According to Warner Anderson, trail boss for the trip, the Henness Pass Route, believed to be designed by Patrick Henness in 1849 or 1850, was constructed as a toll road, passable for wagons. It was one of the most heavily traveled routes in its day but has virtually disappeared from most modern maps.
The two-day trip is specifically designed as an overnight camping trip for SUV owners and other four-wheel drive families, seeking an educational and scenic tour through the Sierra Nevada.
The trip will begin in Marysville on Saturday morning with frequent stops on the way to Jackson Meadows Reservoir.
Camping spaces will be reserved at the reservoir and the Sacramento Jeepers Club will provide the guests will a steak dinner with all of the trimmings.
After breakfast on Sunday, the group will proceed down the eastern slope of the Sierras to Verdi, and continue on to Virginia City.
Stops along the route will include the Oregon Creek covered bridge, Sleighville House stage stop, Mountain House and the opportunity to view a working Pelton Wheel near Bullards Bar Dam.
This trip offers moderate four-wheeling experiences and an opportunity to visit many historic points of interest.
The road stretches from Nevada over the Sierras, via Henness Pass, down the ridge between the North and Middle Forks of the Yuba River to its junction with routes into Yuba and Nevada Counties.
The cost for the trip is $140 per adult, $50 per child, ages 7-14, and there is no charge for children under seven.
The cost includes all meals, one T-shirt and one dash plaque per adult and one T-Shirt for each child age 7-14.
Since the trip calls for overnight camping, Anderson recommends all participants bring camping equipment, including a tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, folding chairs, cooler, etc.
A citizen band (CB) radio is required for the narrated portion of various tour stops and any emergencies.
Participants not owning a CB radio, may request a loaner in advance.
To register or for information, call Kyle Wipf at (916) 966-8636 or email at kylew1972@yahoo.com.
