Closure Order #26-002

10D LABE-VRP
Closure Order # 26-002
July 31, 2026

Closures, restrictions, and public use limits:

Restrictions and Public Use Limits: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5, Schonchin Butte Road and trail will be temporarily closed to the public due to emergency repairs and rehabilitation that need to be completed on the fire lookout.

Authority: 36 CFR 1.5

Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Lava Beds National Monument, including park visitors, government employees, concession employees, park residents and
stakeholders.

Finding: The NPS issues this administrative order for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the visiting public as well as the staff who are working on the lookout. There is limited parking and turnaround space at the Schonchin Butte trailhead and there is not adequate space for visitors to safely access the trailhead. In addition, the work on the lookout involves replacement features which will create a hazardous environment for visitors to the butte.

The road and lookout will reopen to the public as soon as the construction work is completed.