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Just checking but the GOP shutdown hasn't closed the forest roads in our national forests have they?

Good question, and one that I have too, specifically, are the Chiricahua roads and trails open?

Roads and trails are open. Developed sites or most things that require a fee are gated closed. Recreation sites are generally closed and bathrooms are locked. Anything that requires staff is closed as the staff are furloughed. Only law enforcement and fire personnel have been deemed essential and remain on the job.

Unfortunately there are NON-fee areas of Tonto NF with locked gates... Four Peaks road & Sycamore Creek on opposite sides of 87 as well as most of the Forest Roads along the way up Hwy 87. (At least that's from what I was told by 4-wheel enthusiasts who found that out on the weekend)

I spent a few days planning various routes for a 3-peak hike including Saddle Mountain for today but based on what I was told about FS gates being locked and the gas cost of an aborted trip I didn't want to take the chance of not gaining access to Mormon Grove TH. Yeah, I know it isn't THAT long a hike to the TH, but add that extra round trip onto what was already going to be a long day, that just wasn't gonna happen.

With our planned trip to Utah starting this weekend we are hoping for this foolishness to end so we can do all the Canyonlands hikes we planned. But knowing how things in government work (or in this case, DON'T work) Canyonlands is probably out and from what I've heard so far, although there may not be actual gates to lock for parts of Manti La-Sal National Forest, it appears there is the possibility of being fined if caught on NF land.

My thoughts are to flag down the first NF Law Enforcement officer we see and find out if that's true.
From what I hear, there should be plenty of them running around looking for tresspassers on our tax-paid Federal Lands! [-X

Hopefully a backup plan for a day or two may be back in the Grand Gulch/Cedar Mesa area... if it's not posted/locked.

Oh yeah, one last thing... :SB:

I take issue with this mess being referred to as a "GOP Shutdown"... No matter WHO controlled the House or Senate since then, how many years has it been since a real REAL BUDGET was passed? What, is it something like 16 years!!!?

To me that says NEITHER side is doing their job and BOTH sides have been acting like spoiled brats for YEARS....

The four peaks and sycamore gates were open last Saturday when I drove by so unless that's a recent development it should still be open. Perhaps Dawn can add some info as I believe she drives by every day.

You can also probably call DPS and ask. They patrol the 87 and should be able to tell you if those gates have been locked by the FS.

If the Road has a Gate, I wouldn't count on it being accessible at this Point...I think you're pretty much flipping a Coin as to whether the FS has decided what/which Gates to Lock....

The gates on FR 25 to Mormon Grove and FR 201 to Peeley were both open last Saturday.

chumley wrote:The four peaks and sycamore gates were open last Saturday

The four-wheeling guy told me Butcher Jones was closed on Sunday (which I knew) and when I mentioned he could just come in from Four Peaks Rd he said that was closed too. But then I'm not so sure he actually drove there because they headed down to Florence/Box Canyon area instead.

FYI: I just got off the phone with the Globe District #11 DPS office (which also includes 87 up to Payson) and asked about the gates. The woman there did not know so called their sub-station office in Payson for clarification. Without actually talking specifically to a DPS patrolman who actually patrols 87, I was told 'as far as we know' the gates ARE open.

Hmmm, not quite the level of confidence I sought, but I guess that's what I've got to work with.

mazatzal wrote:The gates on FR 25 to Mormon Grove and FR 201 to Peeley were both open last Saturday.

Thanks! I sure hope you're right because I'm ready to give it a shot tomorrow.

I also know for certain that both FR201 to Peeley and FR626 to the top of Mt Ord were open last weekend as well.

There are signs on the Beeline indicating that the campgrounds along the Bush Hwy are closed, but no other signs are posted.

I will check as much as I can on the way home... but is getting dark so is hard to say how much we can see...

Drove up to Flag today to see fall colors....SUPER windy. Stopped at Ranger Station to ask a question...closed. Went use restroom at a trailhead ....locked. Must be a lot of folks out of work.

All the roads up to Payson along the Beeline (Hwy 87) are all opened no gates closed....

Thanks for checking on that Dawn! That's awesome!

I noticed all the gates were open as well this morning.

Steady rain & 50-100' visibility @Mormon Grove TH, changed to snow 45 minutes into the hike but stopped within 10 min. Saddle Mtn still socked in so I settled for Peaks 5888 & 5552 nearby. Got a good look at Saddle from 5552 later and have better route for next attempt.