Eldorado National Forest Recreation Update:
Memorial Weekend, May 22 - 24
PLACERVILLE, Calif. -
The Eldorado National Forest is increasing access to the public by providing additional developed day use recreational opportunities. We encourage visitors to check our website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information on what is open so that you can plan your visit. You can also call your local ranger station during normal business hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We continue to recommend that you recreate locally. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues. Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
The Eldorado National Forest will continue to phase in opening of facilities and services as federal, state and county policies and facility preparations allow. Please see below for the current updates:
Campgrounds
Developed campgrounds throughout the forest will remain closed until they can be safely opened for the season.
The exact date for when campgrounds will open is not known at this time. Forest personnel are assessing the situation, keeping in close contact with partners and staying abreast of changing conditions and new information. The situation is being closely monitored and weekly assessments of anticipated campground opening dates are being conducted to determine if reservation cancellations will be necessary. If the campground is not able to be opened, customers will be notified via Recreation.gov and will receive a refund.
We understand that this may cause uncertainty with individuals who have made reservations, particularly in the month of June. We thank you for your patience to this point and ask for your continued patience during this transition period.
Please be aware that many of our campgrounds do not typically open until late May or June, even without the challenges associated with COVID-19, due to winter snow and the associated preparation of the sites for the season.
Day Use, Trailheads, Boat Ramps and Staging Areas
Day Use Sites and services continue to expand. Trash removal services remain limited; please pack out all trash and waste. Toilet facilities remain limited, please plan accordingly. For a full list of available Day Use Sites, please visit our website.
Newly opened Day Uses Sites with increased services:
·
Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp/Picnic Site
·
Icehouse Boat Ramp & Picnic Area
·
Icehouse Day Use (near dam)
·
Yellowjacket Boat Ramp
·
Gold Note Staging Area
·
PiPi Day Use Area
·
Loon Lake Undeveloped Boat Ramp
·
Sunset Boat Ramp & Picnic Area
·
Pyramid Creek Trailhead
·
Salt Springs Trailhead
·
Devils Nose Day Use Area
·
Loon Lake Boat Ramp
Temporary emergency closures continue to be in effect for Rock Creek, Elkins Flat and Caples Creek trails systems through May 29. These temporary closures were put in place on May 8 to protect visitors and employees from hazardous trail conditions caused by storm damage and fire damage that has occurred since last year’s field season. Trail assessment and maintenance, including hazard mitigation, is planned and trails will be reopened as soon as the work is completed to clear all hazards.
The safety of our employees and the public will continue to be our number one priority as we closely monitor the situation and implement changes accordingly.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests and their surrounding communities safe and healthy for everyone’s use.
Our virtual offices are staffed to provide visitor information from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday:
·
Forest Supervisor’s Office - 530-303-2412
·
Georgetown Ranger District – 530-334-6477
·
Placerville/Pacific Ranger District - 916-500-4712
·
Amador Ranger District – 209-259-3774
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