Hikers finally have access to trails that were off-limits for months, although not all want to visit areas charred by wildfire.
Hikers visiting recent burn areas are at risk, however.
Rocks and trees can topple over, and flare-ups can happen because of high fire danger. Landslides and flash floods from exposed soils, and trap-door' hazards where tree stumps and roots have burned out of the surrounding soil are also possible. By next season, most areas now closed should be open to hikers, according to an official at one National Monument currently off-limits to hikers. It is unclear whether remaining closed areas will open by the end of this season, as officials caution that predictions are impossible and each area's recovery depends on the weather. Those intending to hike in burned areas should check conditions.