Mountain Project Logo

Waterfall access

Original Post
bvj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 0

I heard that parking is not allowed along 89A now and for the foreseeable future, making access to the Waterfall problematic. Is this correct? Can anyone suggest another strategy for access? (E.g. somewhere nearby you are allowed to park, from where you walk or could ride a bike)
Thanks.

Joe G · · Phoenix, AZ · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 0

Hey BVJ,
It's not just the parking that is restricted. All recreation activities is banned along that section of 89a. Sounds like they maybe opening the area after the monsoons . Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Good times,
Joe

bvj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 0

Bummer. But thanks for responding.

Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

According to Ranger Sarah, the Oak Creek Canyon area will remain closed until end of the year.

Mike Broad · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 305

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!

JJ Schlick · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined May 2006 · Points: 11,803

Time to fight the powers that be.

Mike Broad · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 305

It seems reasonable that it be reopened after monsoon season at least. Maybe I'll go ahead and write a formal letter to the forest service.

Wylie · · Bishop, CA · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 46

It seems odd that the reason for closure of the entire canyon is fear of mudslides. The waterfall area and most of the areas they closed didn't burn at all so there's no worry for slides there. Not sure what their angle is.

Ray Hellinger · · Gunnison, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 350

Their angle is the lowest denominator......which we all know is waaaay low, haha

Jeff Gicklhorn · · Tucson, AZ · Joined May 2008 · Points: 295

I'm all for continued access, but the FS has many other things to worry about including public health and safety. The entire upper portion of the Oak Creek Canyon watershed burned in the slide fire, which greatly increases the potential for massive sediment transport down-canyon in any precipitation event. Until this area recovers or any post-fire restoration/stabilization treatments are deemed successful, I expect closures will continue.

The drainage for the waterfall did not burn, and therefore there is little chance of increased flow there, but they are worried about everyone else parking along 89A and recreating down in Oak Creek. The closure does not apply to private land, so if you can find a place to park off FS property that could work. Also, you may be able to get a permit from the FS, as one exception to the order is: "Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission."

All of this is very clearly stated in the forest closure notice that was issued back on July 23. fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO…

bvj · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2011 · Points: 0

Thank you Jeff for a very informative reply to my original post.
bvj

Tom Nyce · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 45

Weirdly, that map seems to show that the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook climbing area is also closed. I'm sure that that isn't the case.
On our local news, the story was that all recreation on the West side of Oak Creek Canyon was off limits. I've climbed at the Overlook several times since the fire, and assumed that the Waterfall would also be open (since it is on the East side of the Canyon). Anyone have verification otherwise?

Manny Rangel · · PAYSON · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 4,788

The idea is to keep people out of the Oak Creek drainage. The Overlook is open and does not affect the drainage.

Stay out of the drainage. Simple. Climb at the Forks until this is open and considered safe for us to use again.

If you can find private property to park on and somehow circumvent the closure then I think you should reconsider why you climb.

Tom Nyce · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 45
manuel rangel wrote:The idea is to keep people out of the Oak Creek drainage. The Overlook is open and does not affect the drainage. Stay out of the drainage. Simple. Climb at the Forks until this is open and considered safe for us to use again. If you can find private property to park on and somehow circumvent the closure then I think you should reconsider why you climb.
That makes good sense. If the road gets washed out, the fewer people and vehicles that get trapped down there the better.
Wylie · · Bishop, CA · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 46

Waterfall season is coming and I haven't used the comprehensive coverage I've got on my van yet. This could be the perfect opportunity.

Jeff L · · Valley of the Sun · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 35

The Cocconino National Forest website says that Oak Creek Canyon will be closed until December 31st 2014 or until the closure order is rescinded, wich ever comes first.

DesertRat · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 196
Jeff Gicklhorn · · Tucson, AZ · Joined May 2008 · Points: 295
Wylie · · Bishop, CA · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 46

Winter is saved!

Jeffrey Snyder · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined May 2011 · Points: 3,740

I heard the bolts all melted, probably best to just stay away....

Jeff Peabody · · Albuquerque · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 415

So thats where all those bolts at the base came from.... makes sense.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Arizona & New Mexico
Post a Reply to "Waterfall access"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.