State Route 366 on Mount Graham is among five Arizona highways scheduled for winter closures. (Phot

5 Arizona High-Country Highways Set for Winter Closures

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Five Arizona high-country highways are facing seasonal closures as winter weather approaches, starting with a segment of State Route 473 this Thursday, KTAR News reported.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is preparing to shut down these specific routes because accumulating snow and ice make them difficult to maintain and unsafe for drivers. While the department has established a schedule for these closures, officials warned that snowfall or other severe weather could close the roads even earlier than the planned dates.

These closures primarily impact travelers heading toward remote recreational areas and high-altitude communities. For those relying on these corridors for access to national forests or mountain landmarks, the window for safe travel is narrowing as the temperature drops.

The first scheduled shutdown begins this Thursday on State Route 473, affecting the stretch between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake. This move follows the department’s broader strategy to manage high-altitude transit during periods of extreme weather.

Snowy high desert highway in northern arizona winter day with clouds

In southeastern Arizona, another segment is slated to close this Sunday. The closure of State Route 366, also known as the Swift Trail on Mount Graham, will begin at the end of the pavement, approximately a half mile past the Shannon Campground within the Coronado National Forest.

Drivers can monitor real-time conditions and safety guidance through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s snow information resources to avoid being caught in sudden shifts in mountain weather.

As the winter season progresses, three additional high-country routes are scheduled to close in December. These closures will further restrict access to the northern and eastern reaches of the state.

The following table outlines the upcoming scheduled closures for the remainder of the year:

Highway Location Segment Scheduled Closure Date
State Route 67 South of U.S. 89A, between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Dec. 7
State Route 261 Between Eagar and Big Lake Dec. 31
State Route 273 Between Sunrise Park and Big Lake Dec. 31

The timing of these closures is critical for local businesses and residents in the high-country regions. For those operating in the areas around Big Lake or the North Rim, the end-of-year closures stop standard vehicular access for the season.

While these closures are intended to ensure public safety and allow maintenance crews to operate effectively, they also present a challenge for those who live in or frequently visit these high-altitude zones. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s seasonal closure announcement emphasizes that the primary driver for these decisions is the inherent danger posed by icy, unmaintained mountain roads.

The Department of Transportation’s decision to close these roads reflects a balance between maintaining connectivity and managing the high costs and risks of winter road maintenance in extreme environments. As the season transitions, the priority remains the mitigation of accidents caused by unpredictable mountain weather patterns.

State Route 473 closes this Thursday.

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