Life Coach in Black Canyon, AZ

A winter storm warning has been extended until Tuesday evening for the northern Arizona regions above 5,500 feet in elevation, according to the National Weather Service.

Arizona Department of Transportation announced Sunday evening that State Route 64 was closed between mileposts 241 and 268 near the Grand Canyon due to winter weather conditions and related vehicle crashes.

The total accumulation of snow through Sunday night until Tuesday evening is predicted to be between 8 inches to 2 feet in Flagstaff and Williams.

The north rim of the Grand Canyon and surrounding northern areas are expected to accumulate eight to 18 inches of total snow. Other areas such as Heber-Overgaard, Show Low and Springerville are expected to receive between 2 to 6 inches of snow.

Sunday night is when snowfall is expected to begin, but will only be bringing in less than an inch throughout most areas of the High Country.

"Monday afternoon is right now looking to be the most intense snowfall with again a couple more inches to add on top of what we already have received," said Paige Swenson, Flagstaff National Weather Service meteorologist.

Monday is the most hazardous travel day, however, the National Weather Service said that roads will be slick and snow-covered from Sunday until Tuesday.

Winds through Tuesday will be around 15 to 25 mph, but there could be gusts upwards of 35 mph which will result in blowing snow and poor visibility on the roads.

Rain and melting snow have potential on Tuesday to cause minor flooding for areas below 5,500 feet. Swenson warned that there is potential for rockslides in highly prone areas around Oak Creek Canyon, Highway 89 and south of Black Canyon City.

Spotty power outages could result from the winter storms in the northern and eastern parts of the state.

In response to heavy snowfall, the first day of classes on the Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Mountain Campus has been postponed to Wednesday of this week.

The National Weather Service recommended residents “winterize” their vehicle, pack an emergency supply kit and avoid all nonessential travel during the high-impact winter storm periods, which will occur Sunday through Tuesday.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety recommends keeping the following items in a winter weather emergency supply kit:

Swenson said conditions are expected to improve starting Wednesday with a slight chance of snow showers to return Thursday and Friday.

Road conditions can be checked at AZ511.com and the latest weather forecast can be found at weather.gov/FGZ.

Special for The Republic

Steeped in scenic beauty, geological diversity and human history, the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail continues to evolve and grow.

The core of the historic 80-mile route, which runs from Carefree Highway north of Phoenix to State Route 69 outside of Prescott, has been expanding northward into Prescott National Forest.

The latest effort involves adding 37 miles of nonmotorized trail between the Russian Well segment along Orme School Road near Mayer to the Verde River at Camp Verde.

The new stretch of trail incorporates parts of the General Crook National Recreation Trail, old stock driveways and sustainable social trails with segments of new construction. It will pass under SR 260 by way of existing culverts near the Hayfield Draw OHV trailhead.

Take a stroll: Black Canyon Trail reveals Arizona's ragged interior

One fresh-cut section to explore uses the General Crook Trail to connect with part of the new trail segment south of SR 169. As of this writing, trail signs are not yet installed and construction is still active. Trail users should not disturb trail flags, build cairns or get in the way of workers who may be present.

From a roomy trailhead on Cherry Creek Road, the hike begins across from the parking area where the General Crook Trail heads east through scrubby rangeland backed by distant mountain vistas.

The first few yards of the trail pass through a wash and drainages. The sketchy path soon becomes clear where cairns mark the way. The undulating historic wagon road glides through largely shadeless territory replete with catclaw, yucca and cactus.

Disrupted by washes and isolated rock outcroppings, the stark expanse was once the realm of sheep flocking from winter grazing lands around Bloody Basin to their summer pastures near Flagstaff and on the Mogollon Rim. While sheep still pass through this backcountry, hikers are more likely to encounter domestic cattle, coyotes and javelinas.

At the 1.2-mile point, the route meets the Black Canyon Trail. From the junction, head south (go right) and follow the newly forged single track as it bends westward through grasslands and juniper forests.

Kinder Crossing Trail:This creekside hike shows how wildfire changes a forest

The trail swings through and around scoured drainages and sandy washes before it meets a gate at Cherry Creek Road at the 3.3-mile point. A loopy combination of rough-hewn wood, barbed wire and green-painted metal, the gate has a bike rollover and easy-open access for foot traffic. Be sure to close the gate behind you. The trail then begins a smooth descent to the cottonwood-lined course of Ash Creek.

Just ahead, the trail cut is visible ascending a rocky mound. While it looks steep, series of long switchbacks mitigates the effort of climbing the hill’s grassy flanks. As the close-cropped trail ascends among amazing rock formations and cliff-hanging cactus, bigger and better views unfold in panoramic style. At just over 3.5 miles, the trail encounters a scenic overlook above the creek.

Surrounded by lichen-encrusted outcroppings with scrub oaks clinging to cracks in the eroding stone, the breezy high point offers a fresh look at a wild landscape just a few miles west of Interstate 17 and a perfect spot to take a break before heading back to the trailhead.

For enthusiasts: This hike in Prescott will have you gaping for breath and at the views

Black Canyon National Recreation Trail via Gen. Crook Trail

Length: 7.3 miles round trip as described here.

Rating: Moderate.

Elevation: 4,219-4,435 feet.

Getting there: From Interstate 17 about 8 miles south of Camp Verde, take Exit 278 (Dewey-Humboldt) for State Route 169. Turn left onto SR 169 and go 5.5 miles to the Cherry Creek Road intersection past mile marker 10. Turn left onto the dirt Old Cherry Creek Road/County Road 168 (not signed and shown on some maps as Hackberry Wash Road). Continue 0.4 mile to the trailhead on the right. Hike begins across the road at the “64” trail post. Roads are paved up to Old Cherry Creek Road, which is good dirt suitable for all vehicles.

Details: Prescott National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott. Black Canyon Trail Coalition, https://bctaz.org.

Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Special for The Republic

Tucked in the hilly backcountry between Interstate 17 and the feeder gullies of the Agua Fria River, the Little Grand Canyon segment of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail offers easy access to a remote-feeling hike escape.

The 1.4-mile slice of the more than 80-mile route that runs between Carefree Highway in north Phoenix to the fringes of Prescott National Forest near Mayer showcases a rugged, water-ravaged landscape entrenched by mountains, mesas, washes and mineral-rich foothills just over 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix.

Named more for the presence of the Little Grand Canyon Ranch on the banks of the Agua Fria rather than for any resemblance of the real geological deal to the north, the segment delivers a pleasing rotation of eye-popping vistas served up by way of edge-hugging switchbacks and slinky single tracks.

Hikers should be aware that the area is also a popular draw for recreational shooting and OHV use. Expect to hear a constant pop-pop of rifles and the rev of quad engines during the first half-mile of the hike.

The trail itself is open only to foot, horse and non-electric bike travel, so the noise is soon absorbed in stony clefts and acres of pristine desert.

Short loop hike:Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain

To find the route from the trailhead, follow the short access path to a T intersection, go right and hike past a chain of RV campsites. The trail is well-signed throughout.

Right from the start, mountain views command attention. To the southwest, the distinctive slanted flattop of Indian Mesa stands among stone sentinels at the remote upper finger coves of Lake Pleasant.

As the trail makes an easy descent along a narrow trail cut from buff-colored compacted volcanic ash, scaly metamorphic shelves and quartz outcroppings, views of the Bradshaw Mountains to the north peek out over vivid green foothills covered in paloverde trees, creosote, cholla and massive squads of tall saguaros.

At the 1.1-mile point, the trail crosses a major wash with scoured caves and quartz-laced boulders polished smooth by years of rushing water. To stay on track at this and all wash and drainage crossings on the hike, be sure to locate the trail signs placed on the opposite side before trudging forward.

The route then passes a rustic gate and the unnamed junction for the Little Pan loop segment before making a dive into the wide floodplains and chiseled channels of the Agua Fria River.

