This may be a longer way to travel, but you wouldn't need a 4WD vehicle & it is really only about 10 miles off road travel. Driving to Loyalton, CA from Reno, NV on 395N take 70 West to CA 49 toward Loyalton. Once on CA 49 & In about 10.2 miles, turn left on Co Rd 860/Smithneck Rd. This road is before the town. Travel about 9.5 miles on Smithneck & there will be a dirt rd on your left which is known as "Babbitt Rd. You can park at this cross or you can drive further up. From the cross of Smithneck Rd. & Babbitt Rd. you will need a 4WD. The hike will be approximately 10 miles round trip, all on a dirt road & pretty easy to follow. Note: Babbitt Rd. & Jones Valley Rd. appear to be one & the same. We did come across an intersection of a left turn off Babbitt about 3 (?) miles up-stay to your right or straight.
gret_nelson2 - Jul 29, 2013 7:50 pm - Hasn't voted
Alternate RouteThis may be a longer way to travel, but you wouldn't need a 4WD vehicle & it is really only about 10 miles off road travel. Driving to Loyalton, CA from Reno, NV on 395N take 70 West to CA 49 toward Loyalton. Once on CA 49 & In about 10.2 miles, turn left on Co Rd 860/Smithneck Rd. This road is before the town. Travel about 9.5 miles on Smithneck & there will be a dirt rd on your left which is known as "Babbitt Rd. You can park at this cross or you can drive further up. From the cross of Smithneck Rd. & Babbitt Rd. you will need a 4WD. The hike will be approximately 10 miles round trip, all on a dirt road & pretty easy to follow. Note: Babbitt Rd. & Jones Valley Rd. appear to be one & the same. We did come across an intersection of a left turn off Babbitt about 3 (?) miles up-stay to your right or straight.