The U.S. Forest Service in Arizona announced that a slate of roads in several national forests will be closed starting Sunday at 11 :00 a.m. MST and will remain shut until Saturday at 8:00 p.m. MST. The closures span a wide geographic area, from the eastern Pima and southeastern Pinal counties to the high country of the San Carlos Apache Nation, impacting both recreational users and local traffic.

Specific Closures in Eastern Pima , Southeastern Pinal and Western Cochise Counties

According to the Forest Service notice, roads in eastern Pima , southeastern Pinal, Santa Cruz and western Cochise counties will be inaccessible from Sunday 11:00 a.m. to Sunday 11:00 p.m. MST. This twelve‑hour window includes popular trailheads that serve hikers heading into the Chiricahua Mountains, a region known for its limestone formations and spring wildflower displays.

Northern Graham, Northern Greenlee and White Mountains Shut Until Midnight

The agency also listed northern Graham, northern Greenlee, and the White Mountains as part of the closure schedule, with the same 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. MST timeframe. These areas host several backcountry campgrounds that typically see a surge of visitors in early summer, meaning campers will need to adjust plans or seek alternative entry points.

San Carlos Apache Nation Lower Elevations Closed Through Saturday Evening

Roads on the lower elevations of the San Carlos Apache Nation in Graham County are slated to stay closed until Saturday at 8:00 p.m. mST, the report says. The restriction covers routes that link the reservation to the surrounding Tonto National Forest foothills, potentially affecting tribal members who commute for work or school.

Chinle Valley, Black Mesa and Chuska Mountains Receive Extended Shutdowns

In the northeastern part of the state, the Forest Service announced that the Chinle Valley, Black Mesa area, Chuska Mountains and the Defiance Plateau will be closed from Sunday 11:00 a.m. to Sunday 11:00 p.m. MST . these locations are critical for both Navajo Nation tourism and scientific research on the region’s unique geology.

Unclear Timing for Certain Plateaus and Mesas Near Hwy 264

The notice mentions “Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264” and “Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward” but does not specify whether the closure times differ from the standard 11 a.m .–11 p.m. window. As the Forest Service has not provided further clarification, travelers should assume the same schedule applies until more information is released.

Overall, the closures reflect a broader seasonal pattern of limiting access to fire‑prone or ecologically sensitive areas during the hotter months. As the agency noted, these measures help protect both visitors and the forest’s natural resources.