[Dschur]

(Aug. 3, 8:20 p.m.) Recent rains damaged many Coronado National Forest roads and trails, and though damage assessments have not yet been completed, officials urge the public to use extreme caution when venturing out to recreate.



Below are routes that have known flood damage:



Catalina Highway

The highway is currently closed at the base of the mountain. For current closure information, call the Pima County Sheriffs Office at (520) 547-7510.



Mt. Lemmon Control Road

Water is flowing across the road in at least one location and the road surface is eroded and rutted. Even when in good repair, this road is only accessible to high-clearance vehicles. High-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.



Sabino Canyon

Although all trails are open, most are still inaccessible due to high water. Hikers should not attempt to cross Sabino Creek. The road into the Canyon is still inaccessible to the shuttle and to Forest Service vehicles beyond Rattlesnake Bridge. The Sabino Canyon shuttle is operating a shortened route. For information, call 749-2327.



Madera Canyon/Santa Rita Mountains

The Super Trail is not passable past the second stream crossing. Vault Mine Trail and Old Baldy Trail are not passable. Temporal Road, Box Canyon Road, and Adobe Canyon have extensive damage. Madera Canyon is open for picnicking and camping at this time.



Chiricahua Mountains

Pinery Canyon Road (Forest Rd. #42) is accessible to high-clearance vehicles only. Currently all campgrounds and picnic areas are open.



Huachuca Mountains

Forest Road #61, which accesses Coronado National Memorial from the west, is heavily damaged and is closed at the junction of Forest Rd. #48. An assessment of the trails has not yet occurred. Hikers are warned to use extreme care, as the land damaged from this summer’s 103 Fire is prone to rolling rocks, falling trees and possible mudslides.



Pinaleno Mountains

The Noon Creek crossing is washed out. The trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas are open at this time.



The Coronado National Forest is urging all visitors to use utmost caution. Always be alert to the possibility of damaged trails, dangerous stream crossings, and washed-out dirt roads. Also, more rain is forecast, so conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Before leaving your home to travel into any of the recreation areas, call the local district offices for updated information or visit the Coronado National Forest Web site.



For ranger district and recreation area information:

Santa Catalina Ranger District (Sabino Canyon) – (520) 749-8700

Nogales Ranger District (Santa Rita Mts., Madera Canyon) – (520) 281-2296

Sierra Vista Ranger District (Huachuca Mts., Miller Peak Wilderness) – (520) 378-0311

Safford Ranger District (Mt Graham) – (928) 428-4150

Douglas Ranger District (Chiricahua Mts., Dragoon Mts.) – (520) 364-3468

Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office – (520) 388-8300

[AZHikr4444]

I tried to access Catalina Highway on August 3rd at around 6:30 pm. Road was closed due to a rock slide (this was right where the highway enters the mountain). Authorities turning back vehicles at that point said the road would re-open on Friday, but only one lane. Not sure the status now...

[Hoffmaster]

A little update:

I hiked the Super Trail and Old Baldy trail near Madera Canyon today. The water is low enough to not be an issue. I didn't even get my boots wet!