Our visitor information specialists around the region do our best to maintain up-to-date information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, the status of campgrounds and mountain roads, so let us help you plan your next trip! 1. How many off road driving trails are in San Juan National Forest? Though a truly breathtaking route, check road conditions ahead of traveling the Million Dollar Highway the stretch between Silverton and Ouray and be cautious of drop-offs lacking guardrails to ensure your safety. **Winter access on La Plata Canyon Road, CR 124 has changed. The Recreate Responsibly Coalition also offers guidelines and tips for getting outside and staying healthy while practicing responsible outdoor recreation and wildfire prevention activities. . The First Fork Trailhead is the start of the First Fork Trail (538). DESCRIBED TRAIL Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. (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. 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. 2022 | The Pagosa Springs SUN Publishing, Inc. - All rights reserved. Visitors should be aware that special orders regarding many uses and activities may be in effect on the San Juan National Forest. Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking and Horseback Riding. Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches wide are allowed the first mile of the trail coming in from the Fawn Gulch Road side. The Columbine Ranger District will begin to reopen most low-elevation roads on May 1, while staff in the Pagosa and Dolores districts will evaluate roads on a case-by-case basis as the melting continues. Check out our Motorized Vehicle Use Maps for more details onseasonal dates for roadsandcamping. (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Roads in the San Juan National Forest are in rough shape as the snow begins to melt. The San Juan National Forests seasonally closed roads schedule follows. Things to Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, &safety. 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. In South Mineral Creek, no motor vehicles are allowed off South Mineral Road (FDR 585) or Clear Creek Road (FDR 815) to access camping sites. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Open 8-12 and 1:15-4 p.m. The purpose of this Order is to allow Native American Tribes exclusive use of the monument and to protect their privacy during tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes during the10th anniversary of the designation of the monument. Closure in effect September 23 at 12:01 a.m. through September 24 at 12:00 a.m. (a period of 24 hours). Area(s): 261.53(e). Bring a camera. 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. The Picture below is what is currently open and closed in Pagosa Springs. Travel 2 miles, then turn right on East Toner Road (FR 637). 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. These roads will open in the spring as conditions allow, generally around May 1. ( House Creek boat ramp to open May 1. Please visit the San Juan National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Road conditions webpage for up-to-date road closures and conditions across all districts. Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter, and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters From Pagosa Springs: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 to Piedra Road (County Road 600/FR 631). * These forest roads are not gated; therefore are not regularly monitored. Be safe out there! It begins at Forest Road 663 - Buckles Lake Road and ends at Leche Creek Trail (576). Located at the front desk in local Forest Service and BLM offices, SJMAs interpretive bookstores are your one-stop-shop for local public lands information. The Forest Service and the Counties do not rescue stranded vehicles. The crash was reported at 9:22 p.m. near Junipero Serra Road, preliminary reports showed. United States government. San Juan National Forest15 Burnett CourtDurango CO 81301970-247-4874[emailprotected], Ouray Visitors Center1230 Main StreetOuray CO 81427970-325-4746facebook.com/SanJuanSkyway, Silverton Visitors Center414 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433970-387-5530, Durango Welcome Center802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301800-525-8855[emailprotected], Lenore C. BatesColorado Byways Program Manager303-757-9786, Colorado Tourism Office1-800-COLORADOwww.colorado.com, https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/southwest/san-juan-skyway, https://www.codot.gov/@@site-logo/siteLogo.png, Trail Ridge Road: Rocky Mountain National Park, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Museum & Visitor Center, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, Ridgway Visitor Center and Railroad Museum, San Juan County Historical Society Museum, San Juan Skyway Tourism Initiative (May 2000), A Framework for Wayshowing: San Juan Skyway (June 2013), San Juan Skyway Final Report (December 2014). . Travel on muddy roads or trails creates damage that lasts throughout the year. This order is needed to protect public safety and wildlife along the McPhee Overlook Trail #155. Pagosa Springs Jeep Rentals, Electric Fat Tire Bikes, SUPs, & Kayaks. Share sensitive information only 36 C.F.R. 