February 20, 2018— Snow has arrived on the Mogollon Rim leaving many forest roads impassable and prompting a temporary winter closure of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area on the Black Mesa Ranger District. 

Roads affected by this closure include Forest Road (FR) 300/Rim Road from State Highway 260 west to the Coconino NF/Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests boundary, FR 105 to Woods Canyon Lake, FR 225, FR 34 south of the Black Mesa Work Center, FR 169 south of FR 169B, FR 149 to Willow Springs Lake, and FR 171 including the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center parking lot.

To provide for public safety the Rim Top Trailhead at the junction of Forest Road 300 and State Highway 260 is available for parking and snow play. There is no parking permitted along State Highway 260. Parking along the highway is dangerous and violators will be ticketed.  Parking along the Young Road is also discouraged due to public safety concerns.

While most areas remain open, traveling on forest roads is not advised during the winter and is at your own risk.  When exploring the forest in winter don’t overestimate the ability of your vehicle. If a road looks impassable, it likely is.  If you find that you are leaving ruts in the road, please reevaluate your need to enter the forest.  Visitors found to be causing ruts or other damage to forest roads are subject to fines for resource damage and are responsible for any costs incurred if they need a tow truck to pull their vehicle back onto solid ground.  No extraordinary measures will be taken to help remove personal vehicles and equipment that become stuck on snowy forest roads.  If you must venture into the forest, four wheel drive vehicles are recommended and always carry tire chains, extra clothing, blankets, food, water, and a cell phone. Remember to tell friends and family which roads you plan to travel and when you expect to be home.  Plan ahead and be safe.

For the latest information go to www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow or www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 to reach Arizona Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Center. For questions please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at 928-535-7300 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.