Sierra National Forest

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Forest Order - Recreation Sites, Roads, and Trails

The net effect of this order is to reopen Kinnikinnick Campground and Florence Lake Picnic Area (i.e removing them from Exabit A of the Forest Recreation Closure list).

Overview

Sierra National Forest is open and accessible across most of its 1.3 million acres spanning Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa counties in the central Sierra Nevada. The forest has recently reopened the vast majority of areas affected by the 2025 Garnet Fire (over 99% of the fire area reopened on October 31, 2025), though visitors should exercise caution as significant post-fire hazards remain including unstable slopes, hazard trees, and damaged roads—particularly during inclement weather and high winds. Several specific locations remain closed: Black Rock Road/11S12 (bridge damage), Black Rock Campground, Sawmill Flats Campground, and Ross Crossing camping area. Fire restrictions were lifted on October 11, 2025. Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is scheduled to reopen January 1, 2026, after extensive fuels reduction treatments. The Mammoth Pool boat launch remains closed for rehabilitation work. Active forest orders include occupancy limitations for extended stays (Order 05-15-00-25-20), wilderness use restrictions, wilderness campfire restrictions in the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, and bear-proof food storage requirements at all developed recreation sites. The forest emphasizes proper bear safety, checking weather conditions before visits, and being prepared for limited cell service in backcountry areas.

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