Experienced snowmobilers, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should enjoy the excellent snow conditions
Bridgeport CA, November 30, 2022 – The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area, which bridges the West and East side of Sonora Pass region together, will open Saturday. With the promising looks of the approaching storms, snow conditions might be epic. however the current storm pattern may also delay enthusiast as Avalanche Danger is expected in this storm as well.
Experienced snowmobilers, backcountry skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the excellent snow conditions and challenging terrain of the 7,254 acre Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. Located on state highway 108, Sonora Pass Road (road is closed in the winter), the area provides avid snowmobilers with the opportunity to experience extreme winter sports unmatched anywhere in the Sierra Nevada. Free permits are required to access the area. Visit https://www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/ for permits and current conditions.
Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) opened on Friday Dec 23rd.2016. Provided snow depths meet the minimum depth requirements, the BWRA closes the last Sunday of April. If snow depths fall below 12” at the Leavitt Lake Rd/Hwy 108 junction, or <10% snow coverage at Leavitt Lake, or <24” in Yosemite Toad habitat, there may be earlier closures. Temporary closures may occur if snow depths fall below required depths and there is a likelihood that there will more snow. For current conditions and avalanche snow summary please check the Bridgeport Avalanche Center website bridgeportavalannhecenter.org which is now up.
Permits are self issue at People’s Gate Trailhead on HWY 108 west of the MWTC, at the Leavitt Lake/Hwy Junction/and Sonora Pass. There is also a self issue permit station outside the Bridgeport Ranger Station after business hours. You can request permit up to 24 hours in advance Monday – Friday between 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM by downloading and completing the request form. Your permit can be emailed to you or picked up during business hours at the Ranger Station, after hours will be left in Self Issue Permit Box outside Ranger Station. Advance permits for Saturdays & Sundays must be requested by Friday, as offices are closed weekends. BRIDGEPORT Ranger Station: FAX BWRA PERMIT (760) 932-5899 Hwy 395 1/8 mile south of Bridgeport, CA Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area Permit Request.pdf
To access from Bridgeport:
- Follow Hwy 395 north 17 miles to the Sonora Junction, State Highway 108.
- Take State Highway 108 east about 5 miles to Pickel Meadows.
- Parking is allowed on the shoulders of State Highway 108, outside of the No Parking zone near the gate.
To access from Gardnerville/Minden:
- Follow Hwy 395 south 47 miles to the Sonora Junction, State Highway 108.
- Take State Highway 108 east about 5 miles to Pickel Meadows.
Parking is allowed on the shoulders of State Highway 108, outside of the No Parking zone near the gate.
PERMIT IS REQUIRED OF ALL USERS entering the BWRA (link to BWRA permits)
ALL CALIFORNIA APPLICABLE OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE REGULATIONS ARE ENFORCED– California registration is required, helmets required, appropriate number of riders on machines.
OBEY BOUNDARIES– It is your responsibility to know riding area boundaries check with the Bridgeport office for latest boundaries maps.
PACK OUT TRASH & DO NOT APPROACH WILDLIFE– All visitors this is critical for preserving the natural landscape, wildlife habitat, and keeping wildlife wild!
SEASON OF USE: The first Saturday of December provided there is a minimum of 24” of snow at the Leavitt Lake Road/Hwy 108 junction until the last Sunday of April (April 24, 2011) or earlier when there is less than 12” of snow at the Leavitt Lake Road/Hwy 108 junction.
Featured Image Courtesy of Bridgeport Recreation Area.
