Dusy-Ershim Trail

Recently completed the Dusy Ershim Trail. Started on Tuesday, 9/13/22, from the south entrance at Courtright Reservoir and finished at the north entrance near Kaiser Pass on Friday, 9/16/22. My backstory is that I have attempted do this trip since 2019 but have had unfortunate luck due to the trail closing early (during the times I planned to go) because of early snowfall, wildfires, last minute cancellations or the c19. This year I had three rigs committed in my group to go. Everything was good up until the trip start day when there was an unfortunate circumstance that could have cancelled the trip, again. Luckily it didn’t and our trip went on, with one less rig. In summary, anything you research about this trail is true…plus more. The Trails Offroad (TO) guide does an exceptional job of preparing you for the trip and is mostly accurate. Even more helpful was the offline mode of the TO app to guide us as we were out on the trail. The TO guide does list all the major obstacles on the trail, but there were many, many (and did I say many) more rock gardens, waterfalls, tight areas, and obstacles not marked that it would be insane just to mark every one of them. The Dusy is a series of rock gardens and narrow tree lines with minimal bypasses and little relief in-between. In terms of technicality, the rock crawling isn’t anything that an experienced rock crawler hasn’t encountered before. There are much more difficult trails in Johnson Valley and Moab IMO. What makes it difficult is the length, roughness and narrowness of the trail. A majority of the trail is very rocky and will shake you around like a bobblehead. When you drive through trees you must make sure that you can fit and not put your top into a tree. Combine that with all the rock crawling and fatigue will settle in, which I think is the biggest battle on the trail (the fatigue). Crazy and stupid things happen when you’re fatigued. In terms of rig readiness, in my group we had a JKUR on 37s w/ 4.5” lift (me) and a JLUR on 35s w/ 3.5” lift, both with full belly armor on overland setups mostly (not full rock crawler builds). Of all the rigs on the Dusy we encountered we were the shortest, smallest tire size and longest wheelbase of any. We were also one of the few that had roof tops. There were some who questioned whether we were capable to make it through pre-trip, and when at the Ershim Lake campground others questioned how me made it up Thompson Hill (I just told them with a winch, lol). With that though, my buddy and I made it through the Dusy with no catastrophic breaks, welders or any spare parts on hand (contrary to popular belief), in addition to the 300+ mile trip back home in our same rigs non-trailered (the most amazing part of the trip by far). Whether you are going in from the south or north, you’ll be tested early on to see if you and your rig can make it through the trail, and assess if you still want to continue the trail. Thompson Hill is everything that it’s hyped up to be, but is passable. There were two sections of Thompson Hill that I had to winch out of (one because of muddy traction and the other because I high centered). Besides those two sections my group made it through with the right lines. It was also the only two sections throughout the trail that required me to use my winch. Overall the Dusy has become my favorite Jeep experience of all time, and is worthy of multiple return trips if life allows. You are not guaranteed tomorrow so just get out there and do it, regardless of what critics and doubters may say to spook you. Updated items of note: Waypoint 13 (East Lake and Campground (17 mi)) – Best swimmable lake w/ beach like area IMO. Waypoint 15/16 (Ershim Lake Campground 1 &2 (22 mi)) – Very popular campground. When we arrived, we were lucky enough to get one of the last remaining camp sites. A lot of rigs come in from the north entrance just to stay here. Waypoint 20 (Lakecamp Campground (27 mi)) – Just one campground that you can’t park in because it’s blocked off. A lot of the area is blocked off by wooden bollards. If you have a big group, then parking could be an issue if you camp here. Waypoint 22 (Givens Hill (29 mi)) – Not sure exactly where it was but felt like it was another ¼ to ½ mile past the waypoint marked in the TO gpx file. Waypoint 23 (Whitebark Vista / Hard corner (30 mi)) – Bypass does not exist. It has been blocked off.

