Friday backpacking registration:

Last year's early entrance for backpackers was a HUGE success, so we're going to allow backpackers to enter the Backcountry Weekend on Friday again this year.  Due to popular demand, this year we're going to let backpackers enter the park from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m (last year the gate opened at 3:00 p.m.).

We'll have registration stations set up, and you can park anywhere along the Kaiser Aetna Road between Center Flats Road and County Line Road.  You can spend Friday and Saturday nights in the park and leave on Sunday (no later than 5:00 p.m.).

The fee for camping overnight Friday and Saturday is $50 per vehicle.  There's no limit to the number of individuals per vehicle.  Carpooling is encouraged.

Dates for mailing reservation applications:

All applications will be drawn from those postmarked between February 1 and February 28 (application form).  To ensure that your application is available for the drawing in March, make sure the envelope is postmarked between the first and last days of February.

Early Opening Time:

Once again, we're going to open Bell's Station at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning (a half hour earlier than in previous years) to give you a little extra time to reach your destination in the park.

Need more information?:

If you have questions about the Backcountry Weekend, send them to:  coebackcountry@hotmail.com.