Oh, Fire.

Did you hear the mountain was on fire? Here is some photographic evidence.

Just a couple hours ago.

 I just got off the phone with a very pleasant girl at the Forest Service. She said that we would be able to hit the Ridge Trail and Deer Creek South Fork based on the Forest Service closures. BUT she said the Sheriff has issued a closure at the pay booth by Aspen Grove and she had not heard whether or not that closure order had been lifted.

I was getting the feeling that things were calming down, but after speaking with her I realize the situation is still chaotic and potentially dangerous. As such, it is likely in our best interest to NOT attempt to ride the dirt in the Alpine Loop area.

SOoooo....we will do something else unless it continues to rain. Check back this afternoon in the comments and/or on Facebook for updates. Sorry this is not more helpful.