Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Re-Open Tahquitz Canyon, Indian Canyons Still Closed

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians re-opened Tahquitz Canyon on Friday after heavy flood damage and warnings of more storms forced the tribe to close the Canyons area on Sept. 5.

The Indian Canyons, including Andreas and Murray canyons, remain closed until further notice due to extensive damage to the area, a tribal representative said in a statement.


"Agua Caliente rangers and emergency management workers continue to assess the damage caused by flash flooding in early September," the statement says. "Fast moving water from the heavy rains carried down trees, boulders, and mud damaging trails, roads and access to portions of the Indian Canyons."

The Canyons include about 56 square miles with more than 60 miles of trails, according to the tribe. They attract more than 125,000 visitors a year to enjoy the trails, plants, wildlife and cultural sites.

The Canyons were also closed temporarily earlier this year when more than 6,000 acres burned on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation during the Mountain Fire in July. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more about the Indian Canyons visit http://www.indian-canyons.com/Palm.html.

The Mountain and Silver fire in July and August combined to destroy 71 structures including 33 homes, scorch more than 70 square miles, and cost firefighting and other agencies more than $35 million, according to Cal Fire and the Forest Service.

Post-fire flash flooding has also occurred in the Silver Fire burn area:

BLACK FLOOD: Man Describes Front End of Post-Fire Debris Flow in Poppet Flats

PHOTOS: Rains on Silver Fire Burn Area Unleash Black Mud in Poppet Flats
VIDEO: Poppet Flats Resident Helps Neighbor Dig Out From Black Post-Fire Mud Flows

For more on the Mountain Fire and the Silver Fire see the following links:

VIDEO: Silver Fire Survivors Recall Leaving as Flames Approached

Silver Fire Survivor on 243: 'It Would Be Nice if They Would Open it Up'

SILVER FIRE RECOVERY: In Devastated Poppet Flats, Neighbors Pull Together

VIDEO: As Silver Fire Advances Evacuee Says 'We Decided to Leave on Our Own'

Video, Pics: Silver Fire South of Banning

MOUNTAIN FIRE: Some Residents Stay, but Most of Idyllwild is 'Ghost Town'

VIDEO: Idyllwild Fire Chief Discusses Evacuations, Mountain Fire Threat

MOUNTAIN FIRE PHOTOS: Property Damage, Watershed Damage, Firefighters, Pilots

Cause of Mountain Fire Determined, Electrical Equipment to Blame