Glenwood, NM, July 7, 2020--For Immediate Release. The Gila National Forest, Glenwood Ranger District has temporarily closed a segment of the Whitewater Trail #207.1 upstream of the "swimming hole" and to the top of the canyon ridge on the south side of Whitewater Creek. 

This closure order is being implemented due a large rock perilously located above the swimming hole which is in an area affected during the flood post-Whitewater-Baldy Fire. The Gila National Forest Engineering Staff has consulted with the Regional Office Geotechnical Engineer and a third-party emergency stabilization firm to produce a threat assessment for this area. The forest is working with these entities to mitigate the hazard and provide access back to the area as soon as feasibly possible.

There are falling rocks in the area and a dangerous situation persists. A barrier has been placed by the trail crew and fire crews from Glenwood RD and a Montana Engine crew. Please do not climb over or cross by the barrier. A copy of the closure order and the map of the closure area can be seen here.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila.