What does a govt shutdown mean for access to NF and NP?

[phenocryst]

I drove to Reds Meadow today. Nobody in the kiosk, just a sign saying no access to Devils Postpile or Rainbow Falls. Most of the campgrounds were closed but all trailheads were open. The road into DEPO was barricaded. I talked to a guy who had tried to walk down to Devils Postpile but was met by a ranger who told him the monument was closed and he had to leave. But a pleasant surprise to find access as usual everyplace else in the valley.

[jessegooddog]

Although the CalTrans site (state) does not say the Tioga Pass is closed, I would double check with a call to Mono Lake or Whoa Nellie Deli for the most current information. And remember, the east side is wide open, the fall color is at it's peak right now, and there are no storms in the 10 day forecast, just a little wind. As soon as my weekend company leaves, I am headed for one more overnight trip into the national forest.

[phenocryst]

Per KIBS news this morning, roads to trailheads on Rock, Bishop and Lone Pine creeks are open (as is Reds Mdw, per me yesterday). Presumably the others are, too (?) "Previously reserved wilderness permits will be honored but no new ones will be issued" for the duration.

I know what I would do.

Tioga road is open to thru traffic... so come on over!

[Tom_H]

I was also planning on Desolation this weekend. Will probably make alternate plans and hope that the govt can get its act together soon.

Since all the trailheads originate at points of open access (no gate many miles away from trailhead), I wouldn't hesitate just to enter Desolation without a permit, same for Hoover, etc. If the backcountry rangers aren't there, what are they going to do? Even if they are there, if you say you tried to get a permit and no one was available, what are they going to do? I'd still be respectful to them and follow all the rules (fires, bathroom use, etc.) as usual. If they told me to leave, I'd politely say that with the government shut down, I am exercising a peaceful protest against it via this non-violent act of civil disobedience. The WWII memorial at the national mall was locked off at midnight. Today there were numerous WWII vets in there respectfully visiting it. I didn't see any LEOs arresting them.

Sure, they're not going to arrest you and march you out in cuffs, but that doesn't mean you won't be hit with a hefty fine or charged with something later. Why risk it?

How are they going to know my name and address?

[schmalz]

http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal ... riday.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Occupy Yosemite on Friday.

[madeintahoe]

Wondering if anyone would know if Saddlebag Lake Campground off of Tioga Road..but still outside YNP is open? I called the Forest Service Office in Bishop...just maybe thinking they would have a recording...but all it said was they were closed due to the idiotic shutdown...

[Beantown]

does anybody know if there is dispersed camping along the 4x4 road that parallels the road to rock creek? we were supposed to leave this morning and now the rock creek canyon face book page says all the camps are shutting down. looking for some last minute place to go. I've never gone dispersed car camping so im not sure where to look.

how about the deadman camp in mammoth, would that be shut down? I know its free and first come first served, but would they close the gate?

thanks

[Wandering Daisy]

Dispersed camping is not legal in a designated "recreation area". I think most of Rock Creek has that designation. Going in the wilderness without a permit, if parked at an open trailhead, has little chance of getting "busted". However, dispersed camping along a road may be different. I do not know if local law enforcement would or could bust you for this. If you go out east of Lake Crowley, tons of dispersed camping is allowed along all those dirt roads. Take the road that goes by all those houses on the east side of the 395 and it is only a few miles until you get on FS land.

[madeintahoe]

I just read this....Looks like that list has Saddlebag Lake as being closed..so I am assuming the gate will be closed right at the bottom of the road going in there..but not sure...I wonder if one could camp along Lee Vining Creek down below..we are leaving Saturday for a 7 day road trip on the east side..camping along the way and doing day hikes..I do not mind dry camping outside established campgrounds....but having to worry about how to dispose of human waste now.

UPDATE: October 2, 2013

All Campground in teh Inyo National Forest are now closed, including campgrounds operated by a private concessionaires. For an up-to-date list of campground availability in and near Mammoth Lakes check out our Campground Report here: http://9nl.me/campground-availability-yose" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Beantown]

thanks wandering daisy. I found plan b, mountain home demonstration state forest. ive been backpacking out of there, its in a large sequoia grove and car camp sites. its not federal so they are open, a real nice place! I called them and they are not effected.