AZBDR: 2020 Riding Season Route Updates

• Section 5 – When leaving Grand Canyon and going down Navajo Nation Rd 6150, the switchbacks going down off the cliffs into Gray Mountain have become washed out and are considered Expert Only.
• We have also received reports that the he national park service is limiting travel into the Navajo reservation.  The state roads through the reservations north of Flagstaff are open, but Navajo roads are closed currently.
• Reported a 5 mile long road closure in the Grand Canyon National park from the east entrance. The closure is from the Grand Canyon Boundry on Hwy 64 for 5 miles west.

BOISE, Idaho, August 8, 2019 –August 12, 2019 – The Boise National Forest is reminding visitors to be extra cautious this summer when storing their food to avoid attracting black bears.

Bears possess an extremely keen sense of smell, and can find food from great distances. Once a bear finds food near humans, it is likely to come back. The result is a dangerous situation for both the bear and for people. Bears that repeatedly come into conflict with campers have to be trapped and euthanized.

Campers can protect themselves and others from unwelcome nighttime visitors by storing their food properly. In developed campgrounds, campers should store all food in their vehicle, trailer or camper with windows tightly closed. Stoves, cooking utensils, personal items such as toothpaste, and pet or livestock feed should be protected in the same manner. Garbage should be disposed of in the trash containers in campgrounds and never left out unattended. If a trash container is full, please pack your garbage out.

In the backcountry, food and garbage should be kept out of bears’ reach by hanging it in a tree, at least 100 yards from the sleeping area. Food bags should ideally be 10 feet above ground and 4 feet out from tree trunks. Food can also be stored in an approved bear-proof container. Backcountry campers should attempt to reduce or eliminate food odors on themselves, their clothes and near their sleeping area. Do not store food in tents.

For the safety of the public (and the bears) we urge Forest users to be “Bear Aware” and use common sense when camping in bear country. For more information visit: https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/bears

Fire managers want to urge forest visitors to completely extinguish campfires before they pack up and leave the woods. With higher temperatures, fuel conditions are expected to dry out, increasing the risk of wildfire ignitions.