One of a handful of trails are allowed by the National Forest Service at this time. This is one of them. Penalty otherwise is $5,000 or 6 months in prison, or both--just for wanting to enjoy the outdoors. Details are available in the photos.

What is the reason behind this restriction? I am aware of the current heat wave in the area and the danger of wildfire, however, hiking as such does not normally trigger the sparks that cause forest fires.

Exactly, Eric. Hiking never causes these. Arsonists and those who stupidly or intentionally set fires do; however, the fires we do have are said to have been caused by lightning.



This has been used as a pretext to basically keep all those in Arizona confined almost entirely to cities, since most of the… leggi altro

That doesn't sound very optimistic. Besides the political issues regarding land use in general, all that would be needed during this tense period is enough sense of responsibility from all the people moving around in these areas, then these restrictions would not be necessary...or at least there would be no reasons for them.

Yes, I agree Eric, but the climate here is not like Europe. I could say much, but will refrain to keep the focus on hiking, except to give the following hint.



One of many clues can be found in the following sad statistics: apa.org/monitor/feb08/atleastone

In 2021: wfxrtv.com/news/health/coronavirus/1-in-5-americans-on-prescribed-mental-health-meds-amid-covid-19-study-finds… leggi altro

Just found out, one of the largest current fires in Arizona that destroyed homes may have been started by military jets:



Georg, interesting links, I see what you mean.