THE END OF THE ROAD (CONSTRUCTION)?
Reds Meadow Road, the only vehicle route to Devils Postpile National Monument, could see its long-running reconstruction project completed by the end of this season, if an early construction start translates into enough time on the ground.
The contractor plans to mobilize May 4 and begin work May 18, nearly a month earlier than the typical mid-June start in the Reds Meadow corridor. This means crews could, hypothetically, potentially and hopefully finish work on the reconstruction project this year, according to Mammoth Ranger District Recreation Officer Chris Buehrer.
“I’m optimistic we can complete it, but we’ll see,” Buehrer said. “The plan is by the end of the season.”
Buehrer shared the update during a Wednesday evening presentation at Mammoth Brewing Company’s Eatery.
The $31.6 million reconstruction effort began in 2023, led by Herback General Engineering through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The project aims to address longstanding issues with the road, including narrow width, failing pavement, poor drainage, and limited sight distance.
Those deficiencies have forced years of managed access, including shuttle-only periods, closures, and traffic controls that have reshaped how visitors reach Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station, Devils Postpile, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the John Muir Trail.
If crews do spill into 2027, Buehrer said, it would likely be for final paving near Minaret Vista, which is a choke point that effectively dictates the project’s completion timeline. Even then, the remaining work would likely take only a few weeks.
So, the end of the road, the light at the end of the tunnel… it’s in sight.
But not before another public access season is disturbed, causing seasonal access confusion, um, sorry, restrictions. So buckle up, because your head might start spinning as I explain it.
Public access is expected to begin June 6, with weekend-only openings through July 1, though that timeline remains tentative.
“I have to check it out and the contractor has to make sure it’s good to go,” Buehrer said. “But we plan to allow public access on weekends in June if all goes well.”
That would mark a significant shift from 2025, when public access didn’t begin until July 3.
As in past years, the ESTA shuttle will run daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. when the road is open, departing from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. During hours when the shuttle is not operating but the road is open, personal vehicles will be allowed.
The road will fully open July 2 through July 5 for the Fourth of July holiday, with no construction delays.
After that, the schedule tightens again.
From July 6 through Sept. 2, the road will open continuously from 7 a.m. Thursday through 11 p.m. Sunday. However, Thursdays will include delays of up to two hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and the shuttle will be mandatory.
Crews will not allow early entry to bypass delays with personal vehicles on Thursdays.
“We’re not going to allow access early,” Buehrer said. “If you show up at 6:30 a.m. trying to beat construction, you won’t get through.”
Visitors who drive in on a weekend must also plan their exit carefully. If you don’t leave by Sunday night, you may be stuck waiting for the next opening or begging construction crews.
In Bueher’s words, “S.O.L.”
This information has been distributed through the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the John Muir Trail Association… but don’t be surprised if you meet a few stragglers who didn’t get the memo.
For those willing to skip the road, foot access remains open via Starkweather Trail from Minaret Summit.
“If you want to hike down when the road’s closed, go for it,” Buehrer said.
However, overnight wilderness permits will not be issued during periods when the road is closed, limiting that option to day use only.
Labor Day weekend will extend access through Monday night, though Thursday delays will remain in place.
After Sept. 8, the road returns to the Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, with delays continuing until Sept. 21. From Sept. 21 through Nov. 1, access shifts to weekends only. Seasonal closure is scheduled for Nov. 2.
