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PSA: Tahoe Forest dirt roads closed

Original Post
climbing coastie · · Wasilla, AK · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 95

I forgot to post this earlier in the week, but all dirt roads in Tahoe National Forest are closed until April 1st. We drove into the main parking lot at Phantom Spires and climbed last Sunday. When we got back there was a ticket on our window.

Just passing the word to help you avoid the fine.

Tapawingo Markey · · Reno? · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 75

Interesting, I was there over Presidents Day weekend as well as about 5 other vehicles and we had no troubles. I also don't see anything posted on their website and guidebooks don't mention seasonal closures.

David A · · Gardnerville, NV · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 405

Yeah that is weird. I've known them to close many dirt roads during bad fire conditions, but ALL dirt roads? This time of year? I know it's dry out there but, why?

christoph benells · · tahoma · Joined Nov 2014 · Points: 306

i think its to save damage on the roads from them being muddy and people tearing em up.

Of course its totally dry out there and its not doing any damage driving on them.

climbing coastie · · Wasilla, AK · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 95

I'm not 100% sure it's all dirt roads, but the map left with the ticket sure made it look like all. I was there the weekend before last without an issue, but someone must have decided to check.

When I first moved to the area 4 years ago I heard something to the effect of the closures. I searched the web and called two different stations and couldn't get any info on it. There is a map that I think you can get at some ranger station that shows all the roads and which ones have seasonal closures.

Apparently they are closed every year until April 1st. Like mentioned above it's to stop you from rutting up the roads when they are wet (like they would be in a normal year). They don't have early openings due to dry winters.

Colonel Mustard · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Sep 2005 · Points: 1,241

It's wonderful they didn't allow any room for common sense into their policy. That coupled with a badge wearing tool bag on a mission.

I was just there, those roads are bone dry. I'm glad we didn't get the ticket, that would have been a complete bummer. Sorry for your misfortune, and thank you for the update. It's not common knowledge.

Brandon R · · CA · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 178
fs.usda.gov/detail/eldorado…

Phantom Spires is in the Eldorado National Forest. They close the roads to prevent rutting them out during the wet season, but it does seem pretty ridiculous to close them when the ground is clearly dry.
Eric LaRoche · · West Swanzey, NH · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

If there aren't any signs or gates I'd fight the ticket. They can't expect you to know something if the info isn't there.

Colonel Mustard · · Sacramento, CA · Joined Sep 2005 · Points: 1,241

I wonder... How many times a week do you think they drive in there to make sure nobody drove in there?

Eric LaRoche · · West Swanzey, NH · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25
Colonel Mustard wrote:I wonder... How many times a week do you think they drive in there to make sure nobody drove in there?
I'm gonna break the law to make sure no one breaks the law.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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