Alternative destinations for those impacted by AZ forest closures

[andrewp]

Some comments in the fire restrictions thread got me thinking that it might be worth having a repository for information on alternative destinations. I know of several people, myself included, who have canceled trips due to closures.

With most of the AZ national forests closed for an indefinite period what are some ideas for alternatives that are still within reasonable distance from AZ? What constitutes reasonable is up for debate, but I think it's safe to say that with many trips averaging 4 - 6 hours of travel time to get to an AZ location that 6 - 8+ hours is reasonable to get to something in a surrounding area.

Suggestions should be appropriate for summer visit and should take into account current conditions. For instance, Gila Wilderness is a great suggestion, but much of it is currently under a closure order. I think that it's safe to assume that the intended activities will either be backpacking (overnight or multi-night) or car camping with good day hike options. Also, if there are any special conditions (permits, access issues, etc) please be sure to call them out.

As of the time of this writing both Coronado and Prescott forests are still open, but it's probably a matter of time before one or both elect to close. On top of that given the Bighorn damage and lack of reliable water the options in Coronado for extended backpacking are pretty limited (Rincons are awesome, but getting to the one reliable water source is a pretty brutal trek).

Any suggestions??

[Jim]

Seems hard given the widespread drought, the fires, and the tendency for the state's forests to all go along with closing or restrictions. I'm surprised A-S, Prescott, and Coronado are still open. If the Coronado doesn't close soon, the Pinalenos might be a good option for a day trip. There are too many fires in the A-S, and Gila, and elsewhere for me to think most of the rest of far east AZ is worth visiting, open or not.

Maybe Utah, or Nevada?

[DixieFlyer]

I'm surprised A-S, Prescott, and Coronado are still open.

A-S is also closing

[DixieFlyer]

Any suggestions??

CA, NV, UT, CO

[SuperstitionGuy]

@andrewp
If all else fails, HAZ users can always play Pixel Trivia.

[ShatteredArm]

@andrewp
Gila NF - San Francisco Mountains area has some great car camping and several trails (although I'm pretty unfamiliar with the trails). Lots of high country SE of Reserve for car camping (Negrito Creek is nice). There are a variety of trails in the northern part of the Mogollon Mountains (Bearwallow Lookout area) but not sure the condition.

[xsproutx]

Right now, I'm thinking the Weminuche wilderness/San Juan forest in SE Colorado might be the best bet. I'm in the early stages of planning something there in the next week or two, likely. It's going to be just outside of 8 hours to get there, but that's the best/closest I've been able to find and hey, it IS freaking beautiful. I'll end up doing some stuff in the Uintas as well but only because my in-laws live in SLC; can sort of combine a family trip so my wife and kiddo can see the extended family while I go goof off in the mountains for a few days.

DixieFlyer I'm pretty familiar with Utah, but not Nevada so much. Any recommendations there that are good backpacking in the hot months?

[hiking_arizona]

I'm getting away due to the closures & heading for Durango and staying 4 days near Purgatory and looking for dayhike suggestions under 15 miles RT as I've reviewed many of the HAZ trip reports for the area and can't decide. Kendall Mountain looks interesting but beta so far is limited. Trailhead needs to be rental car sedan friendly too.

[AugustWest]

@xsproutx
Heading to Wenimuche/San Juan's in a couple of weeks.

[ShatteredArm]

@hiking_arizona
Kendall Mountain isn't great, all jeep road and you can drive to the top. I'd recommend Columbine Lake/Pass, Island Lake (probably overcrowded now), Engineer Mountain (if you're OK with scrambling with exposure). If you want to drive a bit further and have HCV, Mt Sneffels, Handies Peak, Uncompaghre Peak, Sunshine/Redcloud are all great.

Edit: just read the rental car part, so the 14er summits I mentioned are out.

[hiking_arizona]

thank you as I'll check it out.

@hiking_arizona
Kendall Mountain isn't great, all jeep road and you can drive to the top. I'd recommend Columbine Lake/Pass, Island Lake (probably overcrowded now), Engineer Mountain (if you're OK with scrambling with exposure). If you want to drive a bit further and have HCV, Mt Sneffels, Handies Peak, Uncompaghre Peak, Sunshine/Redcloud are all great.

Edit: just read the rental car part, so the 14er summits I mentioned are out.

[nonot]

@hiking_arizona
" near Purgatory and looking for dayhike suggestions under 15 miles RT "

Here are the only 4 I can recommend, have only visited the area once. All have parking TH/options right next to the highway or just off highway via good gravel roads.

Purgatory Trail to Animas River (and back), if you have extra time you can do the interpretive loop at the bottom
Cascade Creek upstream to falls (and back) (using TH near Lime Creek Road camp)
Molas Pass to Animas River (and back) (from either Molas Lake or Little Molas Lake)
Little Molas Lake west on CDT (and back) <- lowest rated in my opinion of these 4

[KwaiChang]

Maybe Utah, or Nevada?

I was going to say Utah as several friends have been trekking there recently.

[hikeaz]

Gila & A.L. areas... https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 902222.pdf

[andrewp]

@hikeaz

It would be awesome if the people running the AZ forests could adopt the practice of publishing a list like this. Would love to see the same for the Blue (although the photo of the map in the Alpine RD office is somewhat useful).

[hikeaz]

One of my favorite areas, especially for backpacking (albeit a bit of a drive) is San Pedro Parks (NM). Most trails are at/near 10k feet, not particularly difficult (although the route-finding in some areas can be 'interesting'). As the name suggests it is known for high, moist, rolling mountaintops with numerous meadows and large grassy "parks." Dense stands of spruce and mixed conifers compete for space with small stands of aspen. No fees, no permits.
Typical views > [ image ] & [ image ]

[xsproutx]

@hikeaz
That looks nice and looks like it's maybe a 7 hour drive (...going the speed limit) so not too bad. Any particular loop recommendations you might have or trails that are particularly great?

[rwstorm]

@xsproutx
...and there is a pretty good Mexican restaurant in Cuba (El Bruno's)

[hikeaz]

From our vicinity I would say most start at the San Gregorio Lake Trail. From it, myriad loop(s) can be formed. Here is a decent overview of the trails > http://www.aztecnm.com/fourcorners/newm ... Trails.pdf.
I HIGHLY recommend a paper topo map in addition to any electronic location device you may take along.
Caveat - Your feet WILL get wet, you WILL climb over/under/across dead-fall on the hinterland trails and the weather varies wildly. You will likely not see others once out a bit and you will see some of the best aspen-bark-carving-art you have ever seen. You WILL come back smiling.

[chumley]

It would be awesome if the people running the AZ forests could adopt the practice of publishing a list like this.

The people running the AZ forests are doing their best to make sure there's something left for us to visit next month. Forests in NM have their own active fires, fire restrictions, drought, and weather issues to contend with. They also conveniently have lists like this found on their websites, because that's what national forests do.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/forests-and-grasslands