Starting in the early 2010's, the Ojai Ranger District began locking the gate up to Dough Flat as part of a seasonal road closure program. The gate usually closes December 15 and reopens May 1st. The road can be tricky when wet but most think there are other politics involved as to why it is closed all winter. The gate being locked adds an extra couple miles to your hike in order to access Dough Flat and the Sespe treasures that lay beyond.