Reds Meadow Road is being reconstructed to greatly improve public access and traffic safety.
Road opening and closing dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.
For the most up to date information, please contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center at (760) 924-5500 and this website: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
REDS MEADOW ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Inyo National Forest. This Order is effective from June 3, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
- Being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road (3S11) from June 3 to June 5, starting at 12:01 AM on June 3 and ending at 11:59 PM on June 5. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
- Being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road (3S11) Sunday nights through Saturday mornings from June 6 through July 5, starting at 11:00 PM on Sundays and ending at 7:00 AM on Saturdays, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
a. Saturday and Sunday access contingent upon establishing safe roadway conditions.
b. Exceptions: Independence Day Weekend (Thursday July 2 at 12:01 AM - Sunday July 5 at 11:00 PM it will remain open). - Being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road (3S11) Sunday nights through Thursday mornings from July 6 through September 20, starting at 11:00 PM on Sundays and ending at 7:00 AM on Thursdays, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
a. Exception: Labor Day weekend (Thursday September 3 at 7:00 AM – Monday September 7 at 11:00 PM it will remain open). - Being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road (3S11) Sunday nights through Saturday mornings from September 21 through November 1, starting at 11:00 PM on Sundays and ending at 7:00 AM on Saturdays, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
- Being on the entirety of Reds Meadow Road (3S11) from November 1 at 11:00 PM through December 31 at 11:59 PM, as shown on Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
- During closure periods outlined in Prohibitions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Area, defined as: the entirety of Reds Meadow Road from Minaret Vista to the southern terminus at Reds Meadow Resort, and all lands within 200 feet on either side of Reds Meadow Road (03S11), as shown on Exhibit A. Starkweather trail is excluded. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Executed in Bishop California, this 2nd day of June, 2026.
______________________
NATHAN SILL
Acting Forest Supervisor
Inyo National Forest
Camp Observer
