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Gila National Forest

Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ

August 29th, 11:19 PM — 6:15 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Apache, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...From Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of central and northern Arizona on Sunday and Monday, including the overnight hours Sunday night. These storms will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.

Cannabis Possession Prohibited

Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…

Bighorn Campground Temporary Closure

The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for Bighorn Campground, in effect from 8 a.m. on August 28, 2026 until rescinded. This order serves to protect public health and safety during construction activities.Alternative developed camping access is available at Cosmic…

Overview

Gila National Forest is a 3.3 million-acre forest in southwestern New Mexico, home to the world's first designated wilderness area—the Gila Wilderness (established 1924). The forest is currently open with some localized restrictions. Key current conditions: Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas remain closed due to harmful algal blooms detected in fall 2025. The forest is conducting prescribed fire operations through spring 2026 as weather permits. The 2025 wildfire season saw significant activity including the Trout Fire (discovered June 12) and Goose Fire, both of which required area closures and Highway 15 restrictions through summer, though most of these closures have been lifted as suppression repair continues. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions may be in effect depending on conditions. The forest encompasses three major wilderness areas: the 559,688-acre Gila Wilderness, the 202,016-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness, and the 29,304-acre Blue Range Wilderness. Popular destinations include the Catwalk recreation area, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (NPS-managed), and Cosmic Campground—North America's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary on National Forest lands. Always check current alerts for fire restrictions, area closures, and road conditions before your visit, as conditions change frequently during fire season.

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