Stanislaus National Forest
Sierra Sun Times file photo
July 1, 2017 - SONORA, California – A section of Lumsden Road on Groveland Ranger District has reopened to public traffic. The road is open from Ferretti Road to Southfork Campground.
Lumsden Campground and Merals Pool are open, but Southfork and Lumsden Bridge campgrounds remain closed. A landslide and failed roadbed keeps the road past Southfork closed.
“Now that the road is passable, our Forest crews are preparing Southfork campground for visitors and we expect it will be open within two weeks,” said Michael Jow, acting Groveland District Ranger.
“Visitors can use the road to reach Lumsden campground, but please use extreme caution,” Jow said. “Even when it’s in good shape, Lumsden is a steep, narrow, one-lane road with big drop-offs in places.”
The popular Merals Pool is now accessible via Lumsden Road, where kayakers and rafters put into the Tuolumne River, Jow said. “Snow levels in the mountains are very high and that causes all the rivers to flow very high and very fast. It is critical that visitors know how to float safely in dangerous, high-flow water conditions. For example, landings are much more challenging in fast water. Keep all of your group in sight at all times on the water. Know your procedures for high water navigation, unplanned swims and flipped boats. Practice them before you enter high water.”
Motorists are urged to remain alert for damaged roads and barricaded areas that remain impassible. “We know how important the Forest roads are to the Groveland community and our visitors and we are reopening as many as possible,” Jow said. “Driving defensively and looking out for other vehicles is the best way to stay safe.”
Visitors are encouraged to call their local District Ranger office for road updates, or view our road closure list at https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus.
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 (Fridays only, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Summit Ranger District at 209-965-3434.
Source: Stanislaus National Forest
