Fire danger closes Pima County trails

With wildfires raging all over Arizona, Pima County is taking preemptive measures by closing trails and trail heads that allow access to the Coronado National Forest and Rincon District of Saguaro National Park starting Thursday.

Closures are expected to remain in place until the summer rains reduce the elevated wildfire threat, according to a county press release.

Besides closing the two parks, the county is banning smoking in Agua Caliente Park and restricting open flames in other parks.

The following county trails or trail heads will be temporarily closed:

• Iris Dewhirst Pima Canyon
• Linda Vista
• Campbell Avenue
• Richard McKee Finger Rock
• Ventana Canyon
• Bear Canyon
• Avenida de Suzenu
• Agua Caliente Hill
• Cienega Creek Nature Preserve
• Empirita Ranch
• Colossal Cave Road
• Arizona Trail access at Colossal Cave Mountain Park
• Davidson Canyon Cienega Creek
• Catalina Regional Park

Areas to remain open:

• Colossal Cave Mountain Park
• Tucson Mountain Park
• Sweetwater Preserve Trails Park
• Anza Trail Canoa Ranch
• Feliz Paseos Park
• River Park Systems
• Rillito and Santa Cruz

The county will not issue any permits to Cienega Creek Nature Preserve and Empirita Ranch until the Coronado National Forest closure is lifted.

The public should use extreme caution with any flammable materials in parks. Updates on trail closures can be found at Pima County’s website, and for more information about the fire restrictions on state and federal lands the public can visit the Southwest Coordination Center's website.