On 5/8 I was fishing up off the Horseshoe Meadow Road. The gate was closed a half mile below trailhead parking. At the gate I spoke to a group of 2 and a group of 4. By text messages they were able to hire a ride for 6 to Lone Pine -20 miles- for $90. Good cell coverage should be available a few miles below the trailhead. There were no more than half a dozen cars parked below the gate. I then drove over to the Portal Store for a burger before closing.

I expect there will be much more traffic when the gate is open but I've heard no promise about when that will be.

Dale B. Dalrymple

PS
Golden trout were still present in the stream south of the parking area even in reaches that were totally dry at the end of last summer.