Coyote Valley
BISHOP, CA
4x4 Overlanding Adventure Experience
A view of Coyote Lake from Coyote Ridge
Experience Overview
Whether you’re coming from San Diego, Los Angeles or San Francisco, Bishop, California is the gateway to the High Sierra. And Coyote Valley, aka “Coyote Flat” is a hidden gem of this alpine zone. In fact, it’s even been written up in OUTSIDE Magazine as the “Coolest 4x4 camping destination!”
Located in the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Inyo County, Coyote Valley is the perfect place to have an offroad 4x4 overland adventure - or go hiking, fly fishing and mountain biking.
It’s riddled with open pastures, racing rivers, emerald lakes and sweeping views of the remote wilderness that legendary explorer and naturalist, John Muir wrote about in his book, “Nature Writings.”
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Need a place to crash before or freshen-up after your adventure? Airbnb® has got you covered…
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Focus on 4x4 Overlanding
With the sport of 4x4 overlanding becoming one of the most popular outdoor pastimes, it’s important that those of us who are really experienced share the wealth of knowledge we’ve accumulated over years of backroads and hundreds of trips into the wilderness.
For your 4x4 Overlanding Experience, we’ll start with the basics of getting you up to speed on the best practices when overlanding - everything from choosing your route to prepping and packing your gear.
Then we’ll dive into some of the most important details like why it’s important to air-down before every trip; how to change a spare tire on uneven terrain; picking your “lines” on the trail so you avoid making costly mistakes that could damage your vehicle or leave you stranded.
By the end of your trip, you’ll have the experience and confidence to blaze some new trails of your own!
Skill-Share Modules
The primary focus of this adventure experience is all about getting you 4x4 overlanding in the backcountry.
Some people might find this kind of travel too intimidating to pursue or even try. But my goal is to teach you some of the basic skills I employ to execute all my favorite adventure excursions so you can plan a few of your own. . .
4x4 Overlanding Techniques
Self & Partner Vehicle Rescue Techniques
Camping Basics
Campcraft 101
Wilderness Navigation
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Rendezvous in Bishop | Ascend Coyote Valley Road | Setup Base Camp
Day 2
Explore Coyote Flats, Baker Lake & Sanger Meadow
Day 3
Sunrise Coffee Hike | Break Camp | Descend To Bishop
Combine or convert your trip to…
Ready to go?
Day 1
In this three-day, two overnight 4x4 offroad adventure, we’ll climb out of the rugged, high-desert surrounding Bishop, California deep into the Inyo National Forest surrounding Coyote Lake where we’ll set up base-camp.
Once the sun sets, we’ll roast marshmallows over an open fire under a vast star-lit sky. Snuggle under your goose-down comforter and drift to sleep in your private 8-person tent while listening to the sounds of crickets, frogs and maybe even the lone coyote of Coyote Flat.
Day 2
On the second day of our journey, we’ll rise early to explore everything Coyote Flat has to offer. This remote trail features some of the most amazing views in all the High Sierras without having to travel on foot with a heavy backpack or mountaineering gear.
You’ll have the chance to run through pristine mountain meadows and frolic in its frigid steams flowing through every nook and cranny of this gorgeous landscape…
Day 3
Before we strike camp and head back to civilization, I’ll lead you up to one of the best views around overlooking Rocky Bottom Lake where you can see indigenous golden trout swimming in its crystal clear waters as sun rises over the snow-capped 12,300ft Hunchback Peak to the East.
About Your Host/Guide
CERTIFIED TOUR GUIDE
Dan Smarg leads an overland expedition in Lander, Wyoming
Expertise | Access | Connection
When I’m not producing commercial content, I’m in the backcountry blazing new trails in my Jeep Rubicon, “Dollie Madison.”
Overlanding is like life: Not every road leads where you want to go, but it just might take you exactly where you want to be.
So let’s roll!
Gear & Services
The following is a basic guide for what you’ll need to bring. When you book your trip, I will provide a comprehensive list of required gear and provisions.
Everything else is optional and you’ll be able to add it to your cart at checkout.
REQUIRED PERSONAL GEAR
4x4 or AWD Truck / SUV / Jeep
Full-Size Spare Tire
Warm, Waterproof Clothing
Sturdy Footwear
Special Dietary Foods
Personal Care Items
NOTE: I have lead stock SUVs and pickup trucks - even rentals! - up this trail, but conditions may vary. Please purchase all necessary insurance and be prepared to pay for any damages to your vehicle.
PROVIDED GEAR & PROVISIONS
8-Person Stand-Up Tent
Inflatable / Foam Mattress Pads
Sleeping Bags (4-Person Limit)
Camp Chairs & Table
Cooler, Stove, Propane, Cookware
Meals: 2 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 2 Dinners | Snacks
Extra Fuel Canisters
OPTIONAL GEAR RENTALS
1-2 Mountain Bike(s) - 1 Pedal & 1 Battery-Assist
Basic Fly Fishing Setup (Rod, Shoes, Waders & Flies)
Single Kayak | Inflatable Kayak (For 2)
DSLR Camera & Lenses
Hitch-Mounted Gear Carrier Rack
Additional Tents: Single, Double or 4+ Person
Backcountry Clothing (Jackets, Hiking Boots etc.)
Movie Screen, Speakers & Projector
Generator & Glamping Ambiance Lighting
Solar Shower (Feels so niiiice!)
Propane Heater (For Your Tent)
King-Size Inflatable Mattress (For 2)
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Professional Photography Shoot
Professional Drone Shoot
Professional Video Shoot
Multimedia Shoot
