Red Rock Scenic Loop Closed Due to Carpenter 1 Fire

I have never been somewhere where I can watch the billowing smoke of a fire like this grow day after day... watching the proof of a strong wind gust form in the sky, wondering how hot it feels over the hills when it is 105 from my vantage. As sad as I am for the usual things people feel the loss of, my dominating response is to revere in what an individual HAS to be made of to do the work of fighting fires day and night, unimaginably long hours in sweltering kit, doing really HARD physical labor.... determined to win by nature or force no matter how many days or weeks it may take.....the frustration and danger of fighting a fire that continues to overtake your efforts.
The last 10 day have been put into perspective for me when I look up at the smoke and realize I was just copping an attitude because the light was red for to long.......or my chapstick melted all over my favorite sunglasses........ or I cant go hike my favorite trail.

THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS !!! seems so completely inadequate

Looks like the loop is open again but all trails except for Oak Creek and First Creek closed...

From an email I recieved today:

"I just got the official word that the trails will remain closed for today and quite possibly over the weekend. The final decision on when the trails will re-open will come from Fire as they are the ones with the most current information.

All hiking trails off the Scenic Drive and leading from Red Spring/Calico Basin/Ash Spring are closed to ALL USES. The Rocky Gap Road is also closed to ALL USES.

Lucky Strike and the Kyle Canyon detention basin access roads are closed to ALL USES.

The BLM is not issuing any late exit or overnight permits for any areas in the conservation area at this time.

The Scenic Drive and Visitor Center are open - regular hours. Regular fees are being charged.

The Oak Creek & First Creek trails off State Route 159 are open for hiking. The Cottonwood Canyon & Late Night areas are open." (This includes Black Velvet Canyon)

Thanks,
Nick Walendziak
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Climbing Lead
702-515-5358

Thanks for the update nick

Thanks for posting Nick. Do you think they will re-evaluate over the weekend or is it a done deal until Monday?

Yes, they will re-evaluate. I'll post up any news.

Agreed on the great, hard work done by the firefighters.

Also, thanks, Nick for keeping us posted. We appreciate what you do.

Will trails be open tomorrow (Sunday), was looking to hit up Black Corridor

The fee station staff told me all BLM trail closures were lifted after the fire meeting last night. If true, late exit and over night permit should resume today as well.

I'm still waiting for offical comfirmation from BLM management. I'll post updates.

That's awesome that the fee station staff is keeping you updated :)

Thanks again on everything you do Nick!

FYI, fee station just notified me that trails/all use is closed for the day. It was open earlier but has now been closed.

Yes, I just received an email from BLM management that all trails are still closed. Thanks for your patience.

Update from latest email:

"BLM management supports the recommendation of removing all trail closure signs.

Rocky Gap needs to remain closed until further notice.

We can also resume issuing over night and late exit passes."

Thanks!

Any word if the trails are open back up?

Trails are all open Mike. Be sure to thank firefighters and support crew if you see them out there assessing.