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Oak Creek Canyon Forest Opens After Fire, Monsoons
Laurel Morales
Much of Oak Creek Canyon remains without sign of fire. Most of the west side of the canyon has burned in three separate fires including May's Slide Fire. Chaparral in the canyon tends to grow back quickly.
Authorities are reopening the national forest in Oak Creek Canyon on Oct. 1. Coconino National Forest officials said they’ve mitigated hazards caused by last spring’s Slide Fire.
Over the last four months several popular trails, swimming holes and campgrounds have been closed to visitors in Oak Creek Canyon. Emergency officials were worried about getting people out if heavy rain caused mudslides.
Businesses remained open but Sedona Chamber of Commerce officials said visitor numbers have significantly dropped.
Frank Garrison owns the Butterfly Garden Inn nestled at the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon. He says typically they’re booked all summer.
“It just really hasn’t been the volume that it normally is just because of the lack of activity here in the canyon,” Garrison said.
Garrison is hopeful opening the forest will encourage visitors to come back and see the fall colors.
Forest officials said even though monsoon season is over the threat of flash floods remain and visitors should remain cautious.