Trip Report for Ershim-Dusy August 22-29, 2022. Preface: The last message to the group stated, “Again, the idea of this trip is to enjoy the scenery, Wheel without breakage, FUN! with short runs each day. Hit the trail by 9:30ish, lunch/snacks at some point/ travel to next stop. This will prevent fatigue and allow us to enjoy the environment! “ This was based on the fact that in 2008 Four Jeeps traveled the trail, with one full day at Ershim Lake, in Five Days, with the last day from Ershim Lake to pavement, including the drive back to the Tow Vehicles (60ish miles away) and home to Bakersfield. Having said this: August 22 the group met at Badger Flat campground: Jessie and Jami Higgins (Bakersfield Trailblazers-BT), TJ; Rick Antolovich (Western Slope Four Wheelers-WS), Four-Runner; Marcel Aebi, JT-D (BT); Jess and Gigi Deegan, JT(BT & WS). The former and latter had both run the trail in 2008. Dinner was Steak and all the fixings. The order the first day on the trail, was the reversed of that listed here. August 23 the group broke camp, having aired down the night before, proceeded a few miles to the White Bark Vista and the beginning of the trail. Immediately, the trail climbed to a 5, then floated between 7 and 8.5 for the next 12 hours. The trail was rocky, curvy, and at each turn either a tree, rock, or drop off required your attention. Twelve hours was driving time, which includes the time winching, towing, or simply spotting. Note that within about 200 yards of our campsite destination (Ershim Lake), the Four-Runner became a Three-Runner, severing a front CV drive axle. The group set camp, ate a quick snack and settled for the night. August 24 the group broke camp as planned, with renewed belief that the trail would be easier. The order also changed, with the Three-runner following Jess/Gigi, so that the former could assist quickly as needed. Though not of the intensity of the 23rd, the trail remained challenging drifting between 5 and 6 for the 6.5 hours of driving, including spotting for the various obstacles (which were constant) and remounting a front tire on the crippled 3-Runner . Rejuvenated by the fact that campsite 2 (East Lake) was indeed within the hoped-for driving time, camp was set, and everyone enjoyed Pulled Pork, the fixings, and Tasting of Scotch. This was also the day of Gigi and Jess’ 35th Wedding Anniversary, with toasting as to such. August 25, with the day before as predicted (more or less) and the group rested, we set off with Enthusiasm. This despite the fact that Four-Runner was a three-Runner, requiring lines that were not the norm. The early part of the day proved to be, again, challenging constantly, but the group reached Thompson Hill with reasonable time in the day left and proceeded down. As we proceeded down Thompson, we were confident we would be at camp before dark. After all, we were going downhill and it was a short 3-mile hill. Little did we know the challenges, given a (very nasty, RA edit) 9 plus rating and a vehicle that needed babying. At the 12.5-hour mark with three of the four vehicles having driven off trail in the dark (not RA), and exhausted, we set tents and slept. August 26, with 30 hours of driving time having occurred in three days, we woke, had coffee and headed down the remainder of Thompson Hill. Four hours later, we found a spot close to the water (which was incredibly low) and set camp (Courtright Reservoir) . Early Dinner included, Bison Chili (with fixing) and Eskimo Pies/Cheesecake (or both). The crew of Marcel and Rick, then jumped into the Gladiator Diesel and proceeded on a Mission from God. With two of the four vehicles having not topped off in Shaver, and neither carrying extra gas, and both already having used another person’s 5 gallons of gas, the need was apparent that if the group was to SURVIVE, MORE GAS was needed. They also picked up another 10 gallons of water. The mission ended, about 8:30 p.m., having transversed Little Thompson and Chicken Rock in both directions and traveling 84 miles total. We also had Port! August 27……we relaxed, finally ending the day, after canoeing/Kayaking/Fishing/Chilling, with Brats, fixings, and left-over whatever (cheesecake). Then God sent a sign - a stock Tacoma miraculously appeared, cruising the dried-up lakebed. Rick chased it down on foot to learn of a Lakeshore Drive, bypassing Little Thompson and Chicken Rock. August 28, the group broke camp and having learned of the God Given exit, allowing the poor three runner to travel along the shore of Courtright, avoiding Little Thompson and Chicken Rock, to pavement after a short section of maybe 3-4. At pavement it was noted that everyone had suffered some amount of damage, though Rick won the trophy. (Marcel noted upon editing that ”the damage to the undercarriage on my JT is extensive. Will definitely be needing a lift and full armor”, thus putting the trophy in contention; MAYBE, Rick has some good body damage and needs an external cage, not counting the CV/AXLE). Total Travel time was about 40 hours. After some minor repairs and airing up, (1) Marcel quickly drove to Bakersfield, where serviced was required due to a diesel engine; (2) Jesse/Jami drove back to their tow vehicle, and Bakersfield, with work to be done later; (3) Rick followed Jess/Gigi back to Bakersfield, where everyone passed out. August 29, Jess and Rick, with eternal thanks to Jesse, disassembled the front passenger CV/Axle and replaced the same. That afternoon, Rick was able to head for Northern California via the Owens Valley. The fact that everyone who started the trip were returned to their normal abnormality, Jess and Gigi had some more wine.

