High Sierra Poker Run 2026 (dates TBD)
Dates
Late August / Early September 2026 (dates TBD) Based on prior years: typically Friday through Monday over Labor Day weekend.
Location
Base Camp near Shaver Lake, CA GPS: 37°07’29.8”N 119°10’30.0”W
Free dry camping available at base camp (first-come, first-served).
About
The High Sierra Poker Run is one of Cal4Wheel’s premier Central District events, featuring six trail rig runs and two SXS runs spanning two days. The legendary Swamp Lake Trail has been a favorite for over 30 years and is one of the most scenic trails in the state.
The weekend includes a Saturday night dinner, raffle, and games – making this a full weekend of wheeling and fun in the Sierra National Forest.
Trail Runs
Saturday:
- Brewer Lake – Semi-easy, challenging at the lake (35” tires, 1 locker to reach lake)
- Mirror Lake – Short but hardcore rock crawling (front AND rear lockers required)
- Bald Mountain Extreme – Intense with bypass options (1 locker required)
- SXS Bald Mountain – Side-by-side/UTV run
Sunday:
- Swamp Lake Trail – The heart of High Sierra, scenic all-day run (front AND rear lockers required)
- Bald Mountain – Challenging with bypasses (less extreme than Saturday)
- Coyote Lake – Rock crawling to a hidden high mountain lake (1 locker required)
- SXS Run – If interest
Vehicle Requirements
Requirements vary by trail:
- Swamp Lake & Mirror Lake: Front AND rear lockers required
- Bald Extreme & Coyote Lake: At least one locker required
- Brewer Lake: 35” tires and one locker to reach the lake
- Oversized vehicles not recommended on Swamp Lake, Mirror Lake, or Coyote Lake trails
Schedule Highlights
Friday: Registration & Tech Inspection (1-6 PM) Saturday: Trail runs, dinner, raffle Sunday: Trail runs Monday: Travel home
Questions?
Official Cal4Wheel website: https://cal4wheel.com/events/high-sierra-poker-run