by: ApacheSitgreaves National Forests June 11, 2008

Springerville, AZ&. As the two-year anniversary nears of the start of construction work on Highway 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake, contract crews are working seven days per week trying to make as much progress as possible before summer monsoon rains start. Wet weather last summer in particular slowed work on the road.

Federal Highway Administration plans call for Highway 273 to remain closed throughout this summer so the Forest Service is trying to make access to the Mount Baldy Wilderness a bit easier for hikers and equestrians. Highway 273 is open from Sunrise to Forest Road 87 so there is a temporary trailhead at that road junction which directs wilderness visitors to the West Baldy Trailhead near Sheeps Crossing. "We've signed a non-motorized route from Forest Road 87 that provides a way for people to access the West Baldy Trail," said Vicente Ordonez, Wildlife Staff on the Springerville Ranger District. "We have also signed a non-motorized route from Burro Mountain that will access the East Baldy Trail. Visitors can use Forest Roads 116, 402, and 8037 from the Big Lake area to a temporary trailhead established in a meadow. Watch for the signs on the road," he said. Users of the Baldy Wilderness have found significant snow drifts about half way up each of the seven-mile trails so it will be a few more weeks before the entire trail system is usable.

Completion of the $15 million road project is scheduled by early fall, 2008. The road will be entirely opened at that time. Meanwhile, access to Winn and Gabaldon campgrounds and Lee Valley Reservoir will remain closed until further notice