High Sierra Topix

Earlier in the year when doing some research I was putting together a spreadsheet of the opening dates for Horseshoe Meadows Road. Going back to 2005 I have found about half the dates by searching here and there on the web. I'm still lacking dates for 2005-07, 2010 & 2014. Any help filling in the blanks would be greatly appreciated, just trying to get some averages as to when the road opens..

The reason being - I want to take the boys in my son's scout troop up to Cottonwood Lakes as an easy overnighter the weekend before Memorial Day. A bit early in the season, but it's what I have to work with. Trying to get them to broaden their horizons and think outside the immediate LA area.

have you contacted the outfit that runs the pack station up there? they might have dates .

Folks from the Whitney zone site should be able to help also.
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/

Inyo County Road Department District 4 (Lone Pine) is responsible for clearing that road, their goal every year is to have it opened by the last Friday in April. If you need specific dates, Dale at 760-876-4664 may be able to assist you in this.

Actually the last Friday in April is generally a good guess for many of the East side access roads. Why? Opening day of the trout season. Fishermen have more economic clout than backpackers in the Owens valley. 168 is usually open to Sabrina or at least the North Lake road junction on that date, for instance; likewise 120 from the east up to the the gate at the pass. Planning backcountry ski trips over the years I have learned to make that my target date to start my annual week-long trip. Of course special circumstances will make a difference, but the county road departments are always targeting that date.

Actually the last Friday in April is generally a good guess for many of the East side access roads. Why? Opening day of the trout season.

Exactly

psykokid wrote:...I'm still lacking dates for 2005-07, 2010 & 2014. Any help filling in the blanks would be greatly appreciated, just trying to get some averages as to when the road opens..

The date I have for the opening of Horseshoe Meadow Road in 2014 was May 5. (https://goldentroutwilderness.wordpress ... e-opening/). Hope that helps. It may have opened a day or two earlier than the post, but again hopefully that works for you.