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Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 11:44 am
by maverick
My source says the road will be opening 6/26.

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:35 pm
by SNOOOOW
That is great news. But no shuttle so it's a free for all with way too many cars??

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 8:33 pm
by recked
I wonder if it will be like Pinnacles NP where a ranger is posted at a gate holding a list of names of those with reservations/permits.

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:40 am
by maverick
I believe they will be putting a cap on entry numbers.

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:32 am
by SNOOOOW
I guess we will find out. I have an overnight permit for a month from now so I am assuming that allows me down there in my vehicle since the bus won't be running

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:11 am
by maverick
Inyo NF:
Reds Meadow Road (estimated to open 6/26/20), Mammoth Lakes Basin.
:)

Reds Meadow Road Opening 6/26

Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 2:50 pm
by maverick
Here is the official opening info from Inyo NF:
Reds Meadow Road opening June 26: careful planning required to access valley

The Inyo National Forest and Devils Postpile National Monument announce that the Reds Meadow Road will open on Friday, June 26 for the 2020 season.

Typically, the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus helps provide access to popular destinations within the Reds Meadow Valley, which has limited parking and a narrow winding road. However, the shuttle service will not operate this year.

Rangers will need to carefully manage access to the Reds Meadow Valley. Rangers will monitor parking lots and will not allow vehicles to drive in once lots are full.

Visitors with wilderness permits will need to carefully plan since holding a wilderness permit does not provide an exception to enter the valley if parking is not available. This will include wilderness permit holders accessing the following trailheads in the Ansel Adams Wilderness: Fish Creek, Minaret Lake, John Muir Trail (JMT), Shadow Creek, River and High trails.

Permit holders should be prepared to park elsewhere and hike the additional miles to the trailhead. Additionally, if a permit holder has a coordinated drop-off or pick-up at their trailhead, these vehicles will be permitted through (no long-term parking).

Visitors should also be aware that parking is extremely limited at Minaret Vista and people should avoid parking on brush. Adequate long-term parking is available at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Devils Postpile National Monument will open on June 26 as well. All trails in the park are open, but the park Ranger Station and campground will not open this summer. There will be a public contact station outside the Ranger Station where visitors can receive park information. Parking in the Devils Postpile Ranger Station area is very limited. Rangers will monitor the area and will close the parking lot to additional vehicles when necessary.

Details and updates on the National Monument’s operations will continue to be posted on our website https://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

The campground in the Reds Meadow Valley are not opening with the road. When the campgrounds open, they will be available first-come, first-served. Please check here for updates: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/inyo/recreation.

“We appreciate your patience this year while we provide access to this area under a significantly changed operation,” said Gordon Martin, District Ranger for Mammoth and Mono Lakes Ranger Districts. “We want to provide a quality visitor experience that avoids crowding, traffic jams, and gridlock.”

The standard amenity fee is being charged to access the road. It is $10 for a standard vehicle, or the Interagency Pass is accepted. Payment must be by credit card.

The Reds Meadow Road accesses popular recreation destinations such as Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Sotcher Lake. The area is popular with anglers, hunters, hikers, campers, and others.

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2020 4:38 pm
by avizzini
Any idea if the road is going to be closed at night to incoming traffic? Is there anything that would prevent one from just arriving at 5:30-6:00am for an early start to ensure parking near the Agnew Meadows TH? I recall those spots filling up early and that was with shuttle service...

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 3:36 pm
by maverick
Any idea if the road is going to be closed at night to incoming traffic? Is there anything that would prevent one from just arriving at 5:30-6:00am for an early start to ensure parking near the Agnew Meadows TH?
No it will not be, and no there isn’t.
Kiosk opens at 8 am, $10 entrance fee. Get down prior to that, when the parking gets full they will close the kiosk, and you will have to park at the vista, and hike down.

Re: Reds Meadow Road

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:28 pm
by avizzini
maverick wrote: Tue Jun 23, 2020 3:36 pm
Any idea if the road is going to be closed at night to incoming traffic? Is there anything that would prevent one from just arriving at 5:30-6:00am for an early start to ensure parking near the Agnew Meadows TH?
No it will not be, and no there isn’t.
Kiosk opens at 8 am, $10 entrance fee. Get down prior to that, when the parking gets full they will close the kiosk, and you will have to park at the vista, and hike down.

Thanks for the info. That'll be my plan then, I have an America the Beautiful pass so don't need to worry about getting to the Kiosk when it's open. I'll take an early start over a dull walk down the road...