Chantry Flat reopening – October 2024

Chantry Flat will reopen to the public on Oct. 2, 2024, following the expiration of the Bobcat Fire closure order.

The gate will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. daily.

While many trails will be open to the public, a number of trails are closed or non-existent following the fire and present a significant safety risk. Refer to the lists and map below (also linked here if you wish to download).

Open trails are marked in GREEN:

• Sturtevant/Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Falls
• Sturtevant/Gabrielino Trail to Sturtevant Camp
• Rim Trail to Newcomb Pass
• Upper Winter Creek
• Lower Winter Creek
• Winter Creek Trail to Manzanita Ridge/Mt. Wilson Trail
• First Water Trail from Chantry Rd. to Sturtevant Trail

Closed trails are marked in RED:

• First Water Trail to Hermit Falls
• Gabrielino Trail from Sturtevant Trail to Newcomb’s Pass
• Sturtevant Trail from Mt. Wilson to Sturtevant Camp
• Zion Trail

We encourage all hikers to recreate safely on these trails. Rescues in this area involve considerable SAR resources, and a helicopter rescue is never guaranteed because of weather conditions and other safety factors. Cellphone coverage is limited. Attempts to access trails marked in red represent a significant risk to your safety.

Preparing to hike in Chantry Flats

Create an itinerary and text it or give it to someone in town, especially now that some trails are no longer accessible. 

A basic itinerary includes:

• Who you’re going with and contact numbers
• Trailhead/starting point
• Destination
• Start date and time
• Estimated end date and time
• Emergency contact information

Carry the Ten Essentials.

If you’re in need of help, SMSR does not charge for rescue.

• Do not continue to hike. Shelter in place. 
• Take inventory of your Ten Essentials and save your phone battery. 
• Report the following when you make your 911 call:
  • Any relevant medical condition or injury you may have
  • Where your car is parked and its description
  • What time of day you started and how long you’ve been moving
  • The direction you took from your car, trail signs, and your hiking objective
  • Describe yourself: age, height, weight, what you’re wearing, and what equipment you have with you. 

Do not delay a call to 911, if you have cell coverage. Limit phone use to emergency personnel only. 

Responding to rescuers:

• If you hear shouts, answer them.
• If you hear whistle blasts, shout back or check the sternum strap on your backpack for a whistle. 
• If you hear a helicopter approaching, gather your belongings quickly and make yourself noticeable by waving your colorful clothing, pointing the reflection of a mirror/shiny object in the direction of the helicopter, and/or lie down when the helicopter flies over to make a large X with your body.