The 395 and Owens Valley-Eastern Sierra Region

I don't believe anything is etched in stone yet, but here's a good document (pdf), with maps, outlining their proposals.

Also, go to the AH BLM site, click on documents and maps in the left column.

 

Personally, I think permits should be free. Electronic convenience means spends in different areas (developers instead of reservation clerks) but long term, Internet reservations should be cheaper and those savings should be passed to consumers.

 

Speaking of Alabama Hills, I just bumped into these old photos that i took, rotting away on a server:

 

They are doing a pretty good job of keeping the AH BLM page updated, at least so far. I was on the second half of the call, and a lot of what was covered is posted there. Here are a few highlights:

Permits
The initial plan is to make permits that are similar to existing California campfire permits. You need one, but they are free and there's no limit to the number that will be issued.

Soon a permit will be required to dispersed camp in the Alabama Hills. The permit will be free and will be an acknowledgement that you understand the rules and guidance for dispersed camping. The permit will be found online or at the information kiosks. The permit will not be a reservation of a site.

Campsites
They have already made some changes (see below), but more are coming (to limit the places where people can just "set up"). Additional changes in the next year will be further delineation of areas where camping is permitted. Eventually, camping will be limited to sites identified with a campsite marker in the areas shown on this map.

Changes already in place:

The west side of Movie Road in the Movie Flat area and any area marked with a "no camping" sign will be day use only areas (see map).
Site selection east of Movie Road:​

• • Camp in an area that is open to camping (closed areas will be signed with day use only or no camping signs)
  • In some areas, campsites have been designated and you can only camp in sites marked accordingly. These areas and sites are clearly marked.
  • Outside of closed or designated areas, choose sites that have obviously been camped in before and are free of vegetation. Do not create new campsites or move boulders or rocks to make sites bigger.

Human Waste
To control human waste, six porta potties have been placed in the Alabama Hills. Please either use these restrooms or pack out your solid human waste using a portable waste system (RV toilet, wag bag, portable toilet, etc.).

The porta potties are located at the Mobius Arch trailhead and across from the Shark Fin parking area.

 

Awesome thanks for this!

 

I was expecting a lot more restriction. Permits seem to be more of an attempt to make people aware of the need to be better stewards of the land. Hopefully, it works.

 

I attended the meeting and this was my take-away as well. We drove thru there a month ago -- Moffat Ranch to Movie Rd, and the BLM already had much of their new infastructure in place (we stopped at the Arch TH to use the porta potties). Many of the short little trails were marked as closed -- looks like they just wanted to keep the masses in check, reel us in. I am at peace with their plans.

 

Very accidentally, we bumped into this really cool, very kept-up cabin which had this sign inside -- refreshing to see.

 

Hey now, I do believe you've been venturing away from 395 and Owens Valley. Pretty sure I know where you were, and I'm 100% with your description.



- - -

On a personal note. I'm just back from another trip to DV; unfortunately, early. After running up South Park from Panamint Valley, my driver side main leaf broke at Rogers Pass. Wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it out, but in the end, I jerry rigged the situation well enough with ratchet straps to limp down Pleasant Canyon and out to safety. Was glad for the inReach, just in case! Photos and story to come, of course.

For anyone who's been up Pleasant Canyon and enjoyed Claire Camp - it's an entirely different place now. BLM cleaned it up in the middle of December, and now all that remains are the boilers, stamp mill, and some ore chutes/loading ramps. No cabin, no trailers, no trash. Pretty crazy.

 

Guilty as charged.

 

I'm heading over Silver Peak and down Wyman Canyon and found this off-shoot loop to the north. It has some granite switchbacks but some good looking scenery. Has anyone done this loop? Is it super technical or can LT trucks get thru there pretty quick?

 

Over silver and down wyman is a fun route. Havnt been on that northern route but satellite shows it’s pretty well tracked, but I remember it looking really overgrown, lotsa pinstripes for sure, and switchbacks def look a little tighter than silver.

 

It's hard to tell for sure without a topo overlay but that looks like the route through Dead Horse Meadow. That road is closed and the FS is no longer maintaining it. You'll see a sign when you get about 1/2 mile past Crooked Creek Research Station stating that fact. It'll look a lot like this. If you want any further info PM me.

 

Closed due to funding to fix the road, taking public lands from us, or both? Was that last summer? And yeah, Dead Horse Meadow.

 

Closed due to the fact the road is severely washed out and getting equipment in there to fix it would be a bitch. That was 2018.

 

If dead horse is what you seek
Crooked creek is the way to go in
Be committed
Stay a night or two
Fun times

 

make sure to close all the gates when going down Wyman, someone had left them open the last time I was through a fwe months ago. Tire tracks were fresh and I was hoping to catch up with the group just to say WTH man..

 

Is Silver Canyon free of snow to the top?

 

I have not been up it yet this year and don’t know anyone who has tried
Looking at it from the OV and Laws and having been at other places at that elevation- it looks like snow
It’s still too early to be snow free

 

Above was posted by someone in the Death Valley thread, I think they are in the area on a trip and could use a fast reply so cross posting for them here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/death-valley-off-road-adventures.60777/page-297#post-27088727