Toilet History - Owens River Gorge

Have you ever noticed this building at the bottom of the middle gorge approach trail? If you haven’t poked your head to ease you curiously, we’re here to tell you it is in fact a pit toilet! 

James Wilson, the first owner of what is now Eastside Sports, came up with the concept of toilets in the Gorge. In the early 90’s the idea was that the climbing community would build a couple toilets, maintain them for a year then give them to DWP who would then service going forward. A 501(c)(3) was formed and decided on the name *CRAG, California Recreational Activities Group. 

Dean Rosnau, a contractor in June Lake, organized the construction and labor force. He sourced the toilets, vaults and bricks for bargain basement prices. He got Mammoth Mountain to volunteer the crane that carried the vaults in and placed them.

Funding came from Wilson's Eastside Sports "Chalk Tax" and The Access Fund.

Climbers have cared for our local crags far before the BACC was established. 

Thank you to the past, present, and future climbers who have put in the time for all our crap! 

*CRAG has dismantled and is no longer serving the outdoor community, however, some members are still prominent folks in the Bishop community!