Tonto National Forrest is closed...

[Desert_Captain]

We drove up to Heber on Tuesday after securing a reservation for 4 days at the Heber RV Resort {a very nice facility but I digress}. Before getting the reservation I just figured would drive up 87 out of Payson and pull into one of the many campgrounds in the area.

As we got closer to Payson we began seeing signs lit up with the message "Forrest Closed" which we correctly assumed was due to the extremely high fire danger. Now most of the campgrounds are booked up as the multitudes flee Phoenix and Tucson seeking relief from the record breaking heat we have been experiencing.

Three very popular CG's in row were shut/locked down as we headed east climbing the Mogollon Rim: Ponderosa, Christopher Creek and Sharp Creek all had the gates locked. Now this means that 250+ sites are no longer available and yet last week they were all booked up for weeks to come so there has to be a lot of folks desperately seeking sites. By the time we reached the top of the Rim we had moved out of Tonto NF and into Sitgreaves NF and no such restrictions were in place.

We are finally getting a steady rain but no lightning today so the fire danger should be mitigated somewhat. Bottom line is do not even think about coming up here without reservations though you may be able to boondock subject to the ever changing fire restrictions. If you have reservations at any of those CG's check to see what their current status as we rode by all three on the motorcycle this morning and they were all still locked down. We will be here until Saturday morning and then we will head east to the Rainbow CG at Big Lake {at 9,000+'} and no restrictions currently in place and yes we have a reservation.

Hope this helps someone out there. :B

[mockturtle]

And that has exactly what to do with the Tonto National Forrest being closed by fires?

Absolutely zip! I was responding to Mr. California's snide comment.

[fj12ryder]

mockturtle wrote:
It was published in an AZ paper the other day that people are being retested several times (in order to go back to work) and that every test is counted as a NEW CASE. So there are some erroneous data out there.

And that has exactly what to do with the Tonto National Forrest being closed by fires?

[GordonThree]

Plenty of national forest to camp in here in Michigan, and it's a lot cooler. Come on over.

[mockturtle]

It was published in an AZ paper the other day that people are being retested several times (in order to go back to work) and that every test is counted as a NEW CASE. So there are some erroneous data out there.

[cptqueeg]

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions: Recreation Sites Remaining Open

Most of the Tonto National Forest has been closed due to wildfire. A few sites have remained open to the public.

"to close the state’s largest national forest beginning at 6 a.m. on July 2. Some lakes and forest roads remain accessible."


Cave Creek Ranger District

Jojoba
Rattlesnake
SB Cove
Yellow Cliff

Mesa Ranger District

Acacia
Blue Point
Boulder
Coons Bluff
Goldfield
Granite Reef
Laguna
Palo Verde
Pebble Beach
Phon D Sutton
Saguaro Del Norte
Water Users

Globe Ranger District

No sites open

Payson Ranger District

Houston Mesa Campground Loops:
Black Bear
Elk
Mountain Lion

Pleasant Valley Ranger District

No open sites

Tonto Basin Ranger District

Cholla Campground
Cottonwood Picnic Area
Frazier Horse Campground
Grapevine (Boat Ramp Only)
Orange Peel Day Use Shoreline Area
Vineyard Picnic Area
Windy Hill Campground

[Seattle_Steve]

fj12ryder wrote:

jdc1 wrote:
Ducey should have shut Arizona down months ago.

Due to fire danger as is being talked about?

LOL. I used the "block the idiot poster" option on him a long time ago. I'm only seeing this because you quoted him.

[fj12ryder]

jdc1 wrote:
Ducey should have shut Arizona down months ago.

Due to fire danger as is being talked about?

[down_home]

Tuesday we were going in the other direction, to Mesa.
Didn't notice too much activity. Didn't see the signs but weren't looking.
The part of the Park after you turn on to 87 a giant burned area at the lower elevations after you leave the forests where the Saqueros begin still had some white ashes in places. Glad to hear it is raining some there.

[jdc1]

Ducey should have shut Arizona down months ago.