Clark Canyon

Clark Canyon is seeing a fairly large number of climbers recently, or so it seems from my last few visits there, and a small thing just happened that I'd like to see not continue. There's a new gate on the road in, right at the left turn where the road descends to the meadow camping area. On our way out yesterday, we noticed that the last car that came down (which passed us on its way in) hadn't closed the gate behind them. I'm not sure why this gate was installed, although I surmise it's to keep people out of the area and, therefore, safe in case of another fire. Despite what anyone may think about its purpose or usefulness, I think it's important to keep it closed in order to maintain a good relationship with the powers that be in the area, and not do anything to jeopardize climbing access. So, no matter your personal attitude toward gates/authority/whatever, please keep ALL climbers and climbing access in mind, and observe local rules. Thanks!!

Where is that exactly?

Jodi, I believe that the gate, and the fence line to which it connects, is to control cattle from the nearby Arcularius dude ranch. I'm quite positive that it has nothing to do with wild fire safety. I've been climbing at Clark's for over twenty years and that gate has come and gone a handful of times. I strongly agree with you that it is important to keep the peace with the nearby land users by respecting the gate position. What I believe to be the standard on leased public land in the West is to keep the gate in the position found in. If you find it open leave it open, if you find it closed then close it behind you. Obviously, it only takes one party to undo this practice. Sometimes cattle managers want gates to be open but it seems to me that since somebody (most likely ranch staff) took the time to reconstruct a gate and based on the last twenty years it should be closed most of the time. Thank you for taking the time to remind people to close it. Clarks gets a large amount of climbers who are both new to climbing and to the Eastern Sierra so it is probably a good idea to give people friendly reminders of the local ethic.

Jim, the gate she is referring to is just above the section of the road that used to be very rough and has been improved recently. This section of road is just before (if headed towards Clarks) the aspen grove campsite which was decimated by the fire.

Years ago there used to be another gate, which also required opening and closing, at the top of the long sandy hill near the Al's Garage area. You used to have to stop twice on the way out to Clarks. 

Luke Lydiard wrote: Jim, the gate she is referring to is just above the section of the road that used to be very rough and has been improved recently. This section of road is just before (if headed towards Clarks) the aspen grove campsite which was decimated by the fire.

Years ago there used to be another gate, which also required opening and closing, at the top of the long sandy hill near the Al's Garage area. You used to have to stop twice on the way out to Clarks. 

That's out like east of the June Lake area somewhere?

Hi Jodi!

I have a vague recollection that there used to be two gates!  Yes, it’s cattle control. Open, go through, close the gate behind you. Easy.

Hope to see you this summer.  

Great to hear that section of road has been repaired. Driving down it I’m always questioning if I will make it back up. 

We've been going to Clark for well over 20 years, and I too remember the two gates. The first was lower down on the road in; the posts are still there, completely charred. Both gates were removed so long ago that I figured there were no more cattle out there. Of course, now, after the fires, the grasses are plentiful, so maybe they're back.

Phyl, yes, hope to see you!