Arizona Closes Five High-Country Highways for Winter
The Arizona Department of Transportation will shut several mountain highway segments on scheduled dates from November through December.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Forecasts
Live Poll
Would you change your plans for a high-country Arizona trip because of winter road closures?
The Arizona Department of Transportation will close five high-country highway segments for winter, beginning with State Route 473 on November 12. Additional closures follow on November 15, December 7 and December 31 as snow and icy conditions become more likely.
Why it matters
Winter closures keep drivers off routes that are difficult to maintain and operate safely in snow and ice. Residents and visitors traveling to mountain communities and national park areas should plan alternate routes.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has scheduled five highway segments to close between November 12 and December 31, with State Route 366 closing 0.5 miles past the Coronado National Forest's Shannon Campground. Officials have not specified whether snowfall or other weather will trigger earlier closures than the scheduled dates.
The players
Arizona Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for maintaining Arizona's highway system, which sets and enforces seasonal closures on mountain routes.
The details
State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake closes November 12, and State Route 366 on Mount Graham closes November 15. State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park closes December 7, while State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake and State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake both close December 31.
Timeline
November 12: State Route 473 closure begins
November 15: State Route 366 (Swift Trail) closure begins
December 7: State Route 67 closure begins
December 31: State Routes 261 and 273 closures begin
Seasonal Patterns
These closures follow ADOT's annual seasonal schedule for high-country routes, which is set each year to address winter maintenance and safety on mountain roads. The scheduled dates provide a predictable baseline, though an early snowfall could move them forward.
Drivers heading to mountain communities should plan alternate routes before the scheduled closure dates. Check road conditions before departing, since closures could begin earlier if snow arrives early.
The takeaway
Build winter travel plans around the scheduled closure dates, and check conditions in advance because snow can force earlier closures. Keeping a flexible backup route can save time if a highway shuts sooner than expected.
What happens next
State Route 473 closes November 12, and State Route 366 closes November 15, with the remaining closures following on December 7 and December 31.
Further reading
Check the latest Arizona forecasts before planning travel to the high country this winter.
More information
Review ADOT winter driving tips for snow areas before traveling through the high country.
Live Poll
Would you change your plans for a high-country Arizona trip because of winter road closures?
