On October 1, the Kaibab National Forest reopened 11 miles of the Arizona National Scenic Trail between the Kaibab Plateau Trailhead at the Park/Forest boundary and Forest Road 213 near Telephone Hill Trailhead. Passage 40 is now completely open! However, 29 miles of the AZT between The Tipoff (4.6 miles north of the South Kaibab Trailhead) and the Park/Forest boundary along Passages 38 and 39 remain closed.

Since the Dragon Bravo Fire had significant impacts to the trail and surrounding landscape, visitors should be aware of hazards associated with traveling within a burn zone. This includes:

1. Watch for falling trees. Even if the tree looks robust, it might be at risk of falling because of damaged root systems and fire-loosened soils. Watch for falling branches. Look up often and be aware of fire-weakened trees, snags and overhead dangling branches. Do not sit down and take a break under a fire-weakened or dead tree.
2. Windy days are especially dangerous. Don’t go out in a burn area if it’s forecast to be windy. Leave the area immediately if the wind picks up and there are hazards around you. Don’t make camp below burned trees.
3. Rainy weather can be very dangerous. Rain increases the likelihood of landslides and flash floods. Water runs more quickly off the burned soil and drainages can become clogged with trees, rocks, and debris. Debris can act like a dam, releasing a huge flash flood of water, mud, and debris that will destroy everything downstream.
4. Travel through burn areas quickly. Minimize the risk you face by not lingering in dangerous places.
5. Be extra cautious when choosing a campsite. Don’t camp in a risky area. Look for dead trees that might fall toward your tent and steep slopes that could send rocks or landslides down on you. Don’t camp in natural drainages because of the possibility of debris flows.
6. Landslides and rock fall danger means you should be careful on hillsides. Stripped of its understory vegetation, burned soil is loose, so boulders, logs, and the soil can move. On hillsides, if you encounter a downed log or pile of fallen rocks, go one person at a time in case the material shifts.
7. The trail tread might be unstable, and it may collapse. Debris fallen from uphill can take out the trail tread. Trail retaining walls might be damaged and ready to fall down the mountain.
8. Watch for burned-out holes in the ground. When stumps, root structures and duff burns, deep hollow cavities can be left below the trail surface. They may be invisible until your foot breaks through. These holes can keep burning for months after the rest of the fire is out. Notice white ash as it may be retaining extreme heat or be a sign of a potential sinkhole. Stay on trails in burned areas. Be extra cautious when leaving the trail, especially at night.
9. Side trails may be impassable. The AZT might be reopened and maintained, but be cautious when taking side and connecting trails. Often, they are less frequently maintained.