Hello,
I'm planning on being in the nw corner of Nevada March 24-31st. I'm interested in going to the High Rocks canyon area including the Upper Canyon. What I would like to know, is what the road conditions might be at this time. If anyone has any info in this regard I would be appreciative. I will be staying close to Cedarville.
Thanks,
Eric Bekebrede
Late march trip
The road thru HR Canyon is closed to vehicles until early/mid May to protect the area and allow bighorn sheep & antelope calving and raptor nesting but you can still hike in. Expect it to be colder than the Playa area due to the higher elevation, actual conditions unknown, there might be snow on the ground up there. On Sat. 2/23 it was about 25 in Gerlach around midnight. 4WD almost certainly required in that area and the access via Hwy 334 may not be passable even then. Take plenty of gear, a shovel, chains etc etc!
Important: Leave a trip plan with a trusted friend and a drop dead time for them to call SAR if you don't return and then stick to your plan! There's no cell service up there so if nobody knows where you are you might not be found until Spring.
Short version, I'd wait until May/June unless you are really experienced and geared up! And it's really yucky when you want to make coffee in the morning and your water is all frozen....
David Book, Board Member and Washoe Cty SAR member
High Rock canyon
Hight Rock Canyon is closed to vehicles until May under the normal closure for bighorn sheep calving, raptor nesting, and antelope calving. You can still hike in.
Expect muddy roads, take extra gear, and leave a trip plan with a trusted friend so if you don't return, the SAR people know where to look! And it's probably going to be cold. It rained pretty good on the playa March 16 and probably snowed up HR Cyn way.
Cedarville BLM office
You might check with the Cedarville BLM office when you are there, as they are a lot closer to that area than we are and could give a better description of the specific roads where you will visit. There is rain in the forecast, posssibly snow, so plan accordingly. Also note that the road through High Rock Canyon itself is currently closed to vehicles starting at Stevens Camp and thru to the southeast end of the canyon (but it is open to pedestrians). Hope this helps, and let us know how your trip went! Thanks!
BLM Surprise Field Office
602 Cressler Street
Cedarville, CA 96104
Phone: (530) 279-6101
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/surprise.html
http://www.blm.gov/ca/forms/feedback/index.php?fo=15