Recreational Activities
Roads
Summit Road
and Motorized Trail Atlas
In addition to State Highways and County Roads, the Forest
contains National Forest Roads. Commercial vehicles may need a
Road Use Permit to use these National Forest Roads. Some heavy
vehicles may need an Overload Permit to cross a bridge when the
load exceeds the state legal limit or when the load exceeds the
posted bridge limit.
Getting around on Forest roads is different
from driving on streets or highways. While on the
Forest, always expect and allow for extra driving
time when traveling off the State highways. Most
Forest roads are narrow, steep and winding routes
where safe travel speeds average 20-30 mph on
paved roads. Safe travel on gravel and dirt roads
travel is even slower.
Travel conditions for a Forest road can be
determined from signs, maps, and road entrance
conditions. The following descriptions are
intended to help you enjoy your visit and to
choose Forest roads best suited for your vehicle
and driving experience. National Forest route
signs use white numbers on a brown background, and
are clearly posted at road intersections.
ROAD USE
Motorized travel is prohibited in some
areas. Federal law (36 CFR 261.16(a)) prohibits operation
of any mechanical or motorized equipment within the
boundaries of a Wilderness. In addition, motor vehicles may
not enter areas managed for non-motorized
recreation under the Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Direction.
OR
Roads
Maintained for Passenger Cars
Some Forest roads are maintained for passenger cars; however,
snow is not removed in the winter. Signs for these roads show the route number
horizontal.
Roads Not Maintained for Passenger
Cars
Most Forest roads
receive minimal maintenance. Signs for these roads show
the route number vertically. If you choose to drive minimally
maintained roads, expect to encounter other vehicles,
rocks, downed trees, road washouts, and thick brush.
Please do not drive these roads during wet weather
because you will leave wheel ruts. Some vertical route
markers may be missing, so be watchful for changes in the
road conditions. Check with the nearest Forest Service
office for regulations regarding off-highway travel.
CLOSED ROADS
Forest roads are
sometimes closed to motor vehicles to prevent the rutting
of soft roadbeds during wet weather, to reduce
disturbances to wildlife species during critical periods,
to insure public safety, or because of high fire danger.
Such closures are indicated by posted signs, gates and/or
barriers. Closures may be seasonal or year-long.
Sometimes roads are restricted to logging or
administrative use. Signs are posted indicating such
restrictions. For safety reasons, you may not use these
roads, even though they may look well maintained. Check
with the nearest Stanislaus National Forest Office
to see when
these roads will be open for firewood gathering or other
uses.
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