Emeralds/Bowman Valley conditions

Mark Davidsonwrote:

When does this place get good? Just approached in and still a lot of snow on the ground. The walls seem dry but too much snow to make it past the bears lair 

Also wondering.....was thinking about going this weekend and have never been before.  Any tips on, under decent conditions, parking-and-walking is reasonable if the road gradually becomes not in driveable shape?

Answered my own question by attempting to visit today.  Don't bother for another 2-4 weeks.

I was there yesterday. There is still snow in places. But it getting more accessible.

Is Bowman accessible, or is the road closed/impassible? Or just Emeralds? 

Brooks Kwrote:

Is Bowman accessible, or is the road closed/impassible? Or just Emeralds? 

Until the snow has truly had ample time to melt, it is impassible. This does not change from year to year. There’s always some trial and error involved with when you can first get out there, luckily at that point emeralds is a contingency plan and it’s still better than sitting at home to try and get there. 

Do NOT try the road to Bowman Lake past the hump (the end of the cleared road) at the moment.

Thinking about bowman on Sunday 4/18.  Anyone have beta on whether or not that’s doable?

Anyone have some beta on the condition of the road to Bowman? is it doable with SUV?

Road is open and no probs reported for 2wd carefully driven.

That’s being said 2wd vehicles are part of the issues causing the road to deteriorate at a faster pace than it should. 

Colby Wanglerwrote:

That’s being said 2wd vehicles are part of the issues causing the road to deteriorate at a faster pace than it should. 

No, I'd say the 4-wheeler dudes racing up and down the road have more effect, imo.

Sprayloard Overstokerwrote:

No, I'd say the 4-wheeler dudes racing up and down the road have more effect, imo.

That’s why I said “part of the issues” issues being plural. Meaning multiple different issues. 

No worries, matey!

No issues getting to Emeralds. Didn't see any snow anywhere. 

Kris R wrote:

Drove all the way up here just to discover that Bowman/emeralds are closed for camping and day use until at least September 17. PG&E has signs up everywhere; looks like we can't climb. 

This is old news…. I actually find it surprising you have not seen any news on the fires or forest closures…

Is emeralds climbable at the moment? I know Tahoe hasn't had snow for a few weeks, not sure how quick this area melts out. 

Hey Brooks did the emeralds end up being climbable? Does anyone have any updates on the current conditions for the emeralds?

Tis the season for asking about Emeralds and Bowman.  Anyone been up there lately?  Reports from HWY 50 crags looks pretty much melted out - but haven't heard as much from the HWY 80 corridor.

How is Emeralds - snow on approaches? Seepage on climbs?

Road to Bowman open/passable?

Interested in current conditions, and/or prognostications about how things will look after the heat wave this week.

Emeralds is completely good to go, word is already out kudos was a zoo this weekend.