Does anyone know what the road to the Motherlode in PRMP is like these days? Is and SUV or 4x4 needed for that road? I'm visiting the area and am looking into what type of rental car to get.

That hill going down there can be gnarly. This winter we were driving in the Fixer Road. That is what the gas and oil guys do. I was there for the pre Christmas ice storm so it was coated in ice very sketchy in and out. The Fixer road is longer but safer. You can also park at the top of the hill and walk it, less than a half mile. Its up to you.
Have Fun!

First, the Motherlode is not in the PMRP. This may seem like splitting hairs, but this point is very important THE MOTHERLODE IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. Everyone should know this so that they act accordingly while climbing there.

To answer your question, you don't need a 4x4 to get down to the Motherlode. Bald Rock Road is in really good shape currently. I believe the county is maintaining it now, which is a very recent development. Furthermore, there is now legal parking available at the top of the hill, so it's easy to hike down the road, which I recommend if there is any ice. The road to Solar Collector/Darkside is getting pretty bad, but since it is uphill on the way in and downhill on the way out, you're not likely to get yourself stuck. There you could also park where the road gets bad and hike in about an extra 1/4 mile or so.

Have fun, when are you coming out?

Thanks guys for this great information!! Since the book indicated that parking on top of the hill getting into the Motherlode and adjacent areas wasn't allowed I didn't consider that alternative. I have no concerns about a bit of an extra walk and it seems that the roads are being maintained a bit better now too.

The place sure is different now than when I used to climb there with Grant Stephens and Martin Hackworth. I should be there during the week of March 28th. Any information on current conditions and crags to avoid or seek ot that time of year would be great too.

T-zilla...I'm looking forward to your visit down here. As Mike already stated, the road to The Motherlode is in pretty decent shape right now. A normal rental car will get you down there unless it gets a lot worse in the next couple of weeks. It's nice that they recently added the legal parking at the top of the hill. The road to the Sore Heel area of PMRP is definitely pretty muddy and rutted, and would be debatable in a Ford Focus. Either way, I'll probably be climbing with you for most of the trip, and my Outback will get us anywhere we need to go. See you soon!