Some areas along Catalina Highway on Mount Lemmon opened again Tuesday, Sept. 1, Forest Service officials said.ย
Most recreation areas between Tucson and Summerhaven were closed earlier this summerย after the devastating Bighorn Fire due to concerns about the potential for post-fire flooding and runoff issues.ย
The Coronado National Forest updated the safety closure Tuesday. The updated closure order will be in effect until Nov. 1 or until it's rescinded, the forest service said.ย
People will be allowed to recreate in the newly opened areas but restrooms and trash service will not be available. Forest service officials ask that visitors clean up after themselves.ย
The following areas along the Catalina Highway are open again:
โขย Soldier Trail
โข Baad Doโag Trail and Vista
โข AZ Trail East of Catalina Highway
โข Molino Canyon Vista
โข Molino Basin Day Use
โข Gordon Hirabayashi Day Use
โข Bug Spring Trail
โข Thimble Rock Vista
โข Seven Cataracts Vista
โข Cypress Picnic Area
โข Chihuahua Pine Picnic Area
โข Middle Bear Picnic Area
โข General Hitchcock Campground
โข Windy Point Vista
โข Geology Vista
โข Hoodoo Vista
โข San Pedro Vista
โข Sycamore Vista
โข Aspen Vista
โข Box Elder Picnic Area
โข Inspiration Rock Picnic Area
โข Alder Picnic Area
โข Loma Linda Picnic Area
Restrooms and trash services will resume at four recreation sites on Thursday, Sept. 3:
โข General Hitchcock Campground
โข Inspiration Rock Picnic Area
โข Alder Picnic Area
โข Box Elder Picnic Area
Forest officials are regularly assessing the order and some recreation areas, including Sabino Canyon, will remain closed, the forest service said.ย
Closures and opened areas can be found on the U.S. Forest Service's interactive map or call the Santa Catalina Ranger District office at 520-749-8700 for more information.
