I am very interested in what Ranger Burns has to say about the recent cutting of live junipers and other native shrubs along the path. I have talked to several friends who were in the area at the time of the bushwacking and all have indicated a USFS fire crew on a training exercise was responsible for the damage.
As far as the roads go...difficult access isnt a bad thing. I remember the days when you could drive down into the canyon and the trash was unbelivable. It was elbows and a##holes at the springs every weekend.
The route 3 free access road is a great alternative to those who chose not to park at Bowen Ranch. It is not illegal to walk in the National Forest so whatever route one chooses is OK as far as the law goes. However, it IS illegal to alter the natural environment by cutting live growth. This act of bushwacking does not make sense to me as it served no purpose whatsoever.