Forest Service offers hikers routes to avoid Buzzard Fire

The Buzzard Fire in the Gila National Forest has now burned 16,696 acres.

While the fire is being tended to, officials have asked hikers to avoid nearby areas such as the Continental Divide Trail that is east of the wildfire.

Officials have suggested two routes as alternates to avoid the area.

One reroute option for northbound hikers is from the Plains of Saint Agustin route at Coyote Peak. From there, take County Road B 016 north to B 019 to Highway 12 west to the CDT trailhead to continue north.

Another option is from Snow Lake taking the Middle Fork Route. Travelers can follow Forest Road 28 to Forest Road 94 to County Road B 054 to County Road B 016 then to Highway 12.

Water canisters have been set up for hikers at Forest Road 94 and County Road 054 at the Coyote Peak and County Road 16 junction. These containers are only available during the Buzzard Fire as the reroutes are dry.

Maps of the Gila National Forest are available here.