HikeArizona.COM

Apache - Sitgreaves is CLOSED

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/
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Coronado is CLOSED

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/
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Coconino is CLOSED

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/
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Kaibab is mostly closed

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/
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Tonto is CLOSED

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/
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Grand Canyon - is OPEN

http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Does that leave any "cool" places to hike?

Yeah, you're right Joe, it's for the best. It's gonna be a long summer...

OK How about high desert places--Navajo Rez--around Lake Powell-- Spencer trail. Get out those books. The temps almost never go over 100 so you desert rats should think it's cool.

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Ordinarily, I'd agree with you on the government controls, Dustwatcher, but frankly, in this case, I think it's the right thing to do. If they don't close the forest, some knuckle-dragging moron(s) will inevitably start fire(s). With conditions as dry as they are, I don't think any of us want to see another Dude fire, or worse. A couple of big fires, and there's a lot less wilderness for those of us who do appreciate it's beauty and value.

Mike wrote: If they don't close the forest, some knuckle-dragging moron(s) will inevitably start fire(s).

Somehow a picture of cro-magnon man entered my mind.

Sad as it is, it seems like the best decision for all.
Nice to be able to come to HAZ for the updates.
Sande J

Along those same lines...when the HAZ group hiked Rogers Canyon, they reported putting out a still smoldering campfire...

My buddy and I were there the next weekend and we put out a still smoldering fire just before the basin....

And unless I'm wrong, Joe reported putting out a still smoldering fire when he was there about the same time....

When people aren't responsible for themselves, the govt. needs to step in...it just sucks for the rest of us (or is it the minority) who are responsible hikers...

looks like I spend my summer off heading up north or down south...I guess it is one of the luxuries of teaching....more time off....but more miles on the truck.

" some knuckle-dragging moron(s) "



Funny!

Even though its hard, I can actually say I am glad they closed Tonto...just Sunday, a friend and I did the late day hike up Peralta (excellent day, cloud cover, big breezes, no people) and the first thing we noticed is that the conditions are REALLY bad, Everyone looks a little sick. The plant life , bushes, and trees almost appear grey in color, not green. Most of the small bushes and plants by the trail are just absolutely spent by lack of water and just snap or break with ease. Glad I got one in before the closures.
We need to get dumped on for about a week straight

I just can't help associating "Mullet" hair cuts and really old Dodge vans with the recent group of forest fires.

Coronado National Forest appears to still be open (with fire restrictions well in place), so there may be some cooler options down there...

What in the hell is going on here? Are you all happy to be punished by the government for what a few morons do?

Let's face it--if they can mobilize enough agents to enforce a backcountry closure then they can do there jobs(a very difficult chosen profession) and keep those idiots in line. Educational programs, Educational programs, Educational programs!!! Teach the public how to fish and we'll feed ourselves---take care of everything for us and we become dependent.

The problem I have with the government taking access away from the people is that, it's all of ours(land)--why should I and yourselves be punished today for what someone, not me; may do. Is this not the land of the free??
We are all living breathing things......So is the government, but it's immortal. See, we give up a little piece of freedom today in the name of protection from something that may happen....Instead, people need to be educated to care for themselves and those around us. Few things beat experience for education.
Now, back to the little freedom we just happily gave up---the next generation of Americans won't even know they've lost one of their rights---because we before them gave it up. We live and die, the government just lives---we don't even see the inches it gains with each passing infringement of our rights...our life cycle is only 80 approx.
If we keep giving up inches to the morons--who's the real moron?

Do not confuse my compliance for stupidity or ignorance. Dealing with the unwashed, misguided, uncaring huddled masses of society is a price we all pay for freedom. There are not enough people in the universe to keep someone from starting a forest fire.

I would appreciate it if you would save your political spew for a different forum. This group is about hiking, the great outdoors and having fun.

My apologies to the group, It wasn't my intention to extend this discussion. I think we all have more than enough controversy in our work and our lifes. This group is where I go to escape, not to grumble.

All we can do is pray for rain and THANK GOD we live in a country whose government gives a _hit about the land. If it wasn't for this peoples government big business and rich land owners would own all the pristine places we love, but thankfully we all own it and our children will see it, burnt up by the morons of our generation or not.

Ck1, your comments really hit home. Three campfires left burning at three different times really amazes me. I'm shocked that people still don't get it.

As misguided as some comments in this thread are, it reveals the underlining mind set...that it is my land and I get to do with it as I please....unfortunatly, that is not the case....that thinking leads to the present situation...along with the uncontrollable forces of nature.

Woodie Guthire (sp) said it best

This land is your land, this land is my land,
From California, to the New York Island,
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf Stream Waters,
This land was made for you and me.

I roamed and rambled, and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
And all around me a voice was singing
This land was made for you and me!

Paintninaz wrote:Coronado National Forest appears to still be open (with fire restrictions well in place), so there may be some cooler options down there...

Yes, the Coronado National Forest will be open with restrictions on open fires, even in established campsites that have grills on the ground. The guidlnes will be heavily enforced. The recent rash of fires in Cochise County have their sources from made fires. But campsites and back-country will be open.

For those not familiar with the southern part of the state, here is some information.

Peaks are as high as 10,700 ft (Mt. Gragham in the Pinaleno Mtns near Safford. Fly's Peak in the Chiricahuas is 9666 ft. At that elevation the forest consists of ponderosa pine, blue spruce, juniper and fir.)

Memorial Day temps at 10,000 feet will be around 65 to 75 degrees and the evenings could get down to the low 40s.

Water at the camps and active springs along the trails will be sparse.


So come on down. But no fires or grills. Bring along extra fuel for your stove and carry along lots of water.


John

Frankly, as noted in an earlier topic on this subject, we figured they would close it on May 15th. We are amazed that they are waiting until May 22. Probably has something to do with getting up the signs, etc. The forest is SOOOO dry it will be a miracle if ALL of our favorite places survive the typical pre-monsoon "dry lightning" phase which forest managers dread. Utah's not better. We were walking in a min-dust storm through aspens at 10,000 feet last week. The earth which is normally sodden from recent snowmelt is actually CRACKED from the dryness! Most all of the little seasonal pools have cracked dry soil bottoms. Not even a hint of damp mud. BAD!!!! doo-doo! BTW--We support this from of gov't control a million percent. Well, gotta run, we're on a public terminal in an old library in Beaver, Utah, and a school-marmish woman with wirerim glasses on her nose is staring at me. My time must be up! Happy Trails.

J&S, The Rolling Rimrocks.