Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon Will be Closed to Visitors Until Nov 1

Forest Service Officials announced Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon will remain closed to the general public until November 1st due to the Big Horn Fire

According to the Arizona Daily Star,

While the entire national forest on the mountain is "not necessarily closed," a significant portion is closed including all major hiking trails, said Dorilis Camacho, a Coronado spokeswoman.

"The Bighorn Fire and post-fire conditions increased the possibility of flooding downstream, increased runoff, and the probability of debris flows. This is why we are implementing an area closure on both Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon," Camacho said Tuesday in an email to the Star.

"We are asking the public to avoid visiting these areas because flash floods happen suddenly. Closure orders are assessed regularly based on changing forest conditions," Camacho said.

Residents of Summerhaven and people with special permits will be have access to Mount Lemmon, but the road will remain closed to the public until it is deemed safe. Sabino Canyon will continue to assess areas that are safe and work to open as soon as they can. The trails in the area will remain closed through November.

I understand they are making sure it is safe, but this makes me soooo sad! Hiking and camping have been my saving grace during this pandemic, and to lose access to an escape from the heat this summer is a bummer. We'll have to find other spots to cool off- maybe Pinetop? Greer? Where do you like to go?