In response to Trailmix's reply:
I've hiked that loop 3x.
It is doubtful that the creeks will cause you any real issues - they never have caused me any.
I've seen but one bear (coincidently at "Bear Spring") near there in all my trips. (about 10 throughout the Blue)
Hanging your food has limited effectiveness if the bear(s) is "camper -saavy"; remember, bears will revisit an area where they have found food before, so maybe try using a lesser-used camp spot. Double freezer bags can help mitigate odors, too. Or maybe even use a "seal-a-meal" to lock in food odors.
Note:
If you plan on visiting bear country extensively, and you are concerned, you might explore the Ursack.
http://www.ursack.com/home.htm
Have a great trip - you will love the area.
Note: You may want to check with ASNF ahead to confirm that the area you're wanting to explore is "open".
Date: June 27, 2006
Information Office: 928-333-6263
Springerville, AZ….. The Forest Service has announced that some portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will be closed to public entry starting Tuesday, June 27, 2006, at 8:00 am.
Each of the five Ranger Districts has identified areas that pose an unusually high risk to communities due to dry conditions and fuel accumulations. Those areas will be closed until a sufficient amount of moisture has fallen across the Forests.
Stage 3 restrictions are in addition to those restrictions imposed in Stage 2 which prohibits all campfires and charcoal fires, prohibits smoking except within a building or inside a vehicle with an appropriate use of the ash tray, prohibits cross-country travel by any motorized vehicles, prohibits chainsaw use after 9:00 am, and prohibits the use of acetylene torches. The use of fireworks on national forests is always prohibited.
The closures are described by Ranger District:
Black Mesa Ranger District – The area south of Highway 260 within the Rodeo/Chediski Fire area from the Young Road on the west to Forest Road 132 near Pinedale. Forest Roads 9350, 9512E, 208, 9018, 89B, and 89B1 are also closed. Black Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Rim Campground, and Gentry Campground are closed. Canyon Point Campground is open as are all other campgrounds serving Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake.
Lakeside Ranger District – Timber Mesa and the area around Morgan Flat within the borders of Forest Roads 45, 182, and private land boundary; the area south and east of Show Low Lake along Show Low Creek; the area south of Highway 260 from Forest Road 132 (closed) near Pinedale on the west to Highway 60 on the east; the area east of Highway 60 south of Show Low to the Reservation boundary. Lewis Canyon Campground is open by reservation and Scott Reservoir and Show Low Lake are open.
Springerville Ranger District – Mount Baldy Wilderness; the area from and including Forest Road 112 (closed) on the west to Highway 373 at Greer on the east and from the Mount Baldy Wilderness on the south to Highway 260 on the north; Gabaldon Campground and Government Spring are closed. The following areas and sites are open: Hoyer Campground, Benny Creek Campground, Winn Campground, Sheeps Crossing, Lee Valley Reservoir, all three Greer lakes, Highways 260, 261, 273, and 373, Forest Roads 87 and 409, and all campgrounds at Big Lake.
Alpine Ranger District – The area south of Nutrioso to Forest Road 249 (open) bordered on the west by Forest Road 88B (closed) and Highway 191; the area from Forest Road 249 south to Forest Road 403 (closed); the area south of Alpine from Highway 180 south to Forest Road 30 (open) and east to the Blue River Road (open) and west to Highway 191.
Clifton Ranger District – The area called Malay Gap bordered by the Forest boundary on the west to Highway 191 on the east and the Mogollon Rim on the north to Trail 33 (the East Eagle Creek Trail) on the south.
All roads accessing private lands within the closed area are open.
