Most of the Clear Creek Management area in the Diablo Range has been closed since 2008 for asbestos contamination. The last time I was in the area was a few years ago and the access roads were ungated though officially "closed". Does anyone know if this is still the case? Specifically, the entrance along Los Gatos Rd, not too far from Pinnacles NP. Thanks in advance...

Hey Bob,

I was in the area (from New Idria, however), in 2010 and found the same thing: technically the area is "closed" but with no actual barriers to stop anyone. There was a lone dirtbiker and several 4x4-ers in the area at the same time as myself, too.

That sign doesn't say that it is closed.

mrchad9 wrote:That sign doesn't say that it is closed.

True. That one was put up shortly before the closure. There are plenty of signs that do, however. The BLM website on the area hasn't been updated since 2011 and it still says a management plan is "pending" (now five years later since it was closed in 2008). I'm pretty sure the New Idria road would be open, but since we're going to be at Pinnacles the day before, I'd rather use the Los Gatos access road and that one I'm not so sure about - thus my inquiry as to whether anyone's been there in the last year or so. I was last on both roads in 2010. The New Idria route is more than 50 miles of extra driving, I think.

Going for Pt 3651 and Loma Atravesada Bob?

McCannster wrote:Going for Pt 3651 and Loma Atravesada Bob?

Loma Atravesada is at the top of a short list to keep us busy for a day. I recruited Adam to join me, but had to promise to let him lead the climbs at Pinnacles the previous day.