High Sierra Topix

Just called the Great Western Divide Forest Service office to get some trailhead/road info and was told the North road, that provides access to the Lewis Camp and Summit Trailheads, is not open as of yet but could open around Memorial Day. Trees in the road (not snow) is the reason why the road is still closed.

Fire restrictions were also issued for the area on May 1: no campfires at all in the GTW this season. You can still use a propane or gas stove though. The ranger also said that if the dry conditions continue or get worse, a campfire prohibition throughout the whole Sequoia National Forest could be put into effect: means no smores or weiners cooked on a campfire, even if you are in developed site or campground.

Two dry years in a row are not working out for the southern Sierras very well.

I spoke with the Kernville FS this week and was told that the Sherman Pass road was still closed but that you could drive as far as the Blackrock TH from the 395. I would have thought that the Sherman Pass road would be open by now. All she would say about the Mananche Rd is that is is normally open by Memorial Weekend.