Park Road to Rainbow Pt Open

Date: July 20, 2009
Contact: Daniel Ng, 435.834.4400

Park Road Reopens as Fire Crews Make Good Progress on the Bridge Fire

Bryce Canyon National Park officials reopened the main park road by yesterday afternoon. Due to fire, smoke and hazardous trees from the Bridge Fire, 15 miles on road have been closed since July 14th. With changing fire conditions, there may be temporary closures and additional restrictions and if conditions warrant, a total closure of the road.

With the reopening of the road to Rainbow Point, visitors are reminded to:

• Use caution for fire crews, vehicles and equipment on the road
• Do not stop nor park along the road in burned areas
• Stop only in designated pullouts
• Obey speed limits and warning signs
• Stay on the pavement and paths; do not enter burned areas

The following areas will remain closed to the public:

• Long Hollow Picnic area
• Whiteman Bench Trailhead Pullout
• Under-the Rim Trail (South of Yellow Creek)
• Swamp Canyon, Sheep Creek, Whiteman Bench and Agua Canyon Connector Trails and associated backcountry campsites.

The Riggs Spring Loop Trail is open. Backcountry campsite permits are limited to a maximum of one night and are available for the campsites along the Riggs Spring Loop and Yellow Creek area.

All visitor services including campgrounds, stores, visitor center and Bryce Canyon Lodge are open. All viewpoints are open. Visitors are encouraged to ride the park’s shuttle as roads and parking areas are congested. Smoke and haze may be visible in the park.

This lightning-caused fire, which started on June 14 at Bridge Hollow in the Dixie National Forest, is now estimated at 3,556 acres with half of the acreage on forest lands and half on park lands. As of this morning, the fire is approximately 60% contained. The fire is being managed by a local Type III Interagency Incident Management organization under the direction of Randy Turrill.

If they continue to make progress with containment, fire crews and equipment will gradually be released over the next 2-3 days.