Fallon, NV to Hope Valley, CA

July 31, 2017

Monday morning I take care of a couple last minute errands then hitch up and head west out of Fallon.  My destination is Hope Valley RV Park located on Hwy 88 in Eldorado National Forest about 2 hours away.  Hope Valley is a privately operated campground within the national forest.  It has full hookups and was $38/night.  The campground was okay and serves my purpose, but I don’t know that I would stay here again.  On Thursday I need to drive into Fremont, CA.  I want to camp in the mountains and within a 3 or 4 hour drive of Fremont.  So this place works out fine for that.

First view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains south of Carson City

Early afternoon I arrive at the campground, check in and get setup in site #20.  I didn’t expect to have cell signal at the campground, but actually got 2 bars of Verizon!  It was so nice to be back in the mountains at an elevation of 7,000 ft after the last 6 days of traveling in 100º temps.

August 1, 2017

Lake Tahoe is about 25 miles north.  I have never been to the lake, so took a day trip up there.  Oh my gosh, it was still full blown tourist season!  I drove around the lake, but I was only able to stop at a couple of the overlooks as most were full.  In a lot of sections the road is narrow two lane with no shoulder and drop offs.  So had to keep eyes on the road.  It was a pretty drive, but all the smoke from the wildfires obscured the mountains in the background.

It was nice to see the lake and take the drive around, but I was glad to get out of the crowds and traffic!

August 2, 2017

Wednesday I took a drive west on Hwy 88.  This is a very scenic route up through the Sierras.  The highway crosses Kit Carson pass and then descends down to the valley. I drove to the pass and then a few miles down the other side.

Red Lake just below Kit Carson Pass

Looking southeast from Carson Pass towards Red Lake – very smoky

Caples Lake

There were a few hiking trailheads along the road, but they all required a day use fee.  I didn’t want to pay $10 or $15 to take a short hike so I passed on those.

It has been a nice 3 days here.  Temps were good with high 80s during day and 50s at night. Enjoyed the break from traveling every day.

Tomorrow…down to the city.