Follow the good gravel road for 4.4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the right (North) side of the road, just across from the South Mineral Campground. National Forest System lands comprise about 19% of the total land area in the western United States but contribute over 46% of the West's surface water supply. (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Roads in the San Juan National Forest are in rough shape as the snow begins to melt. When visiting the national forest, please follow Leave No Trace principals and to get the most out of your experience, visit the Know Before You Go website. San Juan National Forest Near Rico, Colorado (71) No Service Reservation Rules Cayton Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145) and the Dolores River. San Juan National Forest Headquarters 15 Burnett Court Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. Phone: 970-903-2673, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. 6. Driving on closed roads can seriously damage the roadway, as well as put your vehicle at risk. Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. Camping within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. The San Juan National Forest will begin seasonal closures of Forest System roads to wheeled motorized traffic, as well as motorized and some non-motorized trails, on December 1 and after based on snow conditions. 2. The Forest Service and the Counties do not rescue stranded vehicles. The San Juan National Forests seasonally closed roads schedule follows. United States. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF ROAD CLOSURE SIGNS AND BARRICADES BEING REMOVED OR DRIVEN AROUND. Be aware that passes can vary with weatherany time of year. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. Operational hours for the main McPhee boat ramp are as follows: Opening day to April 30: 8am- 6pm. If byways could claim royal lineage, this one would probably rule them all. The crash was reported at 9:22 p.m. near Junipero Serra Road, preliminary reports showed. Durango, CO 81301 website belongs to an official government organization in the Climbing or otherwise being on the two rock spires, Chimney Rock, and Companion Rock, from the base of the spires to their summits, and including the ridge extending from the terminus of the Great House Trail (632) to Companion Rock and the rock saddle that connects the two spires. Content on the Daily Post is shared via a CREATIVE COMMONS license. Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. District 2 The Norwood - Dolores road is closed.. 3. Closure in effect September 23 at 12:01 a.m. through September 24 at 12:00 a.m. (a period of 24 hours). Learn more here. "We're not out of the woods by any means but we've been very fortunate there have not been any homes burned or firefighters hurt." While firefighters have been able to protect homes, the wildfire. Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Happy Hour Trailwork | Wednesday, May 17th | Horse Gulch. Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. Possession or use of an over-snow vehicle within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. Camping Information: Camping is allowed in most places on the Forest. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices, Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-01, Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-02, San Juan National Forest: Special Orders 1979-current, Forest Service Rocky Mountain (R2) Region Special Orders, McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions. All Rights Reserved. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_002309, McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions. Official websites use .gov A .gov Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. These roads will open in the spring as conditions allow, generally around May 1. Post Contributor United States. Be prepared for summertime afternoon thundershowers. Vehicles can also damage road surfaces that are not yet dry, and so Forest Service staff warn that road closures will be extended this year. Some usually passable roads are covered in deep snow and will not be passable for several weeks. L.A. County road closures include Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road at California 2 and Angeles Forest Highway; Mt. Chicken Creek (615), Dolph Kuss (186), Hamlin (188). The Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and will open the reservoir when snow and ice clear the ramp. 36 C.F.R. **Winter access on La Plata Canyon Road, CR 124 has changed. Official websites use .gov A .gov Updates to this page are made as soon as the Ranger Districts relay the information. It begins at Forest Road 667 - East Fork Rd. Entering or being on the Described Trail. on official, secure websites. . Rio Grande National Forest Del Norte: 13308 West Hwy 160, (719) 657-3321 Saguache: 46525 State Hwy 114, (719) 655-2547 Great trail some snow in april turned around near top but overall good trail moderate to easy. The Pagosa Ranger District recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock A map identifying the Described Trail is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit [36 C.F.R. Ballantine Communications, Inc. An official website of the Recreation Areas. When fire danger is extremely high, Stage 1 and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions may be followed by a complete Forest closure, which is sometime referred to as Stage 3. The San Juan National Forest is assessing damage caused by winter weather on seasonally closed roads. Even though a road may appear dry at its beginning does not mean its ready to be traveled on further up in elevation or distance. Rd. Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. The road or trail is not ready for travel if you leave a tire print or a boot print in the mud. La Plata County installed a gate at the cattle guard and will be closed each December through May. Please note that the aforementioned site is NOT an official source for road conditions. (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), The Columbine Ranger District in the San Juan National Forest sits between the Mancos-Dolores and Pagosa districts in the San Juan National Forest. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-03: The purpose of this Order is to protect spring elk calving. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please click below to register. You can be ticketed for road damage. Whether youre interested in hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle adventuring, hunting, fishing, or simply relaxing around a campfire in one of the many local campgrounds, we have numerous books, maps and brochures to help plan your visit. Mailing address: 2. Check out our Motorized Vehicle Use Maps for more details onseasonal dates for roadsandcamping. Travel on muddy roads or trails creates damage that lasts throughout the year. Share sensitive information only MORE INFORMATION. