Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 6.9 miles round trip or 7.3 miles round trip by alternate return route |
| Starting Elevation |
5950 |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+800, -800 round trip |
| Navigation | Road, map and compass |
| Time | Most of a day |
| Season | Late December through March |
| Snowmobiles Use | Permitted on Herring Creek Road (low). Not permitted north of road. [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Strawberry, Pinecrest |
| Start | Herring Creek Road and Highway 108, 2.5 miles north of Strawberry. |
Description
By combining a section of Herring Creek Road, which is easy to follow, with an obscure road along a broad ridge, this tour forms a loop. The section on the broad ridge is now closed to motorized winter use by the Over Snow Vehicle Use Designation decision by Stanislaus National Forest. The closed area is only one mile wide by three miles long, but encompasses the entire length of the ridge.
While you may encounter snowmobiles on Herring Creek Road while skiing to the eastern-most end of the tour, you will be treated to a wonderful return along a broad ridge in the non-motorized area. Because the road on the ridge will likely be obscure due to snow cover, a map and compass, or gps, is recommended.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.1
Elevation change: +100 feet
From the trailhead (1) ski generally east for 1.1 miles on well-defined Herring Creek Road until you reach a lessor snow-covered road (2) that intersects from the north (left). In this section there is one major loop to the south and then north before continuing east. The lessor road is 0.3 mile beyond the loop. At the end of the mileage log, an alternative return is described that descends on the lessor road to Herring Creek Road. Be aware that there are a number of lessor snow-covered roads that intersect Herring Creek Road that are not mentioned in this description. Some may, and some may not, be visible depending on the snow-cover.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.1 - 2.8
Elevation change: +300 feet
Continue east for a short distance and then northeast on Herring Creek Road for a total of 1.7 miles until you reach an intersection with a lessor road (3) that veers to the east (right).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 2.8 - 3.9
Elevation change: +350 feet
Continue northeast on Herring Creek Road until you make a 180-degree loop to the east and then west for a total of 1.1 miles until you reach a saddle (4). A lessor road heads southwest (left) from the saddle, but will probably not be visible. The description that follows will assume that the road is not visible.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 3.9 - 4.7
Elevation change: +50, -100
Turn southwest, climb 50 feet passing some large boulders on your right that are a part of Peak 6733, then descend about 100 feet, and finally continue southwest on a very broad ridge for a total of 0.8 mile until you are west of Peak 6642 (5). Beyond here, the route begins to descend.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 4.7 - 5.3
Elevation change: -250 feet
Descend southwest on the ridge as it becomes narrower for 0.6 mile until you reach a point where the ridge levels and becomes broad (6) once again.
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 5.3 - 5.6
Elevation change: -150 feet
Descend to the northwest for 0.3 mile until you reach the top of a gully (7) that runs southwest. Do not descend the gully.
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 5.6 - 6.0
Elevation change: -100 feet
Staying on the north side of the gully, descend gradually to the west for 0.4 mile until you reach a low point and intersect a snow-covered road (8). This road was described in the mileage log for "Waypoint 1 to 2". The snow-covered road may be obscure.
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 6.0 - 6.0
Elevation change: Nil
Turn northwest (right) on the snow-covered road and ski about 150 feet to where in theory there is another snow-covered road (9) that leads toward the trailhead.
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 6.0 - 6.8
Elevation change: -200 feet
Ski southwest (left), then west, and finally descend southwest for a total of 0.8 mile until you reach Herring Creek Road (10). You will cross an open area just before you begin the descent.
Waypoint 10 to 1
Miles: 6.8 - 6.9
Elevation change: Nil
Turn west (right) onto Herring Creek Road and ski 0.1 mile back to the trailhead (1).
Alternate Return
An alternative return route starting at waypoint 8 that quickly takes you back to Herring Creek Road is described below. It increases the length of the tour by 0.4 mile but puts you back onto Herring Creek Road in only 0.2 mile.
Waypoint 8 to 2
Miles: 6.0 - 6.2
Elevation change: -100 feet
Ski southeast and then southwest for a total of 0.2 mile until you reach Herring Creek Road (2).
Waypoint 2 to 1
Miles: 6.2 - 7.3
Elevation change: -100 feet
Turn west (right) and follow Herring Creek Road for 1.1 mile back to the trailhead (2).
