We just drove Gaston Rd. last month and it's nicely graded. I can't believe I haven't used that road before! We use the Bowman Rd (FS 18), or sometimes drive around from Truckee/Jackson Meadows. Perazzo is one of our favorites, partially put under protection during Governor Ahnold's reign.
I would also offer historic Henness Pass Rd. to the uninitiated. Although the road is marked in Perazzo Meadows, Henness Pass Rd really starts at Milton Reservoir (lush grassy, cold and clear lake, great lunch spot) going all the way to pavement at Pliocene Ridge Rd., or even Mountain House Rd. down to Goodyear's Bar. Don't miss Forest City.
It's fun to imagine the mule teams running night and day to support the Comstock strike. There's some great views of the Sierra Buttes, looking at them straight on. I would like to camp at Keystone Gap some October/November, and photograph dawn light on the Sierra Buttes with early snow.
We think of Henness Pass as the "other way home" when 80 is a mess, and we don't want to go home through Downieville.
I think it's 20 miles and it is rugged.
Edited by Lighthawk, 18 August 2021 - 10:30 PM.