The Tonto National Forest has reopened the Highline Passage of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. After a two-month closure due to the West Fire, National Forest staff have determined the AZT is safe for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. This is great news for thru-hikers and riders, however, everyone is cautioned that visiting a recently burned area comes with hazards. These include falling trees, unstable soils that can give out underfoot (or tires or hooves), and high risk of flash flooding whenever it rains.

Conservation corps will be working in the area soon to help stabilize the tread and ensure the hard work that has gone into the Highline Restoration Project over the past few years is not lost to the fire. In addition, our friends at Proline Trails will be building a new segment of trail to improve sustainability, thanks to funding from the State’s Arizona Trail Fund. Ongoing maintenance, deadfall removal, tread repair and drainage improvements will be needed over the next few years. In addition to being a beloved segment of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, the Highline is also a National Recreation Trail.

The West Fire started from a lightning strike on August 28. The Tonto National Forest used that opportunity to reduce fuels on the forest through aerial ignitions and on-the-ground management. More than 15,000 acres burned, including 13.6 miles of the AZT.