Fire Prompts South Fork Canyon Recreation Closure until Aug. 10
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Due to the fast-moving Big Rock fire in the Heise area, a temporary closure of BLM-managed lands, roads, campgrounds, and trails is enacted for the South Fork of the Snake River Canyon area from Conant Boat Access to Byington Boat Access. All river camping is prohibited from Aug. 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. until Aug. 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This closure includes camping at designated campsites along the river, Kelly Island, Wolf Flats, Warm Springs, and all dispersed sites along River Road. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters engaged in suppression operations, and post-fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation activities on the Big Rock Fire.
The river is not closed to boating. Any boaters in the South Fork Canyon will be allowed to take out at Byington Boat Access.
Also closed are the Cress Creek and Stinking Springs trails, and all other hiking and biking trails in the Kelly Canyon and Heise areas.
For more information on recreation in the South Fork area:
https://www.blm.gov/visit/south-fork-snake
For more information on the current status of the Big Rock Fire: https://www.facebook.com/USWFSGreatBasinIdaho
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.