Has Woosley fire burned through Mailbu Creek and Echo Cliffs?

The BU is closed still!

Thanks Jeff!!!

I read an article suggesting that some of the plants are beginning to come back already - specifically the yucca and an invasive cane plant.  That was for the overall burn area rather than for any specific climbing area.  The report also said that some of the trees, especially those closer to water sources, might be able to survive.  But it's going to take time.

Scott Fishbein wrote: Any updates on stumbling blocks area?

Have you ever climbed in a recently burned area? It basically sucks for at least a year - more often 2-3.

Marc, I hear that some climbing areas of the park weren’t hit at all. But everyone I talk to has a slightly different discription. Now I know just because an area didn’t get hit doesn’t mean it wasn’t affected. Just trying to get more info

Scott Fishbein wrote: Marc, I hear that some climbing areas of the park weren’t hit at all. But everyone I talk to has a slightly different discription. Now I know just because an area didn’t get hit doesn’t mean it wasn’t affected. Just trying to get more info

Here's drone footage that shows the climbing areas pretty free of damage. The trees along Stumbling Blocks and Mt. Gorgeous were all still green. Worst damage I saw was the slope above the Power Wall. It was torched and looks like it might be unstable until foliage comes back. The viewer experience is much better if you go to settings and view at 2x speed. Climbing areas visible beginning around 1:00. Power Wall and Century Dam are around 5:40. 

Be prepared for a dusty, soot stirring approach. I’ve done it a few times. It’s horrible. Clothing ruined. Tread lightly.

From the drone footage, looks like that old house that serves as the VC survived. I'm glad that didn't burn down, it's a cool old house.

Jeff Rumble wrote: I read an article suggesting that some of the plants are beginning to come back already - specifically the yucca and an invasive cane plant.  That was for the overall burn area rather than for any specific climbing area.  The report also said that some of the trees, especially those closer to water sources, might be able to survive.  But it's going to take time.

It is really unfortunate that the knee jerk reaction to the fires is total closure- for years! 

Behind my house, the hills- chaparral- exactly like Malibu, burnt to the ground. I was walking around the smoking and still burning landscape the day after the fire. Over the next few weeks Little green shoots started to appear from the burnt ends! If you understand that this landscape requires periodic burning to be healthy you might not be so bummed out. 
Have been climbing at a place closed for the last 8 years. The first time returning my partner had the opinion “because of global warming, no new pines will ever grow back” ... I smiled and said nothing. A big part of the hike is now exactly like walking through a Christmas Tree farm! 
The evolution of the landscape is quite remarkable to watch and it’s a shame to have to sneak in to watch it. 
The bright side

I don't think we've seen that knee-jerk reaction, yet, from the managing organizations, Guy. But, yeah, it's a concern. The Los Padres National forest was re-opened very quickly after the Thomas Fire a year ago. You and I could go climb San Ysidro canyon today, which had both fire and the massive Montecito debris flow. So fingers crossed that MCSP is open to the public very soon. 

I have it on good sources that MCSP is now OPEN. 

Senor has a good point there Guy. But I do remember being called a dumbass and being asked to leave by forest service at wheeler gorge a few months after the fire and mudslides here

Jeff Luton wrote: Senor has a good point there Guy. But I do remember being called a dumbass and being asked to leave by forest service at wheeler gorge a few months after the fire and mudslides here

In light of what happened in Montecito I can understand why the NFS might have been nervous about anyone standing around in Wheeler Creek if there was any rain, at all.

How has that area recovered in the year since?

Jeff Luton wrote: Senor has a good point there Guy. But I do remember being called a dumbass and being asked to leave by forest service at wheeler gorge a few months after the fire and mudslides here

I'm gonna guess that that didn't do any lasting damage.  You sound fine now.  Then again (if I remember correctly) Pablo Picasso was never called an A-hole.

Judging by the above link, seems like you won't get taken in to the ranger station like The Dude was..



Here are some pics taken today from the SoCal Climbing FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156147095361848&set=pcb.2107740362619341&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Señor Arroz How has that area recovered in the year since?

Oh little crispy up up high and there still some burnt up bushes but dude, it pretty much looks the same. I’d say slide potential is as high as it’s ever been 

The bright side people. Whith all that pesky chaparral gone- for now- a new age of exploring has begun. All those - previously untouched- boulders and smaller crags are easy to check out.   And the agate hunting is blowing up!

But there is lots of tragedy....   sad to see burnt homes, dead animals... but life begins a new!

A nice Agate.
 Trees returning to Pacifico

Señor Arroz wrote: I have it on good sources that MCSP is now OPEN. 

Amazing that it's reopened so soon.  Wow.

Does anyone have news on the other areas?  Is the Sandstone/Mishe Mokwa area open?  'Cause those places would be a whole lot warmer than the desert right now.  Brrrr.  Brrrr.

I drove on Yerba Buena Road on Christmas Eve and the Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa trailheads are both still closed. 

Dan O wrote: I drove on Yerba Buena Road on Christmas Eve and the Sandstone Peak and Mishe Mokwa trailheads are both still closed. 

Thanks for the info.