Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area
The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) was designated with passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, making it the first winter motorized recreation area in the nation. The quality snow conditions and challenging terrain in the Sonora Pass area provide avid snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, and snowboarders the opportunity to experience extreme winter sports unmatched anywhere in the Sierra Nevada.
General Information
- Each person accessing the BWRA for motorized recreation is required to obtain a fee permit. Permits are self-issue in person at People’s Gate Trailhead on HWY 108 west of the Mountain Warfare training Center, and at Sonora pass, or online at the Bridgeport Avalanche Center website.
- Snowmobiles must have resident or nonresident Calif. Off Highway Vehicle Registration or current home state registration.
- Over the snow vehicles are permitted between the first Saturday in December until the last Sunday In April and only when the minimum snow depth requirements are met. The BWRA can open to motorized use once 24 inches of snow depth is measured at the HWY 108/ Leavitt Lake Junction Road. If snow depths fall below 12” at the Leavitt Lake Rd/Hwy 108 junction, or <10% snow coverage at Leavitt Lake, the BWRA will close to motorized use.
- For current conditions and avalanche snow summary please check the Bridgeport Avalanche Center website.
- Be aware that the area is used by the USMC Mountain Warfare Training Center for winter warfare training activities.
Over the snow vehicles are permitted between the first Saturday in December until the last Sunday In April and only when the minimum snow depth requirements are met. The BWRA can open to motorized use once 24 inches of snow depth is measured at the HWY 108/ Leavitt Lake Junction Road. If snow depths fall below 12” at the Leavitt Lake Rd/Hwy 108 junction, or <10% snow coverage at Leavitt Lake, the BWRA will close to motorized use. Temporary closures may occur if snow depths fall below required measurements. The BWRA is open year-round to human powered travel for current conditions and avalanche snow summary please check the Bridgeport Avalanche Center website https://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org
- All Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area Permits are free. Permits are self-issue in person at People’s Gate Trailhead on HWY 108 west of the Mountain Warfare training Center, and at Sonora pass. Permits may also be found online at https://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/permits/
- A free California Camp Fire Permit issued by CalFire is required for campfire, barbecue, and portable stove use.
Address: 75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517
Phone: 760-932-7070
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.34936
Longitude: -119.53301
Directions
Easy access right off State Highway 108.
To access from Bridgeport:
- Follow Hwy 395 north 17 miles to the Sonora Junction, State Highway 108.
- Take State Highway 108 east about 5 miles to Pickel Meadows.
- Parking is allowed on the shoulders of State Highway 108, outside of the No Parking zone near the gate.
- Early and late season parking (space limited) may be between Leavitt Meadows Pack Station and Leavitt Falls Overlook.
To access from Gardnerville/Minden:
- Follow Hwy 395 south 47 miles to the Sonora Junction, State Highway 108.
- Take State Highway 108 east about 5 miles to Pickel Meadows.
- Parking is allowed on the shoulders of State Highway 108, outside of the No Parking zone near the gate.
- Early and late season parking (space limited) may be between Leavitt Meadows Pack Station and Leavitt Falls Overlook.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
