Major changes coming to Flagstaff's Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills trails system

FOREST SERVICE WANT'S YOUR INPUT ABOUT PROPOSED 2014 FLAGSTAFF TRAIL CHANGES 

Coconino National Forest is asking for input regarding proposed changes to Flagstaff Ranger District trails around Mount Elden. Plans will impact the six trailheads and 14 routes that are currently within this system. Ideas being tossed around include: adding 23 miles of new shared-use trails, realignment of existing trails, trailhead improvements, better signage, and decommisioning unauthorized roads. The ultimate goal is to achieve a sustainable trail system that provides better access for hikers, climbers, equestrians and mountain bikers while protecting sensitive wildlife and archeological sites. The various studies, vetting processes and public commentary reviews will be completed in 2014 with final plans put into action thereafter. Voice your comments and concerns NOW!

How to be involved 

View the Proposed Action and maps on the website at:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTUwMTAwgAykeaxRtBeY4WBv4eHmF-YT4GMHkidBvgAI6EdIeDXIvfdrAJuM3388jPTdUvyA2NMMgyUQQAyrgQmg!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfS000MjZOMDcxT1RVODBJN0o2MTJQRDMwODQ!/?project=38239  

Comments that are most helpful will include feedback about your own needs and answer the following questions:

• Will the changes proposed meet your needs?

• If yes, what benefits do you foresee?

• If something is missing, what is it, and why is it important to you?

Submit comments to Brian Poturalski, Project Leader. 

5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ, 86005
comments-southwestern-coconino-flagstaff@fs.fed.us

COMMENTS ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 30, 2013

Apache Wash trailhead opening this Saturday!

APACHE WASH TRAILHEAD GRAND OPENING
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013
Just in time for the Valley's premier hiking season, a beautiful new trailhead in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, north, will be opened at 8 a.m this Saturday.  In addition to providing access to over 20 miles of new hiking trails, the site will include restrooms, maps and plenty of parking (no water). I've been driving by this place for months--- like a kid waiting for the candy store to open. And, although I've hiked the trails  from the Carefree Highway access points, this trailhead---located along gorgeous Sonoran Desert Drive---will be a major improvement over the amenity-lacking dirt lots.

LOCATION: 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Drive, Phoenix.

GETTING THERE:

From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, take Cave Creek Road exit 28 and go 4.5 miles north to Sonoran Desert Drive. Turn left (west) and continue 3.5 miles to the trailhead on the right.

MAPS:
http://phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran/