Forest campgrounds close
Campgrounds, cabins, visitor centers and other amenities in Arizona national forests are now closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the best advice for helping to slow the spread of the new coronavirus remains to have people stay home and avoid contact with others whenever possible.
But many Arizonans still want to get out in the fresh air and sunshine. Unfortunately, that has led to crowded conditions at popular hiking trails and other outdoor spots.
Officials for Arizona and national parks, along with other outdoors organizations, are reminding people that being outdoors isn’t an excuse to ignore best practices for avoiding coronavirus. These include maintaining at least a 6foot distance from others, avoiding large groups and frequently washing hands.
Michelle Thompson, spokesperson for Arizona State Parks and Trails, said the open spaces in state parks remain open, but people shouldn’t forget that these are not normal times. (Historic parks, gift shops and visitor centers are closed.)
“Obviously our parks are more remote than some of the county and city
parks that have been seeing the real overcrowding over the past few weekends, but that means if one trail is too crowded, try a different one,” Thompson said. “Try to get that social distance so you’re not crowded into a space. Even being outdoors doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe.”
Keep away from fellow hikers
The National Park Service published guidelines for being outdoors during the pandemic. They include:
❚ Check park websites for the most up-to-date information regarding access.
❚ If you encounter a crowded trailhead or overlook, you’re not practicing safe social distancing. Go elsewhere.
❚ Pack out everything you bring in and practice Leave No Trace principles.
❚ Park only in designated areas. Follow park regulations.
Thompson added a couple more common-sense measures such as not sharing water bottles and being vigilant about hand washing.
“If you’re coughing or sneezing into a tissue, please pack that out with you,” Thompson said. “Don’t leave it for parks staff to clean up. If you’re sick, any kind of sick, stay home.”
Don’t put others at risk
She also said people should recognize their limits. This is not the time to take unnecessary risks or try a new trail you’re not sure you can handle.
“Our emergency responders are limited right now,” Thompson said. “They’re busy working on a lot of other situations. We don’t want to have people putting themselves at risk on a trail and using those resources.”
Long-distance hikers are affected too
Many hikers like to test themselves by hiking all or long segments of the 800-mile Arizona Trail. The Arizona Trail Association offers tips and support for those hikers.
In a recent blog post at aztrail.org, executive director Matt Nelson writes that while the trail remains open, conditions in some of the cities and towns hikers pass through have changed. Resources, including medical facilities, could be stretched thin by the outbreak and stores, restaurants and other businesses could be closed. In some places there are reports of water caches being raided by non-hikers.
Nelson said people might want to reconsider through-hiking the trail at this time.
“As painful as it may be to consider this option, the Arizona Trail Association encourages you to postpone your long-distance adventure along the AZT,” Nelson writes. “If you have not yet started your trip, stay home or consider hiking shorter segments along the trail where you can be fully self-sufficient without relying on others to help you with transportation, food and other services.”
He continued that those who have already started the trip might want to consider cutting it short.
“Bailing out and returning at another time may be the best choice,” Nelson wrote. “The AZT will be here for you to explore in the future.”
Thompson stressed that Arizona State Parks and Trails are working closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services and following the latest guidelines.
“A lot of people are looking for things to do,” Thompson said. “We’re really happy we can remain open, but we want everyone to be responsible and take care of our parks so we can stay open. And don’t steal the toilet paper.”