Western Divide Mountain Route Reopened in March; Pine Flat Travelers Should Recheck Winter Access

PINE FLAT, Tulare County — Tulare County reported in April that the Western Divide mountain loop serving the wider California Hot Springs and southern Sierra foothills reopened for seasonal travel on March 18, 2026.

The route connects the State Route 190 corridor with Camp Nelson, Ponderosa and California Hot Springs, providing an important regional option for people living in small communities such as Pine Flat. In the county’s April notice, Mountain Road 107 was open between its designated mileposts and Mountain Road 50 was also reported open, while Fox Drive remained closed.

That reopening was a spring status report, not a guarantee the same roads will remain open throughout November and winter. Mountain grades, snow, downed trees and storm damage may lead to new controls or closures, sometimes with little warning.

What local residents should know

Before driving between Pine Flat and other mountain communities, motorists should review Tulare County’s live road-closure map and relevant Caltrans advisories. Old travel articles and GPS routing apps may not reflect local road restrictions.

Primary source: Tulare County or California official record.

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