Closed for the winter. Till next Aug

Possible fire on the trail on the southside near Courtright. Call the rangers if you are going to do the trail

The trail is open

The area is still under temporary closure and will likely run through the end of the season for this trail. Lets just hope the fire doesn't hit this trail.

The Creek Fire has caused mandatory evacuation orders to be in place including this trail: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7147/ While this trail is not threatened by the fire, Highway 168 is threatened and authorities have chosen to clear out the entire region to help with firefighting efforts.

This was our second trip to the Dusy. We spent 5 days out there with a one day layover at Thompson Lake and another at Ershim Lake. Awesome trail!! I forgot how dusty it can be. Had a trunnion bearing on day three give up, but the crew made quick work of swapping it out. Thompson Hill and the trail from Ershim Lake to White Bark is no joke. Be sure your rig is up to the challenge. I love this trail.

Just heard, trail is opening on Aug 1. Have fun and invite me :)

The trail is open!!!

3 others and I ran the trail 10/10/2019-10/13/2019 and it was the most beautiful trail i have ever ran! The trail seemed to be relatively low traffic and we didn't see another soul the entire trip. No one obstacle was notable except our final push up Thompson hill. We camped at Thompson lake, Ershim lake and lake camp lake. Ershim was the best camp sight, in my opinion. I wish i had stayed two days at Ershim lake just to enjoy the views! definitely would run this trail again! Things to note/bring with you/ be equipt with. -narrow short wheelbase is your friend.- during our trip a jk smashed his back window in one of his many 3 point turns throughout the trees -Extra fuel -Rocksliders - take at least 5 days to run the trail. -at least one locker

Sounds like the trail will open next week... Stay tuned. Sierra National Forest - The Swamp OHV trail opened on Sunday, 8/18/19, we are down to just one more trail to open. Our crew of Forest Service and 4wd Clubs will start working on Dusy-Ershim this Thursday 8/22. The work is expected to be completed (Tentative) by Monday 8/26/2019 and the Dusy-Ershim will be open for the season. Enjoy this very unique OHV trail that passes between two wilderness areas and practice Tread Lightly.

Trail is still closed. Sounds like maybe the of month as for now.

Just heard from the forest service. They are saying they think the trail will open in Aug this year... Best be in contact with them if you are planning on running this trail this year to ensure you don't get up there to locked gates.

Awesome trail, but extremely looonnnnggg. Our group consisted of two well built Toyota 4runners with experienced drivers (dual transfer cases, front and rear lockers, armor, skid plates, 4" lift, 37" and 39" tires with leaf springs). We suffered no drive train damage, however, my rear diff plug loosened up at Ershim lake, and I had to re-tighten. Both trucks sustained minor sheet metal damage through narrow tree passes in the rear quarter panel sections. The previous reviews covered pretty much everything about the trail, but I wanted to include the travel times we experienced to help others in trip planning. I had 3 kids (4, 6, and 8) with me along with my wife, which added marginally to the time it took. The leaf sprung suspension limited how fast I could go without sending one of my kids out of the windows, perhaps having a coil sprung (or coilovers) suspension could have knocked a few hours total off of the total trip, although we were moving at a decent pace considering the non-stop boulders on the trail. Day 1: Left Shaver lake at approximately 10:30 AM and Arrived at Thompson Hill Campground at Approximately 6:00 PM. Stopped at Chicken Rock at 1:00 PM for approximately 1 hour lunch. Had to get out to spot each other twice on the last 1/3 of Thompson Hill. Day 2: Left Thompson Hill at approximately 10:30 AM and Arrived at Ershim Lake Campground around 5:00 PM. Stopped for lunch for about 1 hour and made another rest stop for about 15-20 minutes. Day 3: Camping only! Great Time at Ershim Lake. Day 4: Left Ershim lake at approximately 9:30 AM arrived at the gate at approximately 4:30 PM. Stopped at Mallard Lake for Lunch around 12:00 PM. Stopped again at Lookout for 15-20 minutes for photos. Had to get out to spot during a difficult downhill about 3/4 mile outside of Ershim lake. Had to get out and spot at the boulder field just before reaching the gate. For people in Southern California, I suggest doing the Clawhammer trail in Johnson Valley to get an idea of the most difficult rock crawling sections (Thompson Hill). Also, this trail is NON-STOP rock crawling. It is not your typical trail where you hit a set of rock obstacles, then drive an easy section at relatively high speed to the next obstacle. It's a tough obstacle followed by more rocks, so you don't ever really get to move that fast. It is literally 30 miles of rocks, so be prepared mentally, make sure you go slow and take your time to help you avoid breakage.

