Snowdocking in the Sierra: are there ungated areas?

[profdant139]

We have developed a taste for mild snow boondocking -- nothing extreme, just a nice blanket of snow and cool temps. (For folks suffering through this winter back East, no, we are not crazy -- the snow provides a welcome contrast to day after day of sunny, dry, dull California weather.)

The problem we have encountered is that during the winter months, the Forest Service locks the gates to almost all of the high altitude forest roads. This is understandable -- they don't want unwary city folks to get trapped out there. But we are wary city folks, and we are comfortable about taking care of ourselves in a little bit of snow -- we watch the forecast, we have chains for the truck and the trailer, we have a winch and tools, we can get unstuck, etc.

So that is my question -- without identifying any specific boondocking sites, are there general areas in the Western US where we could get into the snow without breaking the rules? Obviously, this winter is history; but I am looking ahead to next year.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[RoyB]

We used to go all over the mountain areas servicing radio repeater sites.

Some of the locked gates looked like this with sometimes ten or more locks added to the chain. some folks will just cut out a chain link and add their own lock...



Roy Ken