Utica Reservoir

by Sherri on May 2, 2008

utica.jpg

Sunrise over Utica Reservoir, Alpine County, California

The Blue Thunder story continues... It's been 25 years since this photo was taken on our off-road adventure trip to Utica Reservoir. But, I remember it as if it was yesterday. It was about 5:00 in the morning, when Jeff crawled out of our tent to relieve himself. He said, "Sherri get up!"  I remember thinking there must be a bear nearby. But, that wasn't the case at all. He wanted me to see this beautiful sunrise over Utica Reservoir. Since we had set up our tent so it was facing the lake, I didn't even have to get up to see it. I looked out the door and couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was a very magical sunrise and just what I was hoping for. Fortunately, I had my camera and tripod in the tent with me, which made it quick and easy to get this shot. Now, it's 25 year later. Writing this makes me want to revisit Utica Reservoir. But, this time will be different. We won't have Blue Thunder any more. We will be traveling in either a Tundra or a 4-Runner, so we will have to take the paved road in, unfortunately! Visit our Website for links to photo galleries.
1 Richard Wong May 3, 2008 at 9:32 pm

That is a nice story Sherri. I dread setting up tents and tearing it down, but when you experience things like this then it makes it all worthwhile. Does the Tundra or 4Runner not able to drive that dirt road?

2 Sherri Meyer May 4, 2008 at 6:52 am

Thanks Richard. I’m not ready to give up tent camping just yet, but I know the time will come.

The Tundra and 4-Runner might be able to make it in there. But, it’s been so long it’s hard to say for sure. They may have too long of a wheel base for this trail, but would make it just fine otherwise.

Also, trails have a tendency to change over the years for better or worse. If we were to attempt it again, we would certainly do our research first and see what others are driving in to Utica successfully.

3 Matt Imwalle April 29, 2009 at 12:20 am

Hi Sherri, what a magical shot, how fortunate to have had the opportunity. I would love to visit this reservoir in my Jeep Rubicon…. but cant seem to find any jeep/off road trail information. Might you have some information you can send me?

Matt

4 j.meyer April 29, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Thanks Matt. Although it’s been a few years, Sherri and I had a great time. The trail is actually called “The Slick Rock Trail.” It’s a fairly short trail (2-3 hours) with great views and not real technical. For more info., check out this link Slick Rock 4WD Trail of California
Enjoy and have fun!

Jeff Meyer

5 Ian Campbell May 9, 2009 at 5:09 pm

I drove my 2006 Hyundai Elantra to Utica Reservoir. Just take it slow.

6 Sherri May 11, 2009 at 9:59 am

Ian – great to hear you went to Utica. Not sure what a Hyundai Elantra is, but I’m curious to know which way you went in. Did you go in the 4×4 trail or the paved road?

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