lacks the physical prowess or skill set to handle that, providing them an engine doesn't necessarily change those facts," Marn said.
Pete Smakula, who owns an e-bike store and sells e-bikes in Akron, disagrees.
With manufacturers racing to put out more and more e-bike models, Marn recognizes that he could be fighting a losing battle.
"I've actually asked the opinion of a lot of the different bicycle people that I trust, and the resounding theme is, 'It's inevitable — quit fighting it,' " Marn said.
And it's that popularity that's pressuring national parks to figure out whether to welcome or to restrict them.

CLICK HERE to see and hear the original article on National Public Radio (NPR)

The Nevada City Council last week moved forward on a trail project that will run from Highway 49 to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, approving an initial environmental study and mitigated negative declaration for the project proposed by the Bear Yuba Land Trust.
Land trust officials said this week they now can move forward with permitting and seeking grant funding, noting they hope to complete a portion of the trail by next fall.
City Planner Amy Wolfson said once a trail alignment and initial study are approved, the Bear Yuba Land Trust would be able to make the final drawings for the trail construction.

“We’re very excited to be at this step,” said Erin Tarr of the land trust. “This will be a great amenity for the community.”
Reached Tuesday, Tarr said now that the California Environmental Quality Act study is complete, the land trust will start working on getting several permits — specifically, from Caltrans for roadway encroachment and from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife for a streambed alteration.
Meanwhile, Tarr said, the nonprofit will seek grant funding for trail construction.
“We need to get at least the lower portion of the trail done by September 2020, or our easements will expire,” she said.
THE TRAIL
Nevada City acquired the 35-acre Sugarloaf property in January 2011 from the Mull family for $450,000. It formally annexed the land in 2017. That same year the city approved the conceptual trail alignment and since then city and land trust staff have been working with consultants to prepare studies, including one for geotechnical engineering feasibility, as well as a cultural resource survey and a biological inventory.
In April the City Council received an update and approved the draft initial study, with a public comment period ending Aug. 2. One comment was received regarding an area of trail on potentially unstable soil. The city previously received a comment expressing concern about trail parking impacting downtown neighborhoods.
The goal of the trail project is to connect downtown Nevada City to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, according to the staff report. The trail route will be approximately one mile in length, will start at the corner of Highway 49 and North Bloomfield Road, and end at a point along an existing gravel access road that goes to the top of Sugarloaf from an entrance on upper Coyote Street.
The new trail also will connect to an existing graveled excavated area that will be improved to accommodate trail parking for approximately eight vehicles. The parking area will connect via an existing informal, user-created trail, which will be minimally improved — including brush clearing and tread improvement for drainage and loose rock removal. The proposed trail also connects to Hirschman Trail and Tobiassen Park via a recently established county trail that runs west from North Bloomfield Road to the Eric Rood Administrative Center.
During the Aug. 28 council meeting Wolfson noted the land trust is working with the county to use some parking at the Eric Rood Administrative Center after work hours.

CLICK HERE to see the original article and photos in The Union newspaper

To contact Staff Writer Liz Kellar, email lizk@theunion.com or call 530-477-4236.

The North Tahoe Public Utility District recently completed several key projects, with additional improvements planned, for North Tahoe Regional Park.
This project included the restoration of the upper parking lot and development and construction of a multi-use regional trailhead, which will be part of the North Tahoe Trail being developed and constructed by Placer County, according to a press release.
Asphalt reconstruction and restriping for 62 parking spaces and permanent stormwater BMP’s for the parking lot were completed. This project also constructed paved ADA/multi-use access paths to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, tennis courts and the Tahoe Unleashed dog park.
Additional improvements to be installed this fall will include bike repair stations, a bike locker, and racks, and a bike wash station. These projects are funded by grants and funding from Placer County and a partnership with the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. This project also included reconstruction of the gazebo by the tennis courts that was destroyed due to heavy snowstorms in winter 2017.
Placer County recently announcing a contract for preliminary design and environmental review for 1.7 miles linking the North Tahoe Regional Park with Carnelian Bay Avenue. The proposed trail alignment will use existing public trail easements and public land parcels from the U.S. Forest Service and California Tahoe Conservancy. No private property easements are expected to be needed to complete the project.
Community feedback opportunities on the trail alignment are anticipated to take place in spring 2020.

CICK HERE to see the original article and photos in the Tahoe Weekly newspaper.

The new stretch of Donner Lake Rim Trail, connecting from the view point above Johnson Canyon just off the Glacier Way Trailhead down to Northwoods Boulevard, is officially open for business, and is a great hike, run or ride for folks looking to try out something new.
Most people will enjoy starting on the Northwoods Boulevard side and heading uphill. Park at the Trout Creek Trail parking on the east side of Northwoods, and then cross back over the road to find the trail. From here, the trail quickly leaves the neighborhood and enters into a mixed conifer forest with large cedar trees, skirting around massive granite boulders left behind by glaciers.
After two miles the trail opens up to dramatic views of Donner Lake and across to the Sierra Crest. While many hikers may already be familiar with the great views of Donner Lake on existing stretches of the trail, the new section offers unique perspectives few have seen before.
As the trail continues to climb the wildflowers start to really pop when conditions are right, with forget-me-nots, mules ear, and even some Washington lilies spotted this summer.
Eventually, the trail links to the view point above Johnson Canyon where there’s a picnic table, and the existing trail continues up toward the Drifter Hut and beyond.
The new section of trail is about 5.5 miles one way, gaining about 1,200 feet of elevation on its way from east to west.

