Winter Road Closures

[chumley]

I just noticed that the Coconino National Forest is beginning to open some of the roads that access the forest. Many are still closed. Coconino is pretty good about updating this information on their website, so check that out before you go. I've attached a PDF of the open/closed status for Coconino roads as updated today, 02 April 2009. There's also a couple of photos taken today showing how much snow remains on FR300.

The Apache-Sitgreaves Forest is not very good at updating their website and you must call the individual district office to verify current road closure conditions.

Credit: Photos and road closure information copied from Coconino NF website.

[te_wa]

thanks, Chumley. I was very amused at the way they rationalize the road closures. Today I called them (so this posting is quite timely ;) ) and was asking about fr535 that leads west from 89a just above the switchbacks. They say its still closed because of mud and snowmelt. But, I asked, then why is it not closed after thunderstorm season? Ive driven it in August when the roads up there are simply wrecked... so whats the difference, really!
Im only venting because I have to lead a trip of campers up onto fr535 and we may have to now go all the way over to the east end of Schnebly rd.