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Posted Jun 9, 2011, 2:02 pm

Ryan Kelly TucsonSentinel.com

The Coronado National Forest has closed access to most of Mount Lemmon because of fire risks, but Sabino Canyon's 3.7-mile road, and Catalina Highway will remain open with certain restrictions.

Visitors to Sabino Canyon are not allowed to go on any trails, or go to lower Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon,  said Sherry Ketcham of the Santa Catalina Ranger District.

Catalina Highway may still be used as a non-stop access to the Ski Valley complex, the Palisades Visitor Center, and private lands at Summerhaven, according to a Coronado National Forest press release. 

Both roads are open to public from dawn until dusk.

Fines for leaving the designated areas can go up to $5,000 or up to six months of imprisonment, according to the press release.

Earlier this week, officials had announced that the entire forest would be closed.

Pima County has closed many trails and trail heads, citing fire concerns.

The closures began Thursday, and will continue until monsoon rains dampen the risk of wildfires.

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