With the National Forest Closures in the State of California – Options still exist for Labor Day Weekend Recreation
Sierra Nevada – September 1, 2021 – With the expansion of National Forest Closure to the entire state of California this week, many Labor Day weekend travelers are now changing plans for the weekend. On Monday, the National Forest Service offices made the difficult decision to close all remaining national forest lands through mid September because of the ongoing fire fights with Caldor fire, Dixie fire and the dangers in forest conditions for additional fires with little or no resources to protect any further forest issues.
Other Options for Labor Day Weekend
Lake Resorts
We are seeing multiple posts on social media regarding Lake resorts that are able to stay open.
- Bass Lake, Pinecrest resort is remaining open
The Pines Resort and other businesses are open and not impacted by this order. Bass Lake remains open for recreation – it is owned by PG&E Yosemite National Park is open, reservations are still required. There is no road closure that would prevent access to the Resort.CLOSURES will immediately affect: Day-use areas around the Lake (parkings, bathroom, public boat ramp) Campsites, hiking, biking and any other recreational activties in Sierra National Forest
- Twin Lake in Bridgeport, because it is managed by Humboldt Toiyabe on the Nevada side this area is open with restrictions:
Mountain Communities
Besides Lakes and fishing our mountain towns and communities which provide great history and unique opportunities to support local small business are open in many areas.
Calaveras County HWY 49 Gold Country is Open – Calaveras County is situated in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills in California’s historic Gold Country region. According to a USDA study, Calaveras ranks 14th nationally for scenic beauty and climate. Drive times from gateway cities and major destinations are: San Francisco 2.5 hours; Sacramento 1.5 hours; Lake Tahoe 2.5 hours; Yosemite 2.5 hours. The county includes two important highways: Highway 49 which runs north to south and is the oldest highway in the western United States, formed in honor of the California Gold Rush which officially began in 1849. Highway 4, which runs east to west in the southern end of the county, becomes the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway in Arnold, affording spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, glacially carved valleys and canyons, ancient volcanic peaks, rugged granite snow-capped ridges
Visit: Angels Camp, Murphy’s , Arnold , San Andres to name a few and enjoy a weekend of History, food and local adventures.
Calaveras Vineyard Tour
Explore 4 Vineyards and Enjoy Select Tastings along with a Wine Country Lunch! Offered 1st Saturdays May through October and limited to 20 Guests per Tour. Register early to save your spot!
Bridgeport Ca – Ghost Towns
Bodie Ca, at this time looks like it will be open Labor day weekend. But if for instance it does close check out the Masonic Ghost Town features North of Bridgeport
Bridgeport Founder’s Day – Bridgeport, California’s 19th Founder’s Day will be a new experience this year!
Horseback Rides Leavitt Meadows
We spoke with the teams out at Leavitt meadows and they too will be leading Horseback tours over the weekend out at Leavitt Meadows. ride out to Secret Lake or Roosevelt lakes for a great half day excursion with a great team of guides.
BLM For Camping
If Camping is a must for Labor Day weekend, then BLM land and dispersed camping is still available. now in California your options here are limited, but if you are coming to the Eastern sierra already y then Nevada is wide open. Fire restrictions obviously are in place but check out places on the East Walker river for example for a fun family weekend camping and fishing.
National Parks
Yosemite National Park is still requiring reservations so this may not be an option, but Death Valley, Calaveras State Park, California Redwoods, Joshua Tree Parks are all open for visitors.
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off
Enjoy The Best BBQ Festival In The Country! Often referred to as the Super Bowl of rib competitions on the national BBQ competition circuit, the annual Labor Day Weekend event in sparks.
Labor Day Parade Virginia City
Celebrate the American labor movement and all the achievements of workers in our country up on the Comstock. Virginia City is proud to honor and celebrate the men and women who have made our country what it is today.
Apple Hill is Open
Even with the Caldor Fire just to the East Apple hill is open and providing early visitors unique weekend events for the annual Apple hill favorites. Friday Cider Sunsets @ Hidden Star Camino Sept 3.
this is just a short list of ideas and options for Labor Day weekend. The Point, the weekend can still be filled with adventures. we just need to be flexible and willing to explore someplace new possibly. The sierra awaits your visit.