Thursday, April 7, 2023 Climber Current Conditions Report by Climbing Rangers:
Important Update about Climbing Access!
We finally have good news to share for our Conditions Report:
THE OWENS RIVER GORGE IS OPENING THIS FRIDAY: APRIL 7!
After many back-and-forth conversations with LADWP we JUST got confirmation the Gorge is opening this weekend!
As a reminder please be careful near water while recreating this spring, there will be more water than most people have experienced in the valley!
Warmer temperatures and longer days ahead have us eager to get out and climb. Unfortunately, climbing is still extremely limited in the Bishop area as roads are repaired from the vast storm damage the area suffered. We are still seeing a lot of vegetation and resource damage from folks ignoring road closures and driving through vegetation to get around obstacles and flooded sections. Please do your part to stay on road and respect any closures. Things are changing fast so we will be sure to give updates as we learn more. Please recreate responsibly as the area is still in a very fragile state.
Buttermilk Country: Buttermilk Rd is still in very rough shape. Climbers may park in pullouts before their storm damage and walk to reach the main bouldering area. Parking is very limited so please carpool if you choose to climb here.
Owens River Gorge (ORG): After many back-and-forth conversations with LADWP we JUST got confirmation the Gorge is opening this weekend! As a reminder please be careful near water while recreating this spring, there will be more water than most people have experienced in the valley!
Pine Creek: Buried in deep snow.
Chalk Bluff Road is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrian traffic if you choose to walk into Happy or Sad Boulders. Construction crews are doing work to repair the road. Please do not drive around the closure and do not park on LADWP land to access this area.
The P.V. Pit campground is open and accessible.
**For the latest information on conditions on the California State Highway System, please visit the Caltrans QuickMap website at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or download the app to your smartphone. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).