Ponderosa Way (FR 20N71) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Ponderosa Way (FR 20N71) in CA
A 15.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Glenn County, CA. The road serves Ponderosa Spring.
Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 15.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (15.5 miles). Climbs 2,900 ft over 15.5 miles -- sustained grades near 28%, with pitches to 47%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~170 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 29 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Felkner Hill stands 1,648 ft above the site, 2.4 miles northwest. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.9 miles off. The nearest town, Willows, is 24 mi off.
September normals 59–77°F, 0.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Mendocino National Forest, Grindstone Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov