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Closures Due to Rim Fire on the Tonto National Forest in Payson, Ariz. August 3rd, 2009 by NAZ Today Staff
Payson, Ariz (Aug. 3, 2009) The lightning-caused Rim fire, on the Payson Ranger District east of Washington Park, 13 miles NE of Payson, Ariz. , began on July 20. The fire is being managed under a modified suppression strategy due to concerns about steep topography and firefighter safety. Fire managers are using existing roads, trails, and topgraphic features to contain the fire. Recent rains have moderated fire intensity, creating burning conditions which will achieve resource benefit objectives.
The fire was active yesterday due to increased temperatures, moving to the southwest and reaching the Highline Trail. A successful burn-out was conducted last night along a ridge on the eastern boundary.
The area encompassed by the following trail boundaries (including the trails themselves) is closed to support firefighting operations and provide for public safety until further notice: On the west side, from the top of Rim Trail 290 (Col. Devin Trail) and Trail 390 (Railroad Tunnel Trail) down to the Washington Park Trailhead. Closures on the south side are from Trail 31 (Highline Trail) at the Washington Park Trailhead east to Trail 30 (Myrtle Trail). Closures on the east side are Trail 30 (Myrtle Trail) from the top of the Rim south to the intersection of Trail 31 (Highline Trail).
Residents and visitors can expect to see moderate to heavy amounts of smoke for the next four to five days. Smoke will limit visibility on Control Road 64 and FR 300, but both roads remain open. Smoke during the day is moving to the northeast and is moderate to heavy. Diurnal air flow is moving smoke in the evening hours into the communities of Washington Park, Verde Glen, Rim Trail, and Whispering Pines.
Currently 158 personnel - (3 Hotshot crews and two Type 2 crews), five engines, one Helicopter, and one air attack plane are being used to control and manage the rim fire. Says Dusty Trails
The total elevation difference for this great outdoors hiking trail is 1,565 feet, and that is about average. You should count on this backcountry trek taking about 4.5 hours, but you never know stuff could go wrong and you could get stuck so be prepared for that. This great outdoors hiking trail has two trailheads, so backcountry backpacking it one way is an option if you can arrange for a ride back. This neighborhood does get very dry sometimes, so make sure you check current conditions and fire restrictions with local forest authorities before you head out. This is not a very long wilderness trail but you should still bring some emergency supplies just in case something happens. This great outdoors trail goes through some very different elevations, so keep in mind that you may need to dress differently at different elevations. With its 5.4 miles of walking distance it's a mid length hike.
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Trailhead 1 to Trailhead 2:
Total hiking length = 2.7 miles
Total climbing distance = .4 miles
Difficulty : Easy
Casual Hiking Pace:
2 hours
Fast Hiking Pace:
1 hours
Trailhead 2 to Trailhead 1:
Total hiking length = 2.7 miles
Total climbing distance = 1.5 miles
Difficulty : Medium
Casual Hiking Pace:
2.5 hours
Fast Hiking Pace:
1.5 hours
| | Trailhead 1 back to Trailhead 1:
Total hiking length = 5.4 miles
Total climbing distance = 1.9 miles
Difficulty : Medium
Casual Hiking Pace:
4.5 hours
Fast Hiking Pace:
3 hours
Trailhead 2 back to Trailhead 2:
Total hiking length = 5.4 miles
Total climbing distance = 1.9 miles
Difficulty : Medium
Casual Hiking Pace:
4.5 hours
Fast Hiking Pace:
3 hours
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Total elevation difference: 1565 feet
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US Hiking Trails > Arizona > Myrtle Trail
