Hiking Trails Reopen as Lion Fire Continues to Burn
Trails to Maggie and Coyote lakes in the backcountry areas of the lower Sierra Nevada Mountains have reopened after a wildfire prompted officials to close them last month. Ignited by lightning on July 8th, the Lion Fire has scorched over 20,000 acres in both the Sequoia National Forest and National Park, and is currently 95% contained, according to officials on Friday.
The two trail openings, located in the Golden Trout Wilderness of Sequoia National Forest, are Trail 31E14 accessing Maggie Lakes, and Trail 32E05 to Coyote Lakes. "Trail closures in the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are still in effect where Trail 31E14 crosses into the southern part of Sequoia National Park near Sheep Mountain," stated a Forest Service press release. "Travel north of the Forest/Park boundary is prohibited." Other closures are expected to remain until mid-September.
Officials are warning travelers to stay on trails because there are still hot spots smoldering, weakened trees that may fall and rolling debris loosened by burned vegetation.
Those planning to travel in or near forest wilderness should contact Western Divide Ranger District at 559-539-2607 between Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For those planning wilderness travels in the southern area of Sequoia National Park, call 559-565-3766.
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The photo used on this post is by Flickr user MiguelVieira. It was used under a Creative Commons License.