January 19, 2022 - The Forest Service has designated a system of trails and areas for OSV use on the Stanislaus National Forest to provide public access and ensure the safety and enjoyment for all users. The Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM) identifies where and when OSV-use is authorized to occur.
The Stanislaus National Forest OSV-use designations include:
119,104 acres of cross-country OSV use
24.7 miles of NFS OSV-use trails available for grooming
58.4 miles of un-groomed NSF OSV-use trails
Minimum snow depth requirements
The Stanislaus National Forest’s OSV-use designations were selected after a multiple-year planning and public review process to provide winter recreation and balance resource protection. The resulting OSV-use designations complete Subpart C of the Travel Management Rule. Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken said, “It is a balancing act to meet the needs of multiple uses and ensure forest resources are protected. We listened carefully to our stakeholders to come up with a balanced approach that provides the public with motorized and non-motorized winter recreational opportunities while natural resources, including sensitive species, are preserved and maintained for future generations to enjoy.”
The OSV-use designations displayed on the OSVUM are in effect immediately. It is the sole responsibility of users to obtain the OSVUM and only operate OSVs where and under what conditions OSV-use is authorized according to the information presented on the OSVUM.
Visitors and OSV-users can obtain an OSVUM at Stanislaus National Forest offices. Or by clicking here Over Snow Vehicle Use Map PDF.
Know Before You Go! Weather is changing quickly. Check Caltrans for information about Highway conditions. You can also find information by visiting the Caltrans Facebook page.
The SNO-Parks on the Stanislaus National Forest are now open for the season. SNO-Park Parking Permits are required. For more information about the SNO-Parks and where to purchase a SNO-Park Parking Permit, please visit the California SNO-Park website.
Forest Road and Trail Closures December 15 2021 - April 14, 2022
Sonora, Calif. — December 2, 2021. Seasonal closures of some National Forest System roads and trails that are designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 212.51 begin on December 15 and will remain in effect through April 14, 2022.
The free Stanislaus National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map, or MVUM, indicates which National Forest roads and trails are subject to the seasonal closure. This map may be downloaded by visiting the Stanislaus National Forest Maps webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/stanislaus/maps-pubs. Free paper copies of the MVUMs are available at one of our Ranger District offices or the Forest Supervisors office.
CAL FIRE effective October 25, 2021 the burn suspension in the Tuolumne / Calaveras unit is lifted. Those possessing a current and valid burn permit can now resume burning. To acquire a permit access the Burn Permit Website. Or you can call 209-754-3831.
Prescribed burn plans announced for the Experimental Forest and Mi-Wok Ranger District: News releases for prescribed burn plans on South Fork on the Mi-Wok Ranger District and the Experimental Forest on the Summit Ranger District are located in the News & Alerts section of the website. In addition, maps for both burn notices are included with the news release.
Select a tab below for information (click minus symbol left of text)
Forest Orders
Henry Fire Area Closure effective July 9, 2021 (STF-16-2021-11).
Forest Road Closure (Road 1S28B) effective July 2, 2021 (STF-16-2021-10).
Rainbow Pool alcohol restrictions effective June 25, 2021 (STF-16-2021-09).
Cherry Lake Camping restrictions effective June 25, 2021 (STF-16-2021-08).
Fire Restrictions
October 25, 2021 Fire Restrictions have been terminated for the remainder of the year.
Pinecrest Day Use Area
The Pinecrest Day Use Area is open to the public year-round. The Forest Service has been working closely with Tuolumne County and State officials to ensure alignment with all State and County health guidelines.
We are asking visitors to socially distance themselves from other parties in compliance with State and County health guidelines.
Trash removal is limited - please pack and take all your trash and waste with you when you leave!
Pinecrest businesses are open. All permitted businesses are required to follow State and County health guidelines, so you may notice adaptations when you visit.
Restrooms are open and cleaned daily. Visitors will need to bring their own hand sanitizer and soap in the day use area. Paper towels are not provided, visitors are advised to bring a hand towel if you want to dry your hands.
The water spiggots around the Day Use area have been shut off for the season.
Park your vehicle in designated locations and in parking stalls only.
If you are planning a trip to Pinecrest Lake, please know it can be extremely crowded, especially on weekends!
Campgrounds
Campground Information
Developed campgrounds on the Stanislaus are generally open from May to October. Some campgrounds may be open as early as April and close as late as December. Go to Recreation to learn and find recreation opportunities on the Forest, including campgrounds. If you have questions, call the Ranger District where the campground is located for more information.
Wilderness Permits
A Wilderness Permit is required for overnight trips into the Emigrant, the Carson-Iceberg, and/or the Mokelumne Wilderness Areas.
You can acquire a permit the following ways: Phone, or Walk-In only (November 10, 2021 Online System is now closed)
Phone: Please call the nearest Ranger District office to your trailhead departure for your permit 1 to 5-days in advance of trip departure date.
Walk-In: You may acquire a permit on the same day or day before your trip from a Ranger District Office nearest to the departure trailhead.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Recreation Information
The Stanislaus National Forest has hundreds of miles of roads and trails for OHVs to explore. Most OHV routes are open to wheeled-vehicles for riding and driving from April 15 to December 15. In the high-elevations country and during winter snow, tracked OSVs are permitted on groomed routes and in other areas where snow is continuous and with minimum depths, some area restrictions apply. For more information on OHV riding opportunities, go to OHV Riding in Recreation; for OSV riding opportunities, go to Winter Sports in Recreation.
Forest Product Permits
If you are looking for other forest product permits, please contact the ranger district (phone numbers are listed above) where you wish to collect other forest products for more information.
Fuelwood permits can be requested through the Permit Request Line at 209-288-6241. Please leave a voicemail with your name and telephone number and a front desk clerk will contact you.
Mushroom permits are available for harvesting on all ranger districts. To request a mushroom permit please call the ranger district office in the area where you want to harvest. View the 2021 free permit 16-117a Forest Products ROG.
For information about other forest product permits, please call the Ranger District closest to you or the Forest Supervisor's Office.
Forest Visitor Maps
Are you looking for a Stanislaus National Forest map? Our partner, 3 Forests Interpretive Association, or 3FIA, offers National Forest Visitor Maps for sale online! Learn more about other online map tools.
Forest Supervisor's Notes
Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken believes there is nothing more critical to maintaining good relationships than communication. Residents, communities and ranger districts share a dedication to keeping the forest healthy, but sometimes Forest Service procedures and actions may not be clearly understood by those outside the agency. Jason is committed to engaging the community by sharing information about some of the actions being undertaken on the forest. Jason will post a series of notes highlighting some of the vital activities that go into regaining a healthy forest. Read Jason's notes.
Fun activities you can do on your own in the Stanislaus National Forest: nature exploration, Junior Ranger booklets, tours, trails, mobile apps, videos, and more!
A vistitor guide in an app! Recreation information, tours, maps, and activities. Download before you go for use offline or view on the web when you have connectivity.
Forest Orders
Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken believes there is nothing more critical to maintaining good relationships than communication. Residents, communities and ranger districts share a dedication to keeping the forest healthy, but sometimes Forest Service procedures and actions may not be clearly understood by those outside the agency. Jason is committed to engaging the community by sharing information about some of the actions being undertaken on the forest. Jason will post a series of notes highlighting some of the vital activities that go into regaining a healthy forest. 
