Campsite Closures – Parking Confusion

See the Catalinas now, but take toilet paper – A few friends watched this report – Mt. Lemmon campsite closures frustrate some people – and understood the report to mean that ALL parking lots(spaces) (except in Summerhaven) are closed – while it is true that many parking lots on the mountain ARE closed it is the picnic/campground area parking that is closed – the Arizona Daily Star article (linked above) has better information especially if you are reading from a ‘hikers’ perspective, key points from the article:
  • All trailheads and vista points along the Catalina Highway are open.
  • The service said all restrooms in Sabino Canyon and on the Catalina Highway are closed, including those at trailheads.
  • All Forest Service operated picnic and campground facilities in the forest have been closed. All concessionaire operated campgrounds in the forest are closed also.

Pictures from the Shutdown

Sad Signs – Pictures from the Santa Catalina Mountains During the Government Shutdown, October 2013 – A post on my blog with pictures documenting the some of the closures in the Santa Catalina Mountains. At least as of ~2pm on October 3rd Bathrooms, Picnic Areas and Campgrounds are blocked off and closed – Trailheads, Vistas and Pullouts are open!

Rock Climber found Dead

Rock Climber Found Deceased on Mount LemmonBody of avid rock climber found on Mount LemmonAuthorities identify dead climber found on Mt. LemmonClimber Dies on the Lemmon 10/02/13 – Climber David Webster dies on the mountain. A post on Facebook and Supertopo indicate that it was a heart attack (this was later partly confirmed here Medical examiner: Mt. Lemmon climber may have died from natural causes).

Federal Shutdown

New Release from the Coronado National Forest about the shutdown caused by the shutdown of the Federal Government: Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Coronado National Forest offices closed until further notice, managed recreation sites also temporarily closed Coronado National Forest offices closed until further notice Managed recreation sites also temporarily closed TUCSON, AZ (October 1, 2013) – Due to the lapse in federal government funding, offices of the Coronado National Forest will be closed Tuesday, October 1, 2013 and will remain closed until further notice. These include the following:  
  • Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, parking lot and shuttle service
  • All Ranger District offices
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office
  • All concessionaire-managed sites associated with the Forest
  • All managed campgrounds on the Forest
  • All cabin rentals on the Forest
The Forest will not be closed. Trails and dispersed recreation sites will be open. However, public services will cease.