273 - Sunrise - Big Lake etc.

[hikeaz]

Now in its 4th year of reconstruction, Rt. 273 has a 'pilot car' system set up. The cycle is about 50 minutes. The closure is about 5 miles south of the highway and extends to the Greer turnoff. So, depending on when in the cycle you arrive, you could wait 30 seconds or up to 50 minutes to be led through through the construction zone. The good news is that the construction work ceases on Sundays, so it is free-flowing then.
If you are headed north up from Big Lake and the wait is extreme, you can turn off to Greer and although it is longer, (if heading to Pinetop, etc.) if the wait is over 30 minutes (the flagperson will let you know) you'd be time-ahead to go up through Greer to the highway. Or, make use of the time by having a picnic along the road while you wait.

[azbackpackr]

Or use 261 and forget about 273...

[azbackpackr]

Roads to Big Lake, which are SR 261 (fully paved) from Eagar and SR 273 (partially paved) from Sunrise Ski Area, are officially open as of today. These roads are always gated closed in winter.

You may have noticed that Juanjaimeiii went to Indian Springs Trail, West Fork, etc., a couple of weeks ago. But he got there via Williams Valley Road, out of Alpine.