NEVADA CITY, Calif. (May 20, 2024) — Tahoe National Forest plans to reopen Mosquito Ridge Road on May 23, 2024. The road was severely impacted during the 2022 Mosquito Fire and sustained additional damage during the record winter storms that followed. Significant re-engineering was needed to repair drainage, grading, retaining walls and road surface.
Tahoe National Forest reminds drivers that there are inherent risks on traveling on forest roads and through post-fire areas. It is vital that motorists drive carefully and heed safety protocols:
Although significant road repair work has been completed, more road maintenance is scheduled to occur over the next six months. The road will remain open however travelers may encounter periodic but temporary road maintenance and construction delays.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience while this major road construction project was underway,” said Tahoe National Forest American River District Ranger Michelle Barry. “Mosquito Ridge Road provides valued access for many different users and we are thrilled to announce its reopening.”
Mosquito Ridge Road is an access point connecting the Auburn, Calif. area to several unique recreation opportunities like the Middle Fork of the American River, Placer Big Trees Grove, French Meadows Reservoir and Granite Chief Wilderness.
Mosquito Ridge Road has been closed since the evening of Sept. 6, 2022 when the Mosquito Fire was first reported. The fire burned over 76,000 acres east of Foresthill, Calif., predominantly on the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests. The fire reached 100% containment on Oct. 22, 2022.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Tahoe National Forest reminds drivers that there are inherent risks on traveling on forest roads and through post-fire areas. It is vital that motorists drive carefully and heed safety protocols:
- Mosquito Ridge Road remains a narrow and winding mountain road. Travelers are advised to use extreme caution around corners and to abide by the posted 25 mph speed limit.
- The road travels through the Mosquito Fire burn scar. Be alert for road debris and possible falling rocks and trees.
Although significant road repair work has been completed, more road maintenance is scheduled to occur over the next six months. The road will remain open however travelers may encounter periodic but temporary road maintenance and construction delays.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience while this major road construction project was underway,” said Tahoe National Forest American River District Ranger Michelle Barry. “Mosquito Ridge Road provides valued access for many different users and we are thrilled to announce its reopening.”
Mosquito Ridge Road is an access point connecting the Auburn, Calif. area to several unique recreation opportunities like the Middle Fork of the American River, Placer Big Trees Grove, French Meadows Reservoir and Granite Chief Wilderness.
Mosquito Ridge Road has been closed since the evening of Sept. 6, 2022 when the Mosquito Fire was first reported. The fire burned over 76,000 acres east of Foresthill, Calif., predominantly on the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests. The fire reached 100% containment on Oct. 22, 2022.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Completed portion on Mosquito Ridge Road. (USDA Forest Service photo)