How to get there:
From Donner Pass Road go up Northwoods Boulevard, looking for the Trout Creek Trail parking area on the right (shortly after passing Lamplighter Way on the left). Park in the trailhead parking area, then cross back over Northwoods Boulevard to find the Donner Lake Rim Trail trailhead.

CLICK HERE for the original article in the Truckee Donner Land Trust News

When you’re out in the wild and need to call for help, don’t be surprised if your cellphone reads “No Service.”
Losing your cell signal while outdoors can be annoying — but if you’re out riding or camping your cellphone signal can mean the difference between life and death. Injuries, being lost, and any other number of hazards can mean we need to call for help — but if there’s no signal to carry your message, then what do you do?

​(This article from The Trailmeister)
Unlike the phone you use every day, GPS communicators don’t need a cell signal to work. Instead, they use the network of satellites constantly orbiting overhead. Not only can they be used to track your position, but they can also be used to send and receive packages of data. We’re talking around 140 characters, like in the early days of text messaging. That may not sound like much, but it’s enough to tell your loved ones where you are (or that you’re delayed), receive medical advice, and even download an up-to-date weather report. They can also contact search and rescue virtually anywhere if the world if the sh@t really hits the fan.

I tested the three most promising satellite messengers from SatPaq, SPOT, and Garmin. I won’t sugarcoat it: none of these tools are perfect. That being said all of them could save your life when the trail gets rocky.

Each of these devices have a number of basic functions in common. When activated, all of them let you do the following in areas without cellphone reception:

• In case of a non-life-threatening emergency, alert your personal contacts that you need help
• In case of a life-threatening emergency, activate an SOS button that directly notifies emergency responders of your distress signal, as well as your GPS coordinates
• Send text-based messages to your personal contacts
• Create shareable online maps of your adventure so others can follow along in (near) real time
• Track your journey

1. SatPaq
A clip on antenna that turns your smartphone into a satellite communicator

• PRO: Inexpensive to purchase and to use. Takes advantage to the phone that’s already in your pocket.
• CON: Needs your cell phone
• PRICE: $250
• COST OF OWNERSHIP: .29 to .40 per message

NIFTY FACT: The SatPaq communicates through Geostationary (GEO) satellites when there is no cell or WiFi coverage. GEO satellites don’t move relative to your position on earth so they’re always in view and your communications can happen right away.
Horse and mule riders like to get off the beaten path – We long for  the backwoods, and back country refuges of isolation where (hopefully) you won’t see people for days. The problem is when you’re this far in the backcountry, you’re also well out of cell coverage which can make a bad situation much worse if there’s ever a serious injury or illness. You won’t have to worry about that potential worst-case scenario if you’re carrying a SatPaq.
The SatPaq from Higher Ground is a lightweight device that easily clips to your smartphone and connects wirelessly using Bluetooth to communicate through satellites when there is no cell coverage. SatPaq’s SpaceLinq free app allows you to send and receive messages, get instant weather forecasts, share your location, and get help in emergencies – all without having to pay monthly service fees.
SatPaq also features an Artificial Intelligence medical service to answer first aid questions and an SOS service for emergencies. It’s iPhone and Android compatible and can hold a charge for 4-5 months in storage. SatPaq is also only 4 ounces — that’s less than my iPhone!
SatPaq eliminates the monthly fees associated with other satellite messengers through the purchase of message credits called MessagePaqs that allow you to use the service whenever you need. These message credits holdover until you use them.
If you spend time exploring away from cell phone coverage, the SatPaq is a very attractive piece of gear!
For more info – https://satpaq.com

2. SPOT X
A rugged communications device that will send texts independently, without a linked smartphone.

• PRO: QWERTY keyboard and a built-in digital compass
• CON: Keyboard has tiny hard to use buttons. Cannot pair with a phone. Does not support maps
• PRICE: $250
• COST OF OWNERSHIP: $164 – $380 per year

