Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Horseshoe Meadow Road

Does anyone know when Horseshoe Meadow Road and campgrounds will open?

Wait for the Inyo Forest update on roads and campgrounds , and at times these updates will be published on the Inyo County Sheriffs facebook page, one was published this week but for the northern areas On INF.

May 15 press release from Inyo NF. Road is open. Campgrounds to remain closed through 6/30/20.

So the road is opened, campground closed, but does that mean we will be able to park there for backpacking trips? Thanks!

I think the main question ought to be, "When will I be able to acquire a permit for overnight backcountry travel?" A question that needs clarification directly from the INF office. Presumably you would be able to park there for overnight travel as soon as they are issuing permits. You can certainly park there now for day trips.

I usually drive up for 2 days of day hiking two or three times a month and always sleep in my car. I wonder if that is acceptable? probably not since then everyone would sleep in their car in lieu of an actual campsite. Seems the same?

paul

Well, I’ve noticed that Rec.gov is issuing permits for dates after June 1st, but they might not be up to date on the extended closure. On another note I do have camping reservations at the Portal arriving June1, but I guess Rec.gov will be sending me another cancellation notice. So I think I’ll snag some overnight permits out of Horseshoe and wait and see what happens. Trying to cover all my options.

I think Horseshoe meadow is closed for repair till mid June . There is a gate near the foothills that may be locked .

A gate near the De La Cour Ranch maybe, at about 5,500 feet.

I checked with Sarah that lives at the lower gate and she says traffic all day next concern is the gate about 1-2 miles from the parking areas?

confirmed Sunday 17th that the lower gate is open but the upper one locked. by rights, the upper one should open June 30 when the rest of Inyo Natl forest opens, but... there may be some wiggle room on that. Watch for rocks!

I was up there to day-hike Cottonwood Lake trail on multiple days and noticed folks pitching tents along HSM road, as well as one vehicle parked by the locked gate (to campground) that was still parked in the same spot the next morning when I returned. Official are being cool.

Enjoy yourself and the empty conditions

Any current info on HSM Road opening up?

It's open up to the top gate, just a mile or so from the campground.