Camping/Fishing location

Yup, I've been up to the Mammoth area twice in the past two months and it was crazy up there both times. I spoke with a friend up there who manages some rental cabins in the area and he said that it's basically been as busy as 4th of July weekend but all summer long. There are quite literally caravans of people camping in the Hot Creek/Owens river valley area. Other than the obvious drag of crowds the thing that really sucks is that people are not respecting the environment - there's SO much trash up there right now it's a damn shame. They have also started posting "no campfires" signs at commonly used dispersed camp sites and it seems they're stepping up patrols and enforcement.

 

On Saturday my buddy is having the 9th Hot Weather Wacko Hike. It is a loop starting at Carrizo Wash in Anza Borrego...minimum 10 miles. They leave at 6:30am if you want the info. Each year I start concocting an excuse in the Spring so I can avoid this. Vince is 70 and there will be at least six people this year. Let me know if you want to details... There is a very good reason for the name!

 

This is the worst part imo, even more so than the crowds. You get a lot of people that are just trying to get out that don’t normally do so and they simply don’t respect the land like most people should. Not that everyone that camps, hikes, etc frequently is great at cleaning up after themselves but this is overboard.

 

Exactly. I'm a bit greedy about this area since I've been visiting literally my entire life and my family has been going there for 50+ yrs. The eastern sierras truly feel like my home even if I am only up there a few times a year. The increasing crowds and development aren't things I enjoy but they're a fact of life and I'm more than willing to share this beautiful land with others - especially considering the current situation we're all in and the level of cabin fever many of us have.

I'm concerned for the sake of the environment as I've seen first hand in my [relatively short] lifetime what increased crowds do to the lands up there. But also concerned that it could lead to more strict regulations on access or activities that we'll then be dealing with permanently.

 

Pretty crazy. Little Lakes Valley trailhead filled up by 7am, and I had to drive pretty damn far up the Owen's to finally be somewhat alone. Heading back up next weekend, but with school starting for everyone it should calm down a bit.

 

This is my hope as well. With some luck I can squeeze in another quick weekend camping trip in the next month or so and then I'll be up there staying at Hot Creek Ranch for our annual family fishing trip.

 

How do I get into your family though

 

Gay marriage is legal

 

I'm taken, but I've got a couple cousins who are still available (male and female!)

 

Do you have pics of the rigs they own? Can't be havin' no Raptor shit in my bloodline!

 

im not much of a hiker

 

Hell yea

 

Just wanted to say ‘thanks’ folks - went to Cleveland National Park and found a spot tucked away that was inaccessible for most vehicles - was able to get in and was nice and secluded for a couple nights!

 

Haha! One just bought a Jeep (her b/f seems to be an offroad type dude but not sure he's a keeper yet). The other just bought a newer Subaru Outback. Definitely no Raptors!

 

Can you share exactly where you were? In one of the two designated camp areas? Or did you find dispersed camping?

 

Just spent two nights at Marion Mountain Campground near Idyllwild. USFS, $10 night ($5 with lifetime senior pass). It is your typical table+fire-pit+pit bathroom campground. No rangers seen in two days. We don't normally camp in pay campground spots, but my wife has a cast on her ankle so we needed a bathroom. Heard some low music, quiet all night. If you can live with this kind of camping it is a beautiful spot, dense / old growth pines/firs and first-come-first-serve should be available if you get there by 4pm Mon-Thurs (my best guess). 78F high and nice and cool at night for sleeping (?64F?).

 

Diggin' the rig. What's your camera set up?

 

thank you, Sony A7iii with Sony 85mm glass.