California's third tallest mountain trail might be sold soon

General
1

I just heard some news that got me worried about hiking access in California.

There’s talk about selling off the trail that leads to what I think is the third highest peak in the state. I’m not sure if this is confirmed yet but it has me concerned.

Does anyone know more details about this situation? Like who would be buying it and what that means for public access? I’ve been planning to hike that trail for months and now I’m wondering if I should rush to do it before any changes happen.

Also wondering if there are any petitions or ways to oppose this if it’s actually happening. Has anyone dealt with similar trail access issues before? What can regular hikers like us actually do to help preserve these routes?

Thanks for any info you might have!

2

This sounds concerning, but I think you might have mixed up info. Most major peak trails in California are on federal land - they can’t just be sold off like that. Are you thinking of a specific access route or private easement that connects to public land? Those situations pop up and get messy. Which mountain are you talking about?

3

Yeah, sounds like they’re probably selling a private access road or trailhead parking, not the actual trail. Happens more often than you’d think.

4

Mount Whitney and Mount Williamson seem to have good protections already. It might be more about the lesser-known trails.