Seasonal road and trail closures also protect critical habitat for deer and elk in winter and early spring when temperatures are cold, snow is deep, and food is scarce. Entering or being within mile of Companion Rock, depicted in Exhibit B, between March 15 and July 31, excluding the Great House Trail (632). House Creek boat ramp to open May 1. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. Camping within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. Please visit the Forest Service page for pass and Silverton Area road conditions. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail for off-road driving in San Juan National Forest is Ophir Pass Road, which has a 4.7 star rating from 466 reviews. . 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. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Some usually passable roads are covered in deep snow and will not be passable for several weeks. 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. The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874. 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. Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-02: 1) Going into or being upon the Restricted Area with vehicles and/or motor vehicles. The ample snowpack, a boon to reservoirs, has rendered some roads impassable, while others are at risk of being damaged. Visit the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) website for fire restrictions and closures, or you can contact the SJNF at 970-247-4874. You can be ticketed for road damage. Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter, and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. and ends at Forest Road 666 - Fawn Gulch Road. This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though there may be some potholes to avoid. 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. Camping Information: Camping is allowed in most places on the Forest. The information displayed here comes directly from the U.S Forest Service. Drivers hoping to traverse the network of backcountry roads that cover the three districts in the San Juan National Forest will have to wait a little bit longer this year. 2022 Durango Trails Inc | Privacy Policy. Parking: Most trailheads offer limited parking space. Join us for trail maintenance/construction on Horse Gulch on May 17th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Snow is still covering some roads, making passage difficult. 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.. Official Facebook page of the San Juan National Forest. The Forest Road Access page will display current road closures and openings along with campground access in the Pagosa Springs, San Juan National Forest area. Visitors to the National Forest should be prepared to encounter additional closed gates on roads and trails across the San Juan National Forest as winter conditions develop. The San Juan National Forest's seasonally closed roads schedule follows. Trail Closure. Official websites use .gov A .gov Ballantine Communications, Inc. Possession or use of an over-snow vehicle within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. PO Box 9 How many off road driving trails are in San Juan National Forest? The Picture below is what is currently open and closed in Pagosa Springs. Entering or being on the Described Trail. The segment of McPhee Overlook Trail #155 beginning at the Forest Service boundary fence Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. Please consider financially contributing to help us continue to build and maintain great trails. The San Juan National Forest was created in 1905 by Theodore Roosevelt and has since been managed by the US Forest Service to help protect the lands and prevent natural disasters like forest fires. 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. LockA locked padlock Box 2261 (mailing) 15 Burnett Court (physical) Durango, CO 81302 970.385.1210 [email protected], 2018 - All Rights Reserved - San Juan Mountains Association | Web Design by Sweet P Web Development, Ramping Up: SJMAs education programs continue to grow. For additional information on road closures, please contact the specific Ranger District Office at: For information on current fire restrictions, conditions, and recreation opportunities on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, or visit the forest website. . (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 9) extending to May Canyon (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 8). But you can't put a price tag on this experience.The San Juan Skyway was designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as an All-American Road, the highest level of designation, in 1996. United States government. use Durango as a jumping-off point for hiking and camping in the San Juan National Forest, . ) or https:// means you've safely We will be able to open some roads on May 1 that are under wildlife closures, Williams said. Recreation Areas. Operational hours for the main McPhee boat ramp are as follows: Hermosa Creek Trail has been damaged in the Hope Creek area, approximately 8 miles from the north trailhead and 10 miles from the south trailhead. Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. 2022 | The Pagosa Springs SUN Publishing, Inc. - All rights reserved. Many forest roads are covered by more snow than in recent years, leading to a delay in reopening the roads. The San Juan National Forest will continue to monitor road conditions; upper elevation and backcountry roads will be opened June 1 or later as conditions permit. Please don't go beyond where you are comfortable driving. Notes: USFS Roads are Closed - delayed opening with the amount of snow. The White River National Forest, located in west-central Colorado, is an important source of drinking water for communities east and west of the Continental Divide. Seasonal closures go into effect at the end of November or mid-December to prevent people from traveling dangerous, unmaintained roads. 261.55(a). Off roading was a lot of fun. DESCRIBED TRAIL SJMA Visitor Information Specialists are located all around the Southwest Colorado Region from Durango to Montrose to Del Norte to Pagosa Springs and more! Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. 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. Address: County Road 3 (Forest Road 520) east of Silverton, southwest of Creede, CO Season: May - October Elevation: 12,592 ft (3,838 m) County: San Juan County Mountain Range: San Juan Mountains Coordinates: 374743N 1073258W Access: Unpaved County Road 3 / Forest Road 520 or via Colorado Trail [1] 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. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females. Terms of Use As spring temperatures warm, traveling muddy roads can cause extensive damage to vehicles, and vice versa, said San Juan National Forest spokeswoman Lorena Williams. May 1 - Sept 19: 6am - 8pm. Chicken Creek (615), Dolph Kuss (186), Hamlin (188). 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. LockA locked padlock United States. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding. Plans to open the reservoir by mid-April is not possible due to large parts of the reservoir remaining under ice as well as snow drifts blocking the main access road to McPhee Reservoir. 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. connected to the .gov website. Things to Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, &safety. on official, secure websites. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1 st. 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? Area(s): For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to 36 C.F.R. * These forest roads are not gated; therefore are not regularly monitored. For the latest information on road status, visit the SJNFs website. Follow the additional links for other regions in the area which include Creede, The Alpine Loop and South Fork. 2. 261.53(e). Chimney Rock National Monument. If byways could claim royal lineage, this one would probably rule them all. on official, secure websites. Be aware that passes can vary with weatherany time of year. ) or https:// means you've safely San Juan National Forest 1658905200 Dispersed Camping - Columbine USDA Forest Service San Juan National Forest Dispersed Camping Camping in areas that are outside of campgrounds is generally allowed per the regulations listed inside. Newspaper and tourism guides serving Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs, Colorado since December 9, 1909. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for these roads. Notable . 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. "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. The Pagosa Ranger District will be temporarily closing most Forest system roads and trails on a staggered schedule beginning December 1, with the majority closing by December 15. The Dolores and Pagosa Ranger District Recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. Maybe Not Part One, Colorados Magic Mushroom Board Convenes for the First Time, OPINION: County STR Decisions Would Benefit from Mapping Tools, Archuleta Democrats to Host Informal Lunch Tomorrow, EDITORIAL: Pagosa School Threats, Explained, Part Two, Flowstone Education to Host Earth Day Recycling Event in Pagosa Springs, READY, FIRE, AIM: My Fake Russian Twitter Account, Justice Department to Ask Supreme Court to Reject Limits on Abortion Pill Access, Part Two, HMPRESENTLY: Flying Leaps of Faith, Faltering. Please use existing campsites along Forest Service roads, but do not travel farther than 300 feet from these roads to access the sites. