FROM USFS

We finally have some warmer days and melt-off and that is leading some re-openings of roads and campgrounds. However, please remind visitors that snow is still deep in many locations and several campground are only partially opening due to snow.

Inyo County Roads reports that they have made excellent progress on the Whitney Portal Road. They will move the closure uphill to the middle gate for this weekend and estimate that the road will be open on 4/26 for fishing opener. They have also made good progress on the South Lake Rd., which is now open to Parchers.

Mono County Roads reports that plowing is underway  on the Rock Creek Rd. and they estimate  that road opening sometime next week.

Hwy. 158 is open. For now, camping is at Oh Ridge (partial due to snow) at June Lake, but the concessioner anticipates getting some of the campgrounds on the loop open next week now that they can get into these areas.

Thanks to all who are working hard to open roads and facilities. Thanks to all who are sharing updates from the field.

The State of the Inyo, current as of 4/19/19

Mono Lake Ranger District

Roads open: Hwy 158, Hwy 120 E (Benton), Lundy Canyon Rd (to the resort).

Roads Closed: Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), Sonora Pass (Hwy 108), Bodie (Hwy 270), Lundy Lake Rd. (beyond resort), Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 W), Saddlebag Rd.

Campground opening 4/19: Oh Ridge (partial opening due to snow).
Campground opening 4/26 (estimated): June Lake, Gull Lake, Aerie Crag, Lundy Canyon (county, some sites maybe under snow).

Campgrounds closed: Upper and Lower Deadman, Hartley Springs, Big Springs, Obsidian Flat, Glass Creek Big Bend, Reversed Creek, Silver Lake, Ellery Lake, Lower Lee Vining, Junction, Moraine, Tioga Lake, Sawmill Walk-in, Saddlebag Lake, and Saddlebag Lake Group Camp, Aspen Grove.

The Mono Basin Visitor Center is open (by the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association) Thursday- Monday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, limited services.

Mammoth Ranger District

Roads open: Mammoth Scenic Loop.

Closed: Hwy. 203 (continuing to the Reds Meadow Rd.) at Mammoth Mountain Inn, Lakes Basin Rd., Old Mammoth Rd. to Lakes Basin.

Campgrounds open: Mammoth Mtn. RV Park (private, year round).

Campgrounds closed: Crowley Lake (BLM), Convict Lake, New Shady Rest (est. opening 5/3), Old Shady Rest, Sherwin Creek, Pine Glen Family/Group, Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Pine City, Coldwater, Agnew Meadows Horse, Agnew Meadows Group, Agnew Meadows Family, Upper Soda Springs, Pumice Flat, Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile, Browns Owens River (est. open 5/10, snow).

The Mammoth Welcome Center is open daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Closed holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). Starting 5/1: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is closed for the season.

White Mountain Ranger District

Roads open: McGee Creek Rd. (snow covered), Rock Creek Rd. to the Sno Park, Buttermilk Rd., South Lake Rd. to Parchers, Hwy 168 to Aspendell, Silver Canyon Rd. (snow), Wyman Canyon Rd. (snow), Big Pine Canyon (Glacier Lodge) Rd.

Roads closed: Rock Creek Rd. at the Sno Park (plowing underway), North Lake Rd., South Lake Road at Parchers, Hwy 168W at Aspendell, White Mt. Rd. at Hwy 168.

Campgrounds open: Goodale (BLM), Grandview (no water, no trash service, firewood is limited), Pleasant Valley Pit (BLM), Pleasant Valley (County).

Campground open (winter ops): Holiday, Bitterbrush.

Campground closed: McGee, Tuff, French Camp, Mosquito Flat Backpacker, Rock Creek Lake Group Campground, Rock Creek, East Fork, Pine Grove, Iris Meadow, Big Meadow, Aspen Group, Palisade Group, Horton Creek (BLM), Four Jeffrey, Forks, Big Trees, Bishop Park, Intake 2, Bishop Park Group, Willow, North Lake, Sabrina, Table Mountain Group, Mt. Glen, Cedar Flat Group, Big Pine Creek, Sage Flat, Clyde Glacier Group Camp, Palisade Glacier Group Camp.

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is closed for the season.

The White Mountain Ranger Station Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, closed for lunch (noon- 1:00 pm). Closed holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day).

Mt Whitney Ranger District:

Roads open: Foothill Rd., Division Creek.

Roads closed: Onion Valley Rd., Whitney Portal Rd. (est. open 4/26), Horseshoe Meadow Rd.

Campgrounds open:, Boulder Creek RV Resort, Diaz Lake (County), Independence Creek (County), Portagee Joe (County), Tuttle Creek (BLM).

Campgrounds open: Lone Pine, Grays Meadow.

Campgrounds closed: Whitney Portal, Onion Valley, Cottonwood Lakes/Pass, Horseshoe Meadow Equestrian.

The Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine is open daily from 8:30-430. Closed holidays (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day). Starting 5/1: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Inyo National Forest and Bishop BLM are not in Fire Restrictions for fire hazard.