Coronavirus and hiking

[DixieFlyer]

Now that we are living in the era of "social distancing", it shouldn't be too surprising to see some hiking venues closed.

Here are a couple of examples:
* The Navajo Nation has closed all of their tribal parks: https://navajonationparks.org/public-notice/
* The road up to Kitt Peak is closed to the public...here is a pic that a friend took when he attempted to ride his bicycle up to the top: [ broken link removed ]

It would seem like hiking, especially in remote areas, would be one of the safer things that you can do...but with the frenzy that is going on, I imagine that there will be more closures in the coming days

[Tough_Boots]

@cactuscat
Absurd

Agreed. It's totally absurd that GCNP is open.

[cactuscat]

@sidhayes
I'm sorry you find it absurd that the community in Grand Canyon Village are sitting ducks for this virus and the nearest hospital - an hour and a half away - is in no way capable of handling the rush of sick people that is coming soon, let alone tourists adding to the chaos with all their regular car crashes, broken ankles, heart attacks, etc. Park towns - who depend on the tourism dollars - are literally begging people to stay away ... why is that so hard for some?

[herdbull]

@AZLumberjack yes. This is what I've been saying for the last 2 weeks. Especially if you're trying to hike on a weekend during mid day. It's a madhouse so we just choose to either go before sunrise and be done by 8am or so. Or just head to far away less traveled places. Siphon draw and trails of the such will be stupidly crazy all by people not practicing common sense.

Lucky for us more serious hikers there's tons of places to go where you won't see but a handful of people over hours of hiking. With that said I'm still looking for a TP producing cactus thanks to all the hoarders

[CannondaleKid]

@AZLumberjack
We went for an off-trail hike off AZ 87 near AZ 188 and on the return trip via Bush Highway as we passed through the congested area by Saguaro Lake it was inundated with cars parked on both sides of the road making for a real mess.
And the traffic northbound was so much so the half-dozen vehicles pulling boat trailers just sat there waiting for an opening in the traffic... but of course the guy at the head of the line eventually got tired of waiting and barely missed causing a wreck when he just cut across ahead the next vehicle.
On another note... during our hike we could see the traffic on the Beeline and we both thought the same thing... the great snow-bird migration because it was a seemingly never-ending procession vehicles heading home, wherever that is.

[SuperstitionGuy]

I discovered the reason why everyone is heading for the desert and mountains.
First it was Burger King, then it was a new Circle K gas station, finally it was a Jack-In-The-Box.
Pumping gas, selling everything, making money hand over fist.
But they all had closed RESTROOMS because of the VIRUS scare.
Everybody is driving out of town to use natures RESTROOM.
I WAS RETURNING FROM THE SUPERS AND I COULD NOT FIND A PLACE TO PEE

[Tough_Boots]

Pee at home.

[CannondaleKid]

There is nothing on the Tonto National Forest site yet so no details at this moment (like for how long? ALL sites? Just ones requiring a pass? etc.), but Tonto National Forest is closing all their Recreation Sites as of Monday, March 23.

[DixieFlyer]

@CannondaleKid
The Tonto NF facebook page mentions that entrance is limited at Bartlett Lake Recreation sites due to being at capacity. The Tonto NF has also closed some group campgrounds, again according to the FB page
https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest/

[CannondaleKid]

@DixieFlyer
Yes, I'm sure they were shut down due to overcapacity as I noted previously... we saw the craziness driving by Saguaro Lake on Saturday.

First, I don't use Facebook or Twitter so I don't know anything about that.
However, today there were signs along Bush Highway stating all Rec sites will be closed March 23. While I'm sure some of the reason for that decision was due to over use of the facilities, I'm pretty sure it had more to do with too many people too close together, and until these areas of congregating in close quarters are closed, we would see even more widespread infection.

[DixieFlyer]

@CannondaleKid
that makes sense. Since the Bulldog Canyon OHV gates are not designated "recreation sites", i am guessing that you could still park at the gates or go through the gates if you have a permit....but I suppose that I could be wrong

[sneakySASQUATCH]

@chumley
I understand the logic. It was inconvenient and it came two days before trip from governor while park was updating with contradictive info because apparently they were not aware of camping ban. Plan b fell through as well, but just got back from plan C which was a success and my wife didn’t have to take PTO for the shortened trip.

[CannondaleKid]

i am guessing that you could still park at the gates or go through the gates if you have a permit.

I believe that is still true.
That said, hopefully the official Tonto site is updated with the full specifics soon... and since the rec sites will be closed by then, Monday would be a great day for the info to be out there.

[hikerdw]

@CannondaleKid I called the Mesa Ranger office and right now sites are still open however they are meeting to discuss go forward plans.

[chumley]

@hikerdw
I wonder who put up the signs!?

[CannondaleKid]

@chumley
Mesa ranger district of the FS as a stop-gap measure until they make a more long-term determination, which is expected imminently... possibly within hours. My contact at the FS said once the decision is made the Tonto website should be updated shortly afterward.

[chumley]

Well A-S is actually capable of putting out a press release. LOL.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/new ... EPRD715755

[Alston_Neal]

Anyone notice an increase in G and F Enforcement patrols? We did last Wed. at Horseshoe and there was nobody fishing.

[Pivo]

@Alston_Neal
I do believe AZ G&F is law enforcement for boaters too.

[Alston_Neal]

@Pivo
I agree, but nobody was on the lake, Bartlett maybe. My conspiracy Deep State Pizzagate side thinks there could be an uptick in poaching.

[chumley]

@Alston_Neal
There's no such thing as poaching. Any living thing on public land is free for anybody to take at anytime. The Constitution doesn't have any provisions allowing for a Game and Fish Department to even exist!!

Duh.