It is closed to all major vehicle traffic, but you can bike form this point on. I have seen some people with keys to the gate get in there and drive, but I believe there are cabins up there and those people have access. Crystal Lake is closed to everyone, so don't even try going in there.
It's not laughable to me, I believe there is a 10% stretch up some switchbacks there. It get steeper up there. The last portion before Hwy 2 does ease off a bit.