NIFTY FACT: The SPOT X is the company’s first device with two-way satellite messaging.
The SPOT X is a stand-alone two-way satellite messaging device. The other devices we tested allow for two-way, customized messaging, but they require a smartphone for easy typing. The SPOT’s built-in QWERTY keyboard makes it stand out. You compromise nothing by using the X on its own. In fact, you couldn’t link it with your smartphone even if you wanted to.
The Spot X can send and receive text messages and short emails. This makes it fundamentally different than SPOTS’s other devices such as the Gen3, which can only send messages. Messages can be predefined, custom, or even posted to social media to keep all of your peeps in the know. Each Spot X unit is assigned a personal U.S. mobile number, which makes sending messages to the device easy. The process of sending messages to the other devices we tested is less straightforward.
The Battery life of the SPOT X far surpasses that of the Garmin InReach; going twice as long (10 days) before a recharge is required.
Along with sending and receiving messages the SPOT X can also track your location at regular intervals; send SOS messages directly to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center; and function as a rudimentary navigation device with a built in compass and the ability to set waypoints.
The SPOT X is a solid backcountry communications option, so long as you can accept the keyboard and lack of mapping capabilities.
For more info  – https://www.findmespot.com/spotx/lander.php

3. Garmin inReach
SMS devices allow users to communicate via text message to friends, family and rescue operators at a fraction of the price of regular satellite phones. These tools also allow for continuous tracking so that contacts back home can follow along with your journey.

• PRO: Reliable, Rugged, Accurate, Preloaded topographic maps
• CON: Unit is bulky, heavy, expensive
• PRICE:$300 – $450
• COST OF OWNERSHIP:$180 to $1,200 per year

NIFTY FACT: There are two flavors of Garmin inReach the Explorer+ and the SE+. The Explorer adds topo maps, a built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer.
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a significant investment: it’s $450 for the device; service plans and insurance coverage add more to the cost. But what’s the price of safety and peace of mind? If I got into trouble, the inReach can help me get out. And for friends and loved ones, the ability to communicate with me while I’m in the back country is invaluable.
Rugged and ready, InReach devices use the iridium satellite network of 66 low orbit satellites offering 100% coverage worldwide to help ensure your messages are received.
Both versions of the inReach excel at messaging, as long as you set your expectations appropriately. Satellite communications, no matter the network or the technology employed, have inherent limitations. Sometimes you’ll have to wait a few minutes for satellites to pass overhead and send and receive the messages.
The simplest way to send messages with the inReach is through the Garmin EarthMate smartphone app. On the app, it’s easy to add your contacts and then send and receive a big batch of messages. Pre-programmed messages make it much easier to send quick updates, so you don’t have to type the same message multiple times. Without the phone app composing messages is a painfully slow process of ticking off characters on the inReach keypad.
For more info – – https://explore.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/

The Bottom Line: Which Satellite Messenger Should I Pick?
Your answer will depend on your unique needs. Here are the main questions that I consider before choosing a device.

• What are your biggest priorities? Easy, quick messaging? Battery life? Cost savings? Compact size and weight? Navigational tools?
• Do you plan to also carry a smartphone and use it in conjunction with your satellite messenger, or do you want a standalone device?

Beyond the classic 10 essentials, modern SOS devices provide a greater increase in your overall outdoor safety than most other gear available. They offer peace of mind to your loved ones, and two-way communication with search and rescue teams and medical professionals. Simply put, you should buy one, learn to use it and show your riding partners how to use as well, and bring it with you on every wilderness adventure.

CLICK HERE for complete article and photos in The Trailmeister.

It’s time! Last winter’s abundance of snow has finally retreated, and the high country is exploding with color. Now is the time to head off on your favorite wildflower hike. You will beat the heat and experience a visual feast that is unequalled at any other time of year. Now is the time to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty. However, don’t wait too long, or the peak wildflower-viewing season will pass. Happy hiking!​

1. Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca
It’s a favorite of many hikers. Along the 2.5-mile hike, you will pass through an abundance of wildflowers, especially during the last ½ mile. At that point, there’s an area where the flowers are chest high, offering a seemingly unlimited variety.
This trail takes off at the Carson Pass Station and goes by beautiful Frog Lake on the way. The lake is only 200 feet or so off the trail and makes a scenic stop.
Directions:  Carson Pass
Directions:  Lake Winnemucca

2. Woods Lake to Lake Winnemucca
The 1.7-mile trail starts at the Woods Lake Trailhead about one mile off Highway 88. After you travel through a beautiful wooded area, the trail climbs and takes you past a hillside that is covered with an abundance and variety of flowers.
Directions: Woods Lake Trailhead

3. Meiss Meadows Trail
The trailhead is located on the north side of Highway 88 about ½ mile before Carson Pass. A roughly 2.5-mile hike takes you into Meiss Meadows, which is a large, lush meadow area teeming with wildflowers.
Directions: Meiss Meadows Trail

3. Schneider Camp to Meiss Meadows Trail
This hike is for folks with a little more adventurous nature and a four-wheel drive vehicle, since the road to the trailhead is unpaved. To get to the trailhead traveling east on Highway 88, you will turn left at the Cal Trans Maintenance Station about ½ mile past the second Caples Lake Dam. Follow the road through the station, and continue to the trailhead. The 1.0-mile trail to Meiss Ridge takes hikers through a basin filled with wildflowers.
Directions: Schneider Camp

Now is the time to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty. However, don’t wait too long, or the peak wildflower-viewing season will pass. Happy hiking!

To see the original article and more photos in Sacramento Valley magazine CLICK HERE.