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So I just saw that someone posted on my Facebook wall that they are having a charity event going up Flatiron. I don't have anything against the charity, it appears to be a worthwhile cause. Does the Forest Service allow charity events now in wilderness areas? Or are they in the dark because the event is being staged at Mining Camp's parking lot?

I don't know what the rules are on charity events, but the 15 person group size would still be in effect.... but going up Siphon Draw, who's going to count anyway.

SpiderLegs wrote:Does the Forest Service allow charity events now in wilderness areas?

if commercial groups like REI can lead backpacking trips in that wilderness area, then I would imagine there is nothing stopping them (except for as AZLumberjack pointed out-- the 15 person group size).

That event organizer might have no clue of the group size limit and wouldn't ever think to inquire. Maybe someone should mention it to them?

Any sort of organized activity like this in a wilderness area requires a permit. Here's the link to the Tonto NF page on this topic: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/passe ... commercial

As for REI, I am certain that they have permits to do guided trips wherever they do them.

If the traffic gets any busier on this trail we are going to have to install metering lights or turnstiles to control the flow! ;)

SuperstitionGuy wrote:If the traffic gets any busier on this trail we are going to have to install metering lights or turnstiles to control the flow! ;)

Photo Radar for hikers? Let's see what Kurt has to say about RedFlex cameras on Flatiron

The guy putting on the event changed his website/flyer to say that hiking from the parking lot was optional once I called him on it. But it still implies that hiking to the top of Flatiron is a large part of the event. I don't have anything against his charity, but using a designated wilderness area as the main draw to his event really bugs me.