Sonora Pass trails offer recreation

The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area near Sonora Pass opened Friday with 2 to 4 feet of snow coverage.   

Snow depths are below normal for this time of the year so U.S. Forest Service officials advise snowmobilers to exercise caution as obstacles may be minimally covered off of groomed trails.

The Pacific Crest Trail Crossing is unavailable unless there is adequate snow coverage to allow the travel corridor to be marked.  Updates will be posted on the Forest Service website at www.fs. usda.gov/goto/htnf/winterrec and made available by calling the Bridgeport Ranger Station at 760-932-7070.    

Permits are mandatory for winter travel in the BWRA and Pacific Crest Trail Crossing Corridor for each individual snowmobile and non-motorized skier/hiker at the following locations:  Bridgeport and Carson City Ranger Stations, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; kiosks located at Caltrans (People’s) gate on east Highway 108, Sonora Summit on Highway 108 and at self-issue kiosks at the Bridgeport Ranger Station after-hours.    

Permits are available in advance by faxing a request form to the Bridgeport Ranger Station at 760-932-5899.