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females. connected to the .gov website. These special ordersapply to visitors and activities on the San Juan National Forest. . Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, Continuing snowmelt means roads are not yet drivable, Forest Service road closures will be extended into the spring as lingering snow causes hazardous conditions that can damage both vehicles and roads. Durango, CO 81301 In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for theseroads. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1st. | It takes an average of 5 h 9 min to hike. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/alerts-notices/?cid=FSBDEV3_002300, McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions, Local Jeep / OHV Rental and Tour Companies. Thursday, Apr 30, 2020 11:40 PM. When visiting the national forest, please follow Leave No Trace principals and, to get the most out of your experience, visit the Know Before You Go website. * These forest roads are not gated; therefore are not regularly monitored. Del Norte: 13308 West Hwy 160, (719) 657-3321 Saguache: 46525 State Hwy 114, (719) 655-2547, Montrose: 2505 S Townsend Ave, (970) 240-5300. Road Closure Details (Last updated: 04/12/23 11:47 AM) Currently 28 road closures, 9 planned road closures, and 7 road closures affecting disaster routes. The Columbine Ranger District will be temporarily closing most Forest systems roads beginning December 1. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1 st. Find a visitor center location nearest to you. 1230 Main Street 802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 Find Your Park Find Your Park Colorado Byways Website Contact Us Lenore C. Bates Colorado Byways Program Manager Please visit the Forest Service page for pass and Silverton Area road conditions. Please note on the Columbine Ranger District, La Plata Canyon and South Mineral Creek allow camping in designated sites only, and camping is not permitted along the Junction Creek Road the first 8.5 miles. San Juan National Forest Durango: 15 Burnett Ct, (970) 247-4874 Dolores: 29211 CO Highway 184, (970) 882-7296 Pagosa Springs: 180 Pagosa St, (970) 264-2268 Open Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. An official website of the 5. Turn north on Piedra Road for 17 miles. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874. Sign up for Pass Opening/Closure Alerts, Road Status Alerts and Emergency Alerts by email or text message using Notify Me. Share sensitive information only Start with the major towns along the route - Durango, a well-preserved descendant of the Old West; picturesque Telluride, renowned for world-class skiing and film, jazz, and bluegrass festivals; and Silverton and Ouray, Victorian jewels tucked in deep alpine valleys. USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions. Forests. https:// www.creede.com/recreation-activities/explore/bachelor-loop.html, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/riogrande/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5363838&width=full, https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/detailfull/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8ziDfxNDDwNwxydLA1cjbyDTUM9TQwgQD8crMAIynW0MPD38AjzC_MxgCmIIka_AQ7gSKx-3Aqi8Bsfrh8FVoLPB4TMKMgNDY0wyHQEALR_qDo!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/?position=Conditions.Html&pname=Rio%20Grande%20National%20Forest-%20Alerts%20&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ss=110209&pnavid=null&navid=120000000000000&ttype=detailfull&cid=stelprdb5280892, Rio Grande National Forest. All proceeds support SJMAs stewardship and conservation education programs in southwest Colorado! Driving off trail seriously impacts the fragile tundra. A dedicated website for the Alpine Loop is coming soon and will be linked here. ) or https:// means you've safely The segment of McPhee Overlook Trail #155 beginning at the Forest Service boundary fence McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions; Hermosa Creek Trail Damage; View All Forest Alerts . The San Juan National Forest covers over 1,800,000 acres of mostly untouched wilderness area in Southwest Colorado. May 1 - Sept 19: 6am - 8pm. Things to Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, &safety. 2022 | The Pagosa Springs SUN Publishing, Inc. - All rights reserved. The Picture below is what is currently open and closed in Pagosa Springs. United States government. Snow is still covering some roads, making passage difficult. In addition, it is important to understand how to recreate responsiblyin Colorados backcountry. Share sensitive information only San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Area(s): The information displayed here comes directly from the U.S Forest Service. Please use existing campsites along Forest Service roads, but do not travel farther than 300 feet from these roads to access the sites. Notes: USFS Roads are Closed - delayed opening with the amount of snow. connected to the .gov website. Add another crown - Mesa Verde National Park, home to one of the densest collections of prehistoric ruins in the U.S. - and five million acres of undisturbed national forest. The San Juan National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering over 1,878,846 acres (2,935.7 sq mi, or 7,603.42 km) in western Colorado. 36 C.F.R. Inquire about road conditions in winter. Ranger District Offices. Even when our main roads are clear of snow, we will try to keep gates closed long enough to protect the secondary routes that are native surface roads and tend to get torn up more easily.. It begins at Forest Road 135 - Beaver Mds. on official, secure websites. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. Lets protect these wildly beautiful lands by treating them with the respect they deserve. Road Conditions High Mountain 4 x 4 Passes Black Bear Pass - closed Ophir Pass - closed Imogene Pass - closed Last Dollar Pass - closed Norwood/Dolores Road - closed District 1 - All high country passes are closed. This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety, and to provide for visitor safety during snow grooming operations on the mechanically groomed Nordic ski trails at the Chicken Creek Ski area. She also warned that some roads may appear passable in the morning, but that drivers can get stuck when they try to return in the afternoon, when the road has had time to thaw. ) or https:// means you've safely All forms of recreation are still welcome - snowmobiles, skiers, fat tire bikes, snowshoeingetc. San Juan National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Road conditions webpage, EDITORIAL: Concerns About the Towns Workforce Housing Plans, Part One, EDITORIAL: Pagosa School Threats, Explained, Part Three, BIG PIVOTS: High Hopes for Hydrogen? The Columbine, Dolores, and Pagosa Ranger District Recreation Staff will close gates on roads and trails temporarily to prevent damage to road surfaces and/or protect critical wildlife habitat. This turn off is located between mile markers 72 and 73. 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