[pct-l] Trail Closure

[chiefcowboy at verizon.net]

I happened to stop by the Forest Service office in Idyllwild yesterday on unrelated business but inquired about the trail closure from the “Mountain Fire.”  Although some work has been done to restore the trail, it is fairly certain that the trail from Palms to Pines Highway (Highway 74) to the the saddle will remain closed throughout the next PCT season.  They said the other trails will be open.  What that means is this.  When hikers arrive at the highway, they will need to road walk (NOT ADVISED DUE TO VERY NARROW ROAD AND MINIMAL SHOULDERS.  THIS WOULD BE SOMEWHAT SUICIDAL) or hitch a ride to Idyllwild.  Less than half a mile out of Idyllwild you will encounter the Deer Spring Trail which will intersect with the PCT.  There are others (from Dark Canyon or Black Mountain) but Deer Spring is closest to Idyllwild.  They emphasized that they are aware that in the past, some hikers have ignored closures and hiked through the burned out areas.  They indicate that this particular burn area is very dangerous and they will be watching for violators – and the fine is $500.