Published by Raymond Ray
From a US Forest Service Press Release
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A section of the Pacific Crest Trail and the South Ridge Trail, among other areas, will reopen to the public on Sat., Dec. 15, officials with San Bernardino National Forest announced today. The news comes on the heels of changes with two fire-related forest orders.
First, the recent order for the Cranston Fire Closure Area will be updated to reflect a smaller footprint. Secondly, the order for the last remaining closure area related to the 2013 Mountain Fire has expired.
The changes mean the following will reopen to visitors:
- The remaining eight-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) closed by the Mountain Fire, between Spitler Peak and Tahquitz Valley. This was made possible by the American Conservation Experience in partnership with the Pacific Crest Trail Association (read about their work here).
- South Ridge Trail (3E08) from the trailhead to Tahquitz Peak.
- Forest Road 5S11 (South Ridge Rd.) to the South Ridge Trailhead.
- The three Yellow Post Sites along 5S11.
- Caramba Trail (3E04), from Skunk Cabbage junction to Caramba Falls, and Cedar Trail (3E16). These two trails, however, will currently be unmaintained as they have been overgrown since the Mountain Fire.
The new forest order for the Cranston Fire Closure Area keeps trails and roads around May Valley closed (check the attached map to view the full closure area). It is set to expire July 31, 2019, but may be shortened or extended depending on recovery of the area.