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. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females. ) or https:// means you've safely As spring temperatures warm, traveling muddy roads can cause extensive damage to vehicles, and vice versa, said San Juan National Forest spokeswoman Lorena Williams. The segment of McPhee Overlook Trail #155 beginning at the Forest Service boundary fence The trails youre about to enjoy wouldnt exist without our year-round work to plan, build, and maintain them. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874. 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. Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF ROAD CLOSURE SIGNS AND BARRICADES BEING REMOVED OR DRIVEN AROUND. It begins at its junction with NFST 733, Salt Creek Trail, in Section 22, Township 39 North, Range 11 West, 6th P.M., and ends at its junction with National Forest System Road (NFSR) 564, Divide Road, in Section 30, Township 39 North, Range 10 West, 6th P.M. Area(s): The scenery ranges from high desert mesas and canyons to high alpine peaks and meadows. Durango, CO 81301 ( We get into that cycle of repairing damage rather than just extending a closure for, say, a week and then opening it and everything's fine and no maintenance or repairs are needed.. LockA locked padlock Release Date: Apr 6, 2023. There are many roads and passes within the San Juan Mountains that are not forest service roads and are not maintained by the San Juan National Forest. 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. ( Please don't go beyond where you are comfortable driving. 2. Entering or being within mile of Companion Rock, depicted in Exhibit B, between March 15 and July 31, excluding the Great House Trail (632). Entering or being on the Described Trail. 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. 4. Post Contributor "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. Not only will you find ways to improve your adventure plans, but you will find a retail outlet teeming with maps, guidebooks, clothing and gift ideas. Terms of Use The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1 st. Roads closing December 1 include: FSR 504 Dolores River below McPhee Dam; FSR 528 and 529D House Creek area; FSR 240 and 241 Black Snag and Ryman Creek area; FSR 568 Railroad grade near Mancos Hill, and the McPhee Overlook Trail from the town of Dolores to House Creek Campground. It begins at Forest Road 135 - Beaver Mds. Closed for all federal holidays. Cross Mountain (637), Cross Mountain Trailhead. Durango, CO 81301 Find a visitor center location nearest to you. United States. Click on theheadingto view current special orders. Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. L.A. County road closures include Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road at California 2 and Angeles Forest Highway; Mt. PO Box 9 Sorry. [36 C.F.R. Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? and ends at Forest Road 666 - Fawn Gulch Road. Durango, CO 81301 Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock (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. According to the California Highway Patrol report log, a motorcyclist was lying in the road and several . Notable . A. Stay on East Toner Road to the trailhead at its end. 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. In addition, it is important to understand how to recreate responsiblyin Colorados backcountry. Hermosa Creek Trail may be IMPASSABLE for stock and some motorcycles. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-02: 1) Going into or being upon the Restricted Area with vehicles and/or motor vehicles. Box 2261 (mailing) 15 Burnett Court (physical) Durango, CO 81302 970.385.1210 info@sjma.org, 2018 - All Rights Reserved - San Juan Mountains Association | Web Design by Sweet P Web Development, Ramping Up: SJMAs education programs continue to grow. Rio Grande National Forest Del Norte: 13308 West Hwy 160, (719) 657-3321 Saguache: 46525 State Hwy 114, (719) 655-2547 Rd. La Plata County installed a gate at the cattle guard and will be closed each December through May. You must have JavaScript enabled to fill out this form. Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), promotes the exploration and protection of public lands in Southwest Colorado through stewardship and conservation education for people of all ages. 36 C.F.R. 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. 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 The most trusted source for local news and information about Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, Colorado, Registration open for multiple sports at Parks and Rec, Register now for tee-ball and volleyball leagues, New Thought topic: Planting Seeds for Your Spiritual Medicine Garden, A Colorado reservoir gets ready for an epic snowmelt. 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