Arizona National Forests Limit Recreation Sites

National forests in Arizona are taking precautions to keep visitors safe by closing recreation sites amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the U.S. Forest Service’s website, currently National forests in the state are still open for activities like hiking and biking. However the recreation services will be changed or suspended indefinitely.

In addition, the forest service is advising patrons against high-risk activities such as rock climbing because search and rescue operations could be limited.

Tonto National Forest have closed recreation sites in Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, Payson, Pleasant Valley and Tonto Basin districts.

Coconino National Forest closed day-use sites, group campgrounds, heritage sites, rental cabins and single-use family campgrounds. In addition, the visitor centers at Red Rock Ranger Station and Oak Creek are closed.

Kaibab National Forest The forest closed its rental cabins as well as a handful of day-use sites. The developed campgrounds never opened for overnight camping season and will remain closed.

Prescott National Forest have closed all developed recreation facilities including campgrounds, restrooms and cabins.

Coronado National Forest closed the Sabino Canyon recreation area visitor center. The Cactus Picnic group site has been closed. Plans are in the works to close seven rental cabins indefinitely.

Apache-Sitegraves National Forests started closing certain campgrounds, restrooms and recreation facilities on Monday. Their closures will remain in effect until May 1 and will be reevaluated at a later time.

Visitors who made reservations for a national forest campground will be notified about refunds soon.