Hathaway Pines, CA…Three roads on the Calaveras Ranger District that suffered extensive damage from winter storms this year will reopen today, Stanislaus National Forest officials announced. Spicer, Slick Rock and McKays roads are now open to visitors wishing to travel on them. “All three roads are safe for public access, but please use caution and drive slowly. We have identified the damaged road segments and have marked them with signs, barricades and reflectors so drivers are aware,” said Casey Jardine, acting Calaveras District Ranger. “We have worked hard to prepare the road and are relieved they are in good enough shape to get visitors to many of our campgrounds in time for the Independence Day holiday.” Calaveras Ranger District staff have fielded many phone calls about the extensive road closures, Jardine said. “We are glad the visitors will be able to enjoy recreating within the Spicer, Union, Utica and Slick Rock areas again,” she added.

Once the roads were deemed safe for public access, the Forest was able to open the following campgrounds: Spicer, Spicer Group Camp, Union East, Union West, Rocky Point, Sandy Flat and Stanislaus River. All listed campgrounds except the Spicer Group Camp are first come, first served. Contact Sierra Recreation Managers for group camp reservations at (209) 296-8895.

The only exception is Road 7N29Y that leads to Elephant Rock and Summit Lake trailheads. That road is impassible and remains closed.

Forest officials stress that the roads are not repaired, which will take much more time. “We’re glad we have been able to reopen some roads to the public, but we still have significant work to do before we can say the Forest roads are repaired,” said Jim Junette, acting Deputy Forest Supervisor.

Visitors are urged to use caution when driving on Calaveras Ranger District roads. “It’s vital that people remember driving on the Forest is not business as usual this year,” Jardine said. “The roads are open, but some are limited to one lane in places. You may come around a bend and find a damaged road, so we ask that people drive defensively.”

Jardine cautioned that although snow has melted from lower elevation roads, Highway 4 remains closed at Lake Alpine while CalTrans continues to clear the pass of snow. “There’s no snow left at any of the Spicer-area campgrounds, but of the Lake Alpine campgrounds, only Silver Tip and West Shore are open. The other three, Pine Marten, Silver Valley and Lodgepole, will open as soon as the melting snow permits.”

As snow melts in the higher elevations, Forest employees are able to inspect campgrounds and trailheads and remove debris and ensure infrastructure is in good condition.

Up-to-date road conditions and recreation availability can be found on the Stanislaus National Forest website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus. Click on storm damage for road conditions, or recreation for hiking, biking and camping information.

Contact your local Ranger District office for current information on roads and conditions before traveling on the Forest.

Stanislaus NF Supervisor’s Office: 209-532-3671
Calaveras Ranger District: 209-795-1381
Groveland Ranger District 209-962-7825
Mi-Wok Ranger District at 209-586-3234
Summit Ranger District at 209-965-3434