The Dunderberg Meadow Loop

I wanted to checkout riding in this area driving back and forth on the 395 I always thought there wold be some amazing views here. So I finally  went home and google and google earth this area. I found out there was a Dunderberg Ghost Town in this area. I posted on Fatbikemammoth.com google group if anybody had ridden in this area. I got a response from Mark Davis co writer

Mountain Biking the Eastern Sierra’s Best 100 Trails to ride.

This was the source of the Dogtown placers, and was actively mined during Bodie’s heyday of 1880s.  Dr. Munckton of Carson City was the primary investor.  There is a potential loop of the Virginia Lakes Road, Hwy 395, Green Creek Road, Dunderburg road, and a high traverse back to Virginia lakes road.  A powerline road, steep but short, cuts that loop in half. There are also some minor roads and old ditches to ride in Sinnamon Meadow, near Dunderburg.  The mill site is the main remnant of this small mining company town. There was only one mine here and one company.  The ditch across the meadow was dug in 1861 and brought water from Green Creek to the Monoville mines.  With some brushing that could become some spectacular singletrack.

Mark Davis

So I checked out a route. Then the next day I headed up Virginia Lakes Cafe and started with Breakfast. If there is a cool café near a ride I want to try it. They did have beer on draft but I had to be at work later probably wouldn’t have been a good idea.

Virginia Lakes Cafe

Then I had a quick look at the Lakes

Virginia Lake

I drove up to the trailhead.

Trailhead

I found a nice pullout parking area unloaded my bike dressed up and starting riding.

Parking area

I liked the start of the trail a nice gravel road with lots of trees.

A look at the Virginia Lakes Basin

After about a half mile of riding I looked back and could see amazing views of The Virginia Lakes Basin 9000 plus ft.

Bodie Hills across HWY 395 in the back ground

With a kinda rolling trail you can see the Bodie Hills (a Ghost Town) Potato Peak which I need to ride across from Hwy 395 in the distance.

The Y road.

After about 2 miles you come to a Y to the left is a double track to the right is a gravel road that begins to drop quickly. I took the gravel road and end up riding the double track which I was glad I did so I could enjoy the views.

Gravel Road Dropping into an Aspen Grove

Heading down the Gravel Rd Named Dunderberg Meadows I began to travel thru Large Aspen Groves which or some of my favorite trees

Dunderberg Meadow

After about 5 miles I could see Dunderberg Meadows somewhere around here was supposed to be Dunderberg Mill.

The start of the amazing double track.

I made a left onto the Doubletrack trail Named 32176rd which is the start of the loop back to the car and lakes.

The Double track also starts to get steep but this is where I really started to enjoy the views.

Back Side of Dunderberg Meadow

Here I saw more and up close of Dunderberg Meadow there where some cattle grazing.

A tunnel of Aspens

This area of the trail was sweet a Tunnel of Aspen Trees, Kinda interesting mid summer and the leaves where starting to turn hum a sign of early fall and winter. I better get my wish list rides in before the snow flies.

A water crossing fill that water bottle up

I did forget to fill my water bottle I was happy to see this water crossing the trail really began to climb.

Another amazing high country meadow

I climbed up to this meadow the double track here was great surrounded by more Aspens this has to be an amazing ride when the leaves turn golden. It flatten out enough for me to catch my breath.

Looking back to the valley

I never did find the town or the old mill.

Looking back to the valley and towards Bridgeport, CA

Looking up at Dunderberg Peak

riding up and starring  at the climb loving my 42t cog I could see Dunderberg Peak at Elevation: 12374 ft / 3772 m

A rustic Cabin in the woods

Near the top of the ride I was curious about the cabin in history but there was a No trespassing sign so I stayed out.

Another Option

If I wanted to add some more miles an Elevation I could have checked this out but I was running out of time and had to be back at work and was getting hungry.

Back to the Y

about 7 or 8 miles I was back to the Y  I saw more of Bodie Hills and some of Mono Lake.  I proceeded  to head back to the car.

The Handle Bar POV shot back to the car

Almost back at the car I had to take the The Handle Bar POV shot back to the car Virginia Lakes Basin How to be a Mountain Biker shot.

Although there was no epic Singletrack this ride did have great doubletrack loaded views and a water crossing. A 9mile loop and 1300 feet plus elevation.

http://www.strava.com/activities/177431214