Hit the Trail http://www.hitthetrail.com Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon, Sedona and the Southwest Tue, 21 May 2013 18:53:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Fire Restrictions in Time for Memorial Day Weekend http://www.hitthetrail.com/fire-restrictions-in-time-for-memorial-day-weekend http://www.hitthetrail.com/fire-restrictions-in-time-for-memorial-day-weekend#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 18:48:55 +0000 Denise Traver http://www.hitthetrail.com/?p=7165 Mather Campground Tent Site | Photo by Mike Quinn - Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park ServiceCampfire and smoking restrictions will be implemented starting at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21st, on the entire Coconino National Forest and on the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest. This is being done in order to reduce the possibility of preventing human-caused fires and to protect public health. The North Rim’s North Kaibab Ranger District is not affected at this time due to less volatile conditions. This could change if things worsen.

The upcoming holiday weekend is expected to be windy, warm and dry. This tends to bring about “Red Flag Warning” conditions which are ripe for wildfires.

These restrictions mean that campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves will be allowed only in developed campgrounds only. Stoves that are fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG and can be turned off are allowed in areas that are clear of flammable materials. Smoking will be limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed campgrounds.

These restrictions will remain in effect until we receive significant precipiation which will likely be when the monsoons arrive–hopefully by early July.

You can find inside and outside the park campgrounds, NPS, USFS, and commercial, on the following pages:

For additional information, visit the Coconino and Kaibab websites, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino and www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab. Information on fire restrictions across the state can be found at http://firerestrictions.us/az. For Arizona fire information, visit www.wildlandfire.az.gov.

]]> http://www.hitthetrail.com/fire-restrictions-in-time-for-memorial-day-weekend/feed 0 New & Improved BA Trailhead Unveiled http://www.hitthetrail.com/new-improved-ba-trailhead-unveiled http://www.hitthetrail.com/new-improved-ba-trailhead-unveiled#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:06 +0000 Mike Buchheit http://www.hitthetrail.com/?p=7161 Bright Angel Trailhead sign with workers | Photo by Mike BuchheitPortable toilets, potholes, and puzzled tourists looking for bearings–that was the scene for decades at the Bright Angel Trailhead. This lackluster portal to a world-class backcountry experience has been used by thousands of hikers, backpackers, river runners, and mule riders annually. Through the leadership of Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga, the hard work of myriad National Park Service staff and contractors, and the fundraising efforts of the Grand Canyon Association, this gateway to the Grand Canyon just received a major facelift.

After the grand opening on Saturday, May 18, future visitors will enjoy clean restrooms, interpretive panels, shade structures, organized parking, attractive landscaping using native plants, and long-awaited accessibility for those with mobility issues. Through a combination of federal funds and philanthropic donations, this million dollar renovation will ensure that future generations have a fitting first impression of the grandest of canyons.

Follow this link for more information on the renovations and the ribbon cutting event on May 18th

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