Love this trail. We did the trail in 4 days which was kind of fast still. I am thinking we will do it over 5 days again next time. All in all the trip went great, no major failures that would cause too much headache. Bent axle, broken hub, broken bolts, and a little paint left behind. Our group did end up welding but we were ready. All in all, I can't wait for next year. The trail itself was harder than 2 years ago on Thompson while Givens was probably easier. I would still say north to south is harder because of how torn up the trail is on the north side, but due to how lose Thompson is getting, it isn't much harder. Keep an eye out for the video... #FalkenTires

I received notification that the trial has a chance it could be snowed over this summer and be unpassable due to the deep snow pack. They are hoping they will open the trail, possibly in the range of 2-3 weeks late this year. Please make sure you have alternate plans available as you prepare for a trip this year (2017) and do ample research prior to leaving. The areas for concern are the parts of the trail over 8500 feet (most of it). I will update this post as I receive updates. Please feel free to post trip reports in your live in the area with current snow conditions. Thank you,

Just got off the trail and boy has it changed a lot in the last year. If it wasn't ranked it a 10 I would knock it up even a few more points. For comparison, We just finished running the Rubicon and this trail was easily 2-4 times harder and people are saying that east half is the hardest its been in a long time. We ran the trail South to North this year. Overall the trip was great, we did have some problems that required us to stay on the trail a day longer but you plan for that kind of stuff on this kind of trail. Our plan was Day 1 - Start at Shaver Lake Hotel and end at Thompson Lake, Day 2 - East Lake, Day 3 - Ershim Lake, Day 4 - Lake Camp, and Day 5 - Home. I think if I could change anything, I think I would have the group meet at Courtright Campground and leave around 9 - 10 am. Coming from Shaver was just too far to make it to Thompson in any reasonable time. We left Shaver around 10am arriving at Courtright Campground around 1pm. After a short lunch we headed up Chicken Rock at roughly 2pm. We stopped for more pictures there and headed down the trail around 2:30pm getting us to Thompson Lake around 7:30pm. Be warned, The gate for Chicken Rock is become a bit of a gate keeper. We had a vehicle take body damage right there due to the narrowness of the area and the large rocks you have to get over. Thompson Hill was a bit easier in some spots and the same in others, a couple spots were dug up that required some rock stacking not to get high centered on. I forgot that the hill is so steep that if you take your seatbelt off it will lock and you can't get it back on. It took 5 hours to get from Chicken Rock to Thompson Lake which included stopping and taking lot of photos and just enjoying the scenery. Thompson Hill took up about an hour to two of that time which was mostly throwing rock to help the ground clearance problems. Most of the Southern 3/4 of the trail was easier this year. We were able to carry much higher speeds which meant we were getting between the lakes in about 2 hours. But the Northern 1/4 was just destroyed. We had people in JK's with 6 inch lifts and 40+ inch tires getting stuck. It took a bit longer going through this area then the others. We were also going down hill most of the time which really helped us from getting stuck. But this didn't stop it. We had many vehicles get stuck in a couple sections of the trail due to ground clearance issues. Going up, a lot of rock stacking might be required for the average four-wheeler to make it up. Our group faired not bad compared to the other groups we saw. Our group incurred a steering box failure, several tire failures, broken shock, broken mirror, broken tail light, Lots of bent undercarriage items, and plenty of body damage. As for the other groups we saw, they had a good amount of body damage and driveline failure. All in all, it was a great trip and can't wait to do it again.