A truck doing work in the aftermath of the Cranston Fire is allowed through a road block at Keenwild Station in Mountain Center.
Photo by Halie Wilson

The only part of 243 open in Mountain Center is from Hwy. 74 north to Keenwild U.S. Forest Service station. Between Idyllwild and Mountain Center is under hard closure - even to residents, business owners and employees.

Residents, business owners and employees in Mountain Center and Apple Canyon, with proof of employment or residency, can access those places only through Garner Valley. This information was confirmed by the California Highway Patrol at the Mountain Center closure at 9:40 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. We will update you as we get new information.

Tree crews work to clear the burned areas north of Keen Camp Summit. Partially and fully charred trees line both sides of the highway, in some places backing up for miles, between Hurkey Creek and Lower Saunders Meadow Road.
Photo by Halie Wilson