well off the beathen path

Last week the USFS announced a dismal end to summer: California National Forests are closed due to wildfire dangers, which is the majority of the mountain areas on the inland side of California. Total Escape is here to show you what areas are STILL OPEN. With most California National Forests closed for the month and the wildfires still burning, camping options narrow considerably.  Where to go? California Deserts are still too warm, so we will be featuring a few other locations. All forests and parks listed below offer camping and additional outdoor recreation opportunities. Campfires may be banned in some locations. Only ONE National Forest inside California is still open - the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in the Eastern Sierra. Toiyabe National Forest  [Mono Lake to Topaz Lake] Autumn Aspens began showing fall colors in mid to late September at higher elevations, lasting into October when the first snow falls: Twin Lakes, CA Bridgeport, CA Buckeye Hot Spr...

Eastern Sierra Peaks , a photo by totalescape.com on Flickr. Mammoth Mountain just announced opening day for skiing in early November 2012. Temps are dropping each night and autumn colors are the next big show. Eastern Sierra aspen groves can be seen as far south as Whitney Portal near Lone Pine, and as far north as well, Tahoe of course. Great camping and fishing near June Lake, Bridgeport, and Hope Valley. Fall is also the season for viewing meteor showers for those campers who love to stargaze. LONE PINE ASPENDELL BIG PINE BISHOP MAMMOTH JUNE LAKE LEE VINING BRIDGEPORT LAKE TAHOE top back road destinations - HORSESHOE MEADOWS NORTH LAKE SOUTH LAKE ROCK CREEK   GREEN CREEK TWIN LAKES HOPE VALLEY