It's been a long time since i've been on-forum, but i'm hoping you guys can point me in the right direction anyway. Different things i'm reading are telling me different and confusing things about where on Tyndall and Williamson one is allowed to be after July 1st. Can anyone clear this up, or at least point me towards the right office to call? (I'm a bit slow to call forest rangers, as i invariably get a different and somewhat random answer depending on whom i reach.)

I'm not at all against doing a multi-day trip (even a week) to avoid Shepherd's Pass or any other off-limits area. I'm only able to be there in late July or early August. My climbing skill is pretty decent on snow, but if on rock it's harder than easy Class 3 i'll hurl. (I've done some class 4, but always swear i'll never do it again...fear of heights...)

thanks for any ideas or info!!!

On and after July 16, there is no legal way to get to Williamson till the other (SE access) opens up later in the year (December). I believe Tyndall is outside the Bighorn boundaries (the boundary is right on the mountain).

We thought the Bighorn closure would be rescinded, but the USFS appears to be using any excuse to postpone the change. "The Chief" is the expert on the proposed changes; someone here may have his contact info.

This year July 15 is a Thursday, so may still have a chance to get entry and exit permits. You can spend the night of the 15th and exit on the 16th if you camp outside the closure.

You can take an eastern route in the period April 15-May 15, but I'm guessing that will be snowy this year.

Call John at the wilderness office in Bishop 760-873-2483 ... he's been there a long time and can answer any of your questions

You have until July 15th to do Williamson. The area is closed after that unless something has changed recently.

Here's a map showing the closures:

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~alpine/SheepClosures.jpg

Perfect...thanks for the info and links!

This looks doable since i can get out there right around the 14th. If anyone of similar (or better) experience* is interested in joining, shoot me a note!

*Mostly a hiker, not a climber. Reasonably comfy up to Class 3 rock and Class 4 snow. Mostly big mountains like Rainier and Hood, but have pushed my limits and done a few small rock climbs like Muir, Split, Thielsen.

markv wrote:Perfect...thanks for the info and links!

This looks doable since i can get out there right around the 14th. If anyone of similar (or better) experience* is interested in joining, shoot me a note!

*Mostly a hiker, not a climber. Reasonably comfy up to Class 3 rock and Class 4 snow. Mostly big mountains like Rainier and Hood, but have pushed my limits and done a few small rock climbs like Muir, Split, Thielsen.

You should be fine for Williamson. The Class 3 section is short (kind of disappointing for the hefty approach).

markv wrote:*Mostly a hiker, not a climber. Reasonably comfy up to Class 3 rock and Class 4 snow. Mostly big mountains like Rainier and Hood, but have pushed my limits and done a few small rock climbs like Muir, Split, Thielsen.

The 3rd class on Williamson (by the normal west route) is no harder than the 3rd class on Muir. Remember that a lot of people have been there, so the rock is pruned of loose stuff. Go left in the "tunnel" (of the class 3) if you don't want to climb the "face" directly.