2022-04-21, 06:12 PM
On the last trip, we noted a bit of new signage on the road from SPW airport out to Cottonwood. First, there were signs about no camping for the first 7 miles - and the road is about 7.8 miles to the big flat area before it drops down into the main wash. In other words, no camping on most of the road now.
Also, we noticed that some of the new signs and other signs on the back side. Including one just at the big flat area that was blank, but had signage on the hidden side. The hidden sides referred to required backpacking permits, to be obtained at the SPW Ranger Station (which is never open at a reasonable hour for a desert hiker anyway). It seems there are plans or contingencies afoot to require permits (for the Cottonwood / Marble loop?) and as long as they were redoing the signs, the got them ready to go.
Also, we noticed that some of the new signs and other signs on the back side. Including one just at the big flat area that was blank, but had signage on the hidden side. The hidden sides referred to required backpacking permits, to be obtained at the SPW Ranger Station (which is never open at a reasonable hour for a desert hiker anyway). It seems there are plans or contingencies afoot to require permits (for the Cottonwood / Marble loop?) and as long as they were redoing the signs, the got them ready to go.