FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is reducing the size of the area closure for the Museum Fire on today to allow for increased access and recreation on parts of Mt. Elden.
The Burned Area Emergency Response team has completed treatments to the land, including mulching with a helicopter in effort to stabilize the watershed and encourage recovery. Now that this important work is complete, the public will be allowed in additional areas of the burned area.
Although additional areas are open, the public is urged to use caution, as hazards still exist such as ash pits, rolling rocks, weakened trees, falling trees and possible floodwaters.
Some areas will remain closed that pose a continued and increased risk to visitors. These areas will be re-evaluated after the winter season to see what risks can be mitigated before opening to the public.
Portions of Forest Road 789 and FR 6353 marking the restricted-area boundary are OPEN to non-motorized use only. Elden Lookout Road (FR 557) is closed to all traffic where it intersects with the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Please see the official closure order and map for details.
The following trails will be OPEN:
- Arizona National Scenic Trail (ANST)
- Heart Trail
- Little Bear Trail
- Little Gnarly
- Lower Oldham Trail from Buffalo Park to the ANST junction
- Rocky Ridge Trail from ANST to Schultz Creek Trail
- Schultz Loop Trail
- Sunset Trail from the intersection of Schultz Tank to Little Bear Trail
The following trails will remain CLOSED:
- Brookbank Trail (entire trail)
- Lower Oldham, from ANST to Brookbank Trail
- Rocky Ridge Trail, from ANST to Brookbank Trail
- Sunset Trail, from Little Bear Trail to Elden Lookout Trail
- Upper Oldham Trail (entire trail)
For more information about the Mt. Elden area, please call the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866.