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??

[xsproutx]

@hikeaz
Much appreciated! Now I just have to figure if that goes on the "future" list or if I want to go experience test out how badsummer storms are on the NM side of the boarder...

[ShatteredArm]

Would love to see the same for the Blue (although the photo of the map in the Alpine RD office is somewhat useful).

If you're talking about the NM side, they don't have it on the trail maintenance log, but they do have a map:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 675837.pdf

[nonot]

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

Great suggestions, but be aware of the Johnson closure which covers a huge swath of the Gila
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 925225.pdf

[hikeaz]

Steve, yep, but they are working on chipping away at the closure -
"Starting Monday, June 28, Cliff Dweller Trail with access to the cliff dwellings, the Visitor Center, Contact Station bookstore, and the Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds will be fully opened.

Now- The Middle Fork Trail #157 is now accessible. Visitors/users of the Middle Fork Trail are requested to park in the Gila Visitor Center parking lot rather than the trailhead parking lot, as the road to the trailhead will remain closed for visitor safety. " (Real reason is that the fire suppression crews are camped there.)

[xsproutx]

@hikeaz
Where'd you get the info on the middle fork? I had checked some things and I thought that trail was closed as well. If it's open and some of the trails that go north of it like the Meadows, that could be worthwhile

[xsproutx]

@xsproutx
Replying to myself here but I went and took another look and turns out the closure map has middle fork in yellow which means it's open as you mentioned. Fire closure is south of that so looks like I might have a trip for this weekend afterall! Just gotta get a little more creative

[DbleDutch]

Headed to UP Mich for some hiking. Rain in Kansas and Iowa so far. Hoping more rain is hitting AZ fires.