At this point, the trail enters its Williams Mesa segment, heading downhill on a loose-rock cliff face to meet a forest of willow and mesquite trees at the river’s edge. The sandy waterway is strewn with haphazard deposits of rocks, pebbles and flood debris.

Water lingers in pools below sheer cliffs and in glassy rivulets flush with spent cottonwood leaves.

The route crosses the broad desert stream and picks up where a few trail signs cling precariously to a sheer rock face where the path heads directly up and on for another 3 miles to its connection with the Cheap Shop segment near the Little Pan staging area on Azco Mine Road.

The river makes for a nice turnaround point for a 4.2-mile trek. Consult Black Canyon Trail maps for ways to build a loop or longer hike in this gorgeous pocket of foothills that’s not too far from civilization.

Creekside hike:This creekside Arizona hike shows how wildfire changes a forest

Black Canyon Trail: Little Grand Canyon route

Length: 4.2 miles round trip as described here.

Rating: Moderate.

Elevation: 1,699-1,939 feet.

Getting there: Use the Table Mesa Trailhead. From Interstate 17, take Table Mesa Road (Exit 236) which is 36 miles north of downtown Phoenix. At the end of the off ramp, turn left, go a few yards and then veer right onto Frontage Road (the unsigned west end of Table Mesa Road). Continue to the large Table Mesa West sign, turn left and continue to the Table Mesa trailhead at kiosk No. 5 on the right, 3.1 miles from I-17. Roads are maintained dirt/gravel, suitable for all vehicles.

Details: Black Canyon Trail Coalition, https://bctaz.org.

Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Plan for full closures and lane restrictions overnight on Interstate 17 as the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point continues.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to allow extra travel time and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the closures and restrictions below are in place from Monday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 10.

Controlled Rock Blasting Schedule

• I-17 will be closed in both directions between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) from 10 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Wednesday, Dec. 7, and Thursday, Dec. 8, for controlled rock blasting. The on-ramp to southbound I-17 from Sunset Point and the on-ramp to northbound I-17 from Bumble Bee Road will be closed during the same time.

• South- and northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lanes closed) between Bumble Bee Road and Sunset Point (mileposts 248-253) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, to the morning of Friday, Dec. 9, for traffic control related to controlled rock blasting.

• Generally, blasting will occur between 10 and 11 p.m. However, the window of time for this work to occur is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The start and end times for each closure could vary based on blast site, weather and traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Get real-time updates at az511.com or by calling 511 (except while driving).

• On weeknights when controlled rock blasting is scheduled, crews will begin narrowing I-17 to a single lane in both directions at 7 p.m., and then fully close the highway after 10 p.m. Drivers should expect delays while crews set up traffic control; be prepared for slow or stopped traffic on I-17; and use caution around construction personnel and equipment.

Other lane restrictions next week

Southbound

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) between Bumble Bee Road and Black Canyon City (mileposts 249-244) and north of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 238-237) from 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, so construction signs can be installed.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Table Mesa and New River roads (mileposts 236-232) from 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, for material hauling.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Sunset Point and Black Canyon City (mileposts 253-244) and between Table Mesa and New River roads (mileposts 236-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, to the morning of Friday, Dec. 9, for material hauling.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 249-247) and north of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 238-237) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, to the morning of Thursday, Dec. 8, for sign installation and material hauling.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (alternating left- and right-lane closures) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 240-238) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, to the morning of Thursday, Dec. 8, for striping work.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 249-247) and between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and Table Mesa Road (mileposts 240-237) nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Thursday, Dec. 8, to the morning of Saturday, Dec. 10, for bridge work and material hauling.

• Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) between Black Canyon City/Rock Springs and New River Road (mileposts 242-232) from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, for sign installation.

Northbound

• Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from Anthem Way to New River Road from 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, to 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, for temporary striping.

The first phase of work for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s long-awaited Interstate 17 Improvement Project from Anthem to Sunset Point is now underway. Drivers will start to see changes to this 23-mile corridor as the work zone is established and construction begins.

Map from improvingi17.com

The $446 million project, which will add capacity and reduce congestion along this heavily traveled corridor, is expected to take approximately three years to complete. It includes 15 miles of widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City and the construction of approximately eight miles of flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. Drivers can expect various construction activities through the 23-mile corridor and should plan their trips accordingly.

“The I-17 Improvement Project is an important investment in Arizona’s transportation infrastructure,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “All who travel I-17 regularly for weekend trips and daily commutes will benefit, including commercial truckers who use this Key Commerce Corridor to haul goods and services throughout our state. This project is critical for Arizona drivers and our state’s economy.”

“I want all drivers to be aware that ADOT is adding lanes to improve safety and reduce driver frustration by relieving the congestion the current configuration causes,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Although there will be additional lanes, it is up to drivers to behave responsibly, operate their vehicles according to the law and, above all, be patient and courteous with each other. Let’s get everyone safely home.”

ADOT partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration on this much-anticipated project.

“The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) recognizes that transportation is not only about getting where you want to go, it also is about our quality of life – visiting family, doing the things we love with the people we love,” said MAG Transportation Policy Committee Chair Jack Sellers, a supervisor for Maricopa County. “Transportation is about our economy. It is about safety. That is why transportation investment is so important, and why MAG contributed funding to this project from Anthem Way to the Yavapai County line.”

The project has been funded in part by $50 million of Proposition 400 funds, a dedicated sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters, along with state and federal funds, including $40 million in state funding from higher-than-anticipated revenue amid Arizona’s strong economic recovery.

The developer team that is designing and building this project is Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture.

Construction officially starts this week. While some construction activities may take place during the daytime hours, lane closures along I-17 will occur only during off-peak travel times in either the northbound or southbound direction, depending on the day of the week. Most lane closures will occur weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lane closures that impact drivers will not be scheduled on weekends and holidays to keep I-17 open and keep traffic moving during heavy travel days.

Work crews will begin with guardrail repair, equipment mobilization and work zone preparation. The work zone preparation will occur inside and outside the existing lanes and will include wildlife surveys, spraying for noxious and invasive weeds, clearing vegetation and salvaging viable native plants, cacti and trees.

The work also includes removing rumble strips, paving the shoulder areas, and setting up temporary concrete barriers. The existing traffic lanes will be shifted by four feet to accommodate the construction zone. All of this work is expected to take about six weeks.

Construction work at New River Road will begin Monday, Sept. 26. ADOT will maintain one lane in each direction, and interstate access will not be impacted at this time. The New River Road bridge work is expected to last until February 2023.

In addition to the widening and flex lane construction, this improvement project includes the widening of 10 bridges and the full replacement of two bridges. Work will occur at various areas throughout the 23-mile corridor for the duration of the project. Drivers are encouraged to sign up for weekly traffic alerts to stay informed: improvingi17.com/lets-connect.

Once complete, the I-17 Improvement Project will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow north of the metro Phoenix region. The 23 miles of improvements include 15 miles of roadway widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City. One travel lane will be added in each direction along this stretch. In addition, an eight-mile flex lane system will be constructed from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. Flex lanes are a new feature for Arizona’s highway system and are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations.

The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate, two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep, winding eight miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. For example, the flex lanes will be able to carry heavy northbound traffic on a Friday or heavy southbound traffic on a Sunday. Similarly, ADOT will be able to open the flex lanes to accommodate traffic any time if a crash or other incident causes long delays.

The two flex lanes will be next to, but physically separated from southbound I-17 using concrete barriers. Access to the flex-lane entrances will be controlled by gates. Overhead message signs will alert drivers to the open direction of the flex lanes. The flex lanes will be operational seven days a week.

For more information about the I-17 Improvement Project, visit improvingi17.com, call 877.476.1717 or email info@improvingi17.com.

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