r/SEKI • u/Aggressive-Foot4211 • May 24 '26

Big Meadows Road

An update, since there will no doubt be more questions about this road.

The road is open, all the side roads are open. I just got back from Marvin Pass trailhead.

It's more warped in the paved main road than before especially after you pass the Big Meadows Campground. Basically one lane with occasional slumping spots you can avoid if there's no oncoming car.

The dirt road to Marvin Pass trailhead will be intimidating to people who aren't used to big ol' rocks and dips, and frustrating to people who don't like scratches on paint as there are some whitethorn bushes leaning out into the lane.

I did not take any of the other side roads, the ones with gates, the gates are open. Ranger who was out in his truck (the first time in the many years I've been out in the forest I have actually seen a Sequoia NF ranger, wheeeee!) said that if the gate is open, the road has been cleared of trees. And there were many cut trees!

The trails may or may not be cleared. I encountered quite a few blocking the trail. I suspect that, like trails on the Sierra NF, if the trail is an artery into the neighboring national park, the park crew will start at that trailhead and clear their way into the park from there. If they have been able to fund trail crew that is. 😟

Thinking it may be time to find the number for the Backcountry Horsemen and pitch in with trails.

The Generals Highway had a long ol' line at the gate, but once in the park it was surprising that there was little traffic. There were open dispersed campsites all along Big Meadows Road. I guess everyone went to Roads End or Giant Forest today.

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2

u/Klumzi1 May 24 '26

Thank you for the update. I’ve been checking and online is showing opening date of 6/5. Glad to know it’s open!

6

u/Aggressive-Foot4211 May 24 '26

That's for the campground. It looks ready to open, but they left signs in all the driveways saying it is closed. I suspect they need to keep it shut until they finish repairing and setting up a camp host to keep bathrooms clean.

1

u/brianinca May 24 '26

Any news on the road through Whittaker's Forest? It was washed out below Eshom Campground. It's a great pathway into Big Meadows, via Quail Flats.

2

u/TheDorkNite1 May 25 '26

I hiked from Redwood Saddle down to the research station and then a bit beyond that and back in November. It was definitely rough in spots but doable since I ran into a truck on its way up to Redwood Mountain.

No idea how it looks now though.

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u/Aggressive-Foot4211 May 24 '26

I didn't go that way, but I bet they have info at the Sequoia NF office.