BLM plan reduces camping in the Alabama Hills

[PaulMurphyHomes]

My last visit will probably be my last. A rock climber that thought they owned the place decided to be a REAL *******. This is the reason I like Lockers and High Clearance. - Helps me keep a safe distance to outdoor jerks.

[Jeffrey]

I participated in the meeting that the BLM hosted to hear from the public and consider recommendations. They were nice enough folks. I've been visiting the A Hills for decades and provided them with valuable input from a perspective of my own needs, of course. The area is not large by any means, and with the enormous popularity of vans, campers, RV's and such, the area had been suffering from extreme use. I belong to and support Friends of the Inyo, a local group that has maintained trails and restored vegetation in the Hills for years. The nature of the management plan is not that bad and will still allow me to do what I need to do there, though I may need to get a permit or sign up in advance somehow. If it is not protected and managed, it will disintegrate and no one will enjoy it anymore. I'm willing to adhere to a few rules in order to save the place. And those new restrooms will be welcome. I'm sure I've dug too many holes in the same place!

[86Scotty]

I blame Quentin. It was Django Unchained that made everybody want to roll their wagon into the hills.

[daveb]

I think what I'd prefer to see are sites that don't resemble the sardine can approach. Every spot I've seen redesigned of late are camps that are not designed to be secluded. Many single dispersed sites in my area have been placed practically right off the side of the trail. If not, they seem to put several sites bunched together. I've never been to the Alabama Hills and the new map isn't much help on what they are planning. I can't see how up close they'll require me be to to other campers.



For those who have frequented the area, does it look like you'll still be able to find some seclusion from other camper or vehicles driving in and out once this plan is put in place?

[pjpvi]

And those new restrooms will be welcome. I'm sure I've dug too many holes in the same place!

I do agree with that!

[Gooseberry]

Originally Posted by pjpvi

I do agree with that!

Same but why limit when they can just do more of them just saying its removing our access. Yes i use wag bags but stop closing shit

[Tapatio]

httphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OHG7tHrNM

[Jack K]

I used to take my van to the Alabama Hills quite a bit in the late 80’s and early 90’s, sometimes using it as a destination, other times as an overnight stop on the way elsewhere in the eastern Sierras. Always hardly anyone there, a few off-roaders, maybe a couple of campers not far from the paved road leading to Whitney Portal. It was a wonderful site with fabulous terrain, million dollar views and peace. Not having been there in the intervening time, a couple of years ago, enroute further north, tired, my wife and I pulled in to spend the night, me with confident eager anticipation to show her my private secret area. Silly me! Every single little side track was occupied. Drove around for quite some time in the dark before finding parking at a trailhead, which became busy with tourists the next morning. Not. Going. Back.

It’s really too bad. Same story with Hot Creek near Mammoth. Used to be able to sit in the creek and experience the alternating hot and cold water currents before the access got all fenced off. Also the Granite Mountains in the Mojave, where some kind of Burning Man mass gathering takes place in a beautiful spot where the silence of the desert used to be guaranteed.

I suppose it is all inevitable, but still, a shame.

As far as toilets, their utility depends entirely on the class of people using them. I’ve entered some that I wish I had never seen.

It is a big country, though, with lots of space. It’s easy enough to get to the more remote spots away from crowds if you have the means and the drive to get there.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by daveb

I think what I'd prefer to see are sites that don't resemble the sardine can approach. Every spot I've seen redesigned of late are camps that are not designed to be secluded. Many single dispersed sites in my area have been placed practically right off the side of the trail. If not, they seem to put several sites bunched together. I've never been to the Alabama Hills and the new map isn't much help on what they are planning. I can't see how up close they'll require me be to to other campers.

Dave, steer clear of Moab then. You can still get away from the crowds but it's getting harder, mostly because the crowds there are all off-road capable.

[Turbo]

Thanks for sharing. I see it as a good thing for the area.