One of the hidden delights of the National Park System lies south of Yosemite National Park and north of Kings Canyon National Park, tucked in a small depression of the Sierra. And on Friday, the Reds Meadow Road leading to Devils Postpile National Monument will be open to the public.

But you'll have to be careful if you want to head there.

Typically, the Reds Meadow shuttle bus helps provide access to popular destinations within the Reds Meadow Valley, which has limited parking and a narrow winding road. However, the shuttle service will not operate this year. Rangers will need to carefully manage access to the Reds Meadow Valley. Rangers will monitor parking lots and will not allow vehicles to drive in once lots are full.

Visitors with wilderness permits will need to carefully plan since holding a wilderness permit does not provide an exception to enter the valley if parking is not available. This will include wilderness permit holders accessing the following trailheads in the Ansel Adams Wilderness: Fish Creek, Minaret Lake, John Muir Trail (JMT), Shadow Creek, River and High trails.

Permit holders should be prepared to park elsewhere and hike the additional miles to the trailhead. Additionally, if a permit holder has a coordinated drop-off or pick-up at their trailhead, these vehicles will be permitted through (no long-term parking).

Visitors should also be aware that parking is extremely limited at Minaret Vista and people should avoid parking on brush. Adequate long-term parking is available at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Devils Postpile National Monument will open on Friday as well. All trails in the park are open, but the park Ranger Station and campground will not open this summer. There will be a public contact station outside the ranger station where visitors can receive park information. Parking in the Devils Postpile Ranger Station area is very limited. Rangers will monitor the area and will close the parking lot to additional vehicles when necessary.

The campground in the Reds Meadow Valley are not opening with the road. When the campgrounds open, they will be available first-come, first-served. Please check here for updates: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/inyo/recreation.

“We appreciate your patience this year while we provide access to this area under a significantly changed operation,” said Gordon Martin, district ranger for Mammoth and Mono Lakes ranger districts. “We want to provide a quality visitor experience that avoids crowding, traffic jams, and gridlock.”

The standard amenity fee is being charged to access the road. It is $10 for a standard vehicle, or the Interagency Pass is accepted. Payment must be by credit card.

The Reds Meadow Road accesses popular recreation destinations such as Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Sotcher Lake. The area is popular with anglers, hunters, hikers, campers, and others.