BEAR CANYON LAKE

BEAR CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest



WILLOW FIRE UPDATE 6-21-11:The Willow Fire is currently active on the Sitgreaves side of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on the Black Mesa Ranger District. The location of the fire is approximately one mile north of Bear Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim. Bear Canyon Lake is about 25 miles northeast of Payson and 25 miles west of Heber-Overgaard. The fire is moving in a northeasterly direction. The Eastern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on Monday, June 20. There is currently moderate risk to two residences and two 345kv power lines

The fire is burning in mixed conifer mainly consisting of Douglas and White fir. Observed fire activity on Monday included burning with the wind in the grass component, torching and spotting. Crews have completed dozer lines around the fire perimeter and conducted two small burnout operations. They also contained two small spot fires. Today, crews will continue to hold and improve the lines installed and search for spot fires.

Road Closures: Forest Road 91 eastbound at Forest Road 89. Forest Road 75 northbound and westbound off of Forest Road 34, (forest road 34 is open). Forest road 84 north off of Forest Road 300. Forest Road 89 north off of forest road 300.

Camp and Lake Closures: Bear Canyon Lake and trails.

Attention all Big Foot seekers---this is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast with relish or a grain of salt, know that many alleged Big Foot sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake. Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination--the beast abides. So, you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and---for serious seekers---supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists--those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures. That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Big Foot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high country trek. A scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves make this a worthy hiking trail---even without scoring a peek at the mysterious creature lurking among the pines. HIGHLIGHTS: deep, water-filled canyon with plenty of wildlife LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail) ELEVATION: 7,560 – 7,500 feet RATING: easy BEST SEASONS: April - October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake. The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots 0.25 miles to the lake where it continues along the shore in both directions. INFORMATION: Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml