After last year's outstanding snow season, it's a shock to start a new year with nearly bare mountain slopes.
With a combination of snow remaining from November's storm activity and some help from snow-making equipment, most northern California ski resorts are partially open. The exceptions are Badger Pass, Dodge Ridge, Donner Ski Ranch, Granlibakken, Tahoe Donner, Cedar Pass, and Mt. Shasta. While conditions may not be ideal, it is possible to hit the slopes right now.
What else can you do while you're waiting for snow? Here's a few ideas:
Sierra Passes
Highways 120, 108, and 4 over the Sierra passes haven't been open this late in recent memory. The days are short and the weather is cold, but you can still drive to the top and over to the east side of the Sierra this year. If you've ever wondered what a cold day was like for the miners at Bodie, the State Historic Park is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Although few services are available along the crest of the Sierra, you can enjoy a trip if you are prepared with food, water, and warm clothing. Within Yosemite National Park, all roads including Glacier Point and the Mariposa Grove Roads are open as of this writing. The road to Hetch Hetchy is generally open throughout the winter except for temporary closures during snowstorms.
To verify road conditions call CalTrans at 1-800-427-ROAD or go to www.caltrans.ca.gov. For Yosemite road conditions call (209) 372-0200 or go to www.nps.gov/yose. Always check weather before leaving and carry emergency equipment. Drivers are required to carry tire chains in chain control areas, even if there is no snow on the ground or in the forecast.
Trails
Almost all trails are open throughout the Sierra, the foothills, the valley floor, the coast mountains, and the coast. The paths are dry and mud is hard to find. This is especially welcome for mountain bikers and horseback riders. When it's foggy in the San Joaquin Valley, the foothills, the Sierra, and the coast are often sunny and welcoming. If the air is bad and the visibility is poor, don't choose a summit or viewpoint hike. Although the ground may be unusually dry this year, there's still beauty to be found in every landscape.
Ice Skating
Rinks at Long Barn, Yosemite's Curry Village, and Lake Tahoe's Squaw Valley are open.
Fishing
Although most mountain streams and rivers are closed to fishing until the last Saturday in April, most reservoirs are open. These include Hensley, Eastman, McSwain, McClure, Don Pedro, Modesto, Turlock, New Melones, Woodward, New Hogan, Camanche, Folsom, and San Luis. The lower sections of some rivers including the Merced, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, Molelumne, Cosumnes, and American are open for limited fishing. Check the regulations for any section you intend to fish: www.dfg.ca.gov.
Wildlife Refuges
The peak season for many species continues through February. You can enjoy the wildlife on foot, in your car, or from a viewing platform. If you read last week's column about the San Joaquin Refuge, please note that the Pelican Trail is not located on Beckwith Road near the viewing platform. You can find it on Dairy Road, south of Highway 132.
State Parks
The state parks of Central California offer a broad range of activities, in addition to hiking, fishing, and camping. Columbia and San Juan Bautista State Historic Parks offer a step back into the past any time of year. Other great nearby parks include Pacheco, Fremont Peak, and Calaveras Big Trees.
Go Underground
Calaveras County's Moaning, Black Chasm, California, and Mercer Caverns are open daily.
Adam Blauert is an avid outdoorsman and local historian who enjoys fishing, backpacking and exploring the western states. He can be reached at adamblauert@yahoo.com.
E-Mail
Print
