Contributed Article
MOUNT GRAHAM — With the snow nearly all melted, the upper portions of Mount Graham will be open for travel starting this weekend. The unpaved portion of State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail, will reopen Saturday, April 15.
All seasonally closed camping areas on the Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, will also open April 15. Twilight, Upper Arcadia, Arcadia, Round the Mountain, Noon Creek and Stockton Pass recreation areas usually remain open all year, weather permitting.
No campfire or smoking restrictions are in effect at this time; however, all forest visitors are urged to be extremely careful with fire, including cigarettes and other smoking materials.
While camping or picnicking, visitors are reminded to be “bear aware.” As the weather warms, wildlife on Mount Graham becomes more active, including black bears. Safety recommendations include:
• Keep picnic and camping areas clean at all times.
• Clean cooking utensils after meals.
• Stow food and garbage out of sight and smell range of wildlife. Use bear-proof food and garbage receptacles where provided.
• Wash hands and face with nonperfumed soap, and change clothes before retiring for the night.
• Don’t take odorous materials such as lotions, toothpaste or shampoo into tents.
For more information contact the Safford Ranger District at 928-428-4150, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on federal holidays.
For information on recreational opportunities on the Coronado National Forest visit the website http://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Coronado_NF.
To make reservations at recreational group sites visit www.recreation.gov.
