Growing Homelessness, Wildfire Threats Lead to Closure of Little America Trails

Dozens of Flagstaff residents and visitors hike the ponderosa pine-lined trails behind Little America each week, but that is expected to change soon amid growing concerns surrounding unauthorized encampments and wildfire risk.

In a move to preserve the area and maintain Flagstaff’s natural beauty, hotel representatives say the trails on the more than 500-acre property will soon be open to Little America hotel guests only. 

Little America Vice President of Operations Tony O’Brien said they noticed the growing number of illegal camps when they were maintaining the property and repairing fence lines last year. 

“This is not the direction we originally wanted to go. But it’s important for fire safety that we don’t allow access to these areas. There have already been four fires south of us this season that caused some damage. We want to make sure we’re doing our part to maintain the forest and that Little America won’t have issues in the future.”

Little America has long played a key role in Flagstaff’s tourism economy – creating jobs, hosting events and welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The resort’s forested trails were originally intended as an amenity for hotel guests but have increasingly become a favorite among locals as well.

While the closure may be disappointing to some trail users, O’Brien said overall, residents have supported the decision. “We have been pleasantly surprised by the level of support from our Flagstaff residents. We have been in this community for more than 55 years. We understand what this means, and we don’t take it lightly.”

Little America is working on details for the fence line, but O’Brien says the plan is to close off all public access and leave only entry for fire crews, adding that this is a necessary step to protect private property, residents, guests and the surrounding forest. 

“Some residents are reluctant and some are sad, but they really do understand the reasons why. They know those problems exist and they appreciate we are being proactive to maintain the property.”

Meanwhile, experts say the wildfire season has lengthened in many areas, including Arizona, for many reasons including warmer spring temperatures and decreases in precipitation and snowpack. 

“The average length of fire season (time from first fire start to last fire suppressed, in the calendar year) has increased across the Western U.S. by 2.8 months, and by 3.6 months in southwestern forests,” states a 2020 study by Northern Arizona University’s Ecological Restoration Institute.

As wildfire season continues, O’Brien hopes the community will stay vigilant, practice fire safety and respect property boundaries. “It’s all about keeping Flagstaff beautiful and safe,” he said. “We love this town and that’s why we’re making these tough decisions.”

O’Brien encourages anyone looking for outdoor recreation to explore nearby public lands and designated trail systems, which remain open and accessible throughout the region. FBN

By Mary Marini, FBN

Courtesy Photo: Hiking trails winding through Little America’s more than 500-acre property are expected to be closed to the public soon. Hotel leadership says the action is aimed at reducing the threat of wildfire to residents, guests and private property.