Huachuca Closures

[outdoor_lover]

2 Closures to Note in the Huachucas at this Time...

Garden Canyon, including Lower Garden Canyon....This has been closed since last Fall, but they are finally starting to work on the Road...
http://www.army.mil/article/145808/Mobi ... _of_Garden___/


Huachuca Canyon - Closed until Further Notice due to an Aggressive Bear....Quote from the U.S. Army Fort Huachuca....

Huachuca Canyon is closed until further notice for safety reasons after significant wildlife activity was reported in the area.
A bear followed and charged hikers and later chuffed at cyclists in the canyon. Additionally, a mountain lion was spotted in the canyon.
The gate at the mouth of the canyon is currently locked to prevent vehicle access, but this closure also applies to hikers, bikers and runners.
The canyon is being monitored by our environmental personnel and will be reopened when they determine the animals have moved on and no longer pose a risk to recreational users of the canyon.

[Nighthiker]

Wildlife encounters are part of the outdoor experience. Next they will be closing trails because of rattlesnakes. The signs along the "Mogollon Rim" warning of rattlesnakes, the snake depicted is in a cobra pose.

[AZWanderingBear]

Were they trying to take selfies with the bear? Bears hate selfies. Or did they just have a Snickers in their pocket and refused to share? I'd "chuff" too in that case.

Though these aren't brown bears, Edward Abbey's quote comes to mind. “If people persist in trespassing upon the grizzlies’ territory, we must accept the fact that the grizzlies, from time to time will harvest a few trespassers.”

[outdoor_lover]

My Initial Thought is that since this Bear is hanging out very close to a Trail, it may be a Female with a Den very close by...It's possible that her little ones aren't very Mobile yet and so she's being protective...Just a Theory due to Time of Year....I guess I would rather see the Trail closed for awhile then to have a serious Incident that would be a Death Sentence for the Bear....

[outdoor_lover]

I guess Huachuca Canyon is now back open....

http://sabo.org/2015/04/huachuca-canyon-reopens/

[rwstorm]

@Outdoor Lover
Bidness as usual.

[outdoor_lover]

This isn't about a Closure per se, but I'll put it here anyway. The Rules for getting to the Huachuca Areas that are on the Base, are Changing...You might want to read it over so you know which Gate to go to and what will happen when you get there... http://www.army.mil/article/147527/Plan ... ng_Aug__3/

[azbackpackr]

Holy shamoly! I wonder if Camp Pendleton is going to have similar restrictions. I would think you'll have to go there in advance to apply for your pass (and hike elsewhere that day) and await the results.

[outdoor_lover]

According to the Rules, no....Apparently, they have figured out how to expedite things so that you won't be delayed too long....We'll see how that goes I guess....

[outdoor_lover]

2 Questions...Has anybody been on the Military Reservation since they Implemented the New Entry Rules? And does anyone know if Garden Canyon is back open?

[chumley]

Call the Range Control or Community Relations numbers in this photo I took of a book at the visitor center a couple months ago. Unfortunately I apparently didn't get the Sportsman Center number in my photo.

[RedRoxx44]

I went several weeks ago and got my permit. They have changed the civilian gate access , it is signed at you approach Sierra Vista, and is to the right of the turn off to go toward Tombstone. The gate is open 24/7, not sure about staff to process your request. There is a large parking area to the right of the gate and a small building. Park there, walk in. You fill out a form, they take your driver's license, then take a terrible pic of you and issue a 30 day pass. If you want over 30 days you need an approved military sponsor. It was relatively quick. I wrote down dates I wanted but they issued it for that day-- so I'll need to renew it for later. I was not able to stay so I didn't ask about Garden canyon. In the past driving by the ranges has never been a problem. I believe they also have maps of the base there to take.

[outdoor_lover]

Thanks Guys! With the thought that I will be spending my Time mainly on the Military Side and it looks like I can Camp there too with a Permit, any Suggestions? Not sure if they'll let you Disperse Camp, but it sounds like they have Campgrounds in there...Is there one in Garden?

[Farwalker]

There are picnic grounds not campgrounds in Garden canyon. I went up there yesterday after getting my pass at the gate (30 days, and if you have a felony conviction forget it). As far as I know there's no camping in Garden as there are signs everywhere stating you've got to be out of there at dark. They are improving the dirt road up to the old Boy Scout cabin site and the road is closed just past the picnic grounds at the bottom, but it's ok now to hike up the canyon. It's really nice, the creek is flowing, there is an apple tree with ripe apples by Scheelite and the road has been improved and graded, views of the creek are improved its gorgeous and a very nice hike. The floods damaged a lot but it's all cleaned up and the petroglyphs site has a new bridge across the creek. The maples are just starting to change. So if you want to it's a good time to visit the canyon and walking it with no vehicle traffic is a pleasure. There is a "bear warning" sign, but the problem bear was in Huachuca Canyon, which they closed for a time this summer.

[outdoor_lover]

Thank you Farwalker....If you look a little further up this Topic, you'll see that they disposed of the Bear unfortunately....I really appreciate the Update on Garden though! From chumley's little Photo there, it reads that there are Campgrounds on the Base and Civilians are allowed to use them...I'll have to call and see where they are in case I want to go that Route....I'm planning on spending a couple of days on the Base Side, so it would be nice to not have to leave if I don't have to.....

[Farwalker]

OH I was gone all summer on the PCT and northern AZ...didn't know they killed the bear... Poor bear. You know there are some nice hikes and spots to camp up on the Crest Trail in the National Forest too if you want to hike higher up above the fort.

[outdoor_lover]

@Farwalker
I'll have to Car Camp this Trip...Can't carry much Weight yet due to a Broken Rib...Probably stretching it just carrying a Day Pack for the Day Hiking. I'm actually supposed to be Good until Thanksgiving, but that's just not going to happen...But I don't want to overdo it either....