I was actually thinking about heading out there back on Saturday, but decided against it since I saw something about a seasonal closure last year. Couldn't find this years notice online, but glad I didn't waste my time driving.
They're probably doing this for calving season for elk back there. Makes a lot of sense because the number one reason elk calves die is human contact and they get lost from there mom.
Can you still run the rest of the trail, just not the section that is 101? I think that gate is only on one side if I remember right? The gate is not on the side were you enter on Saddlestring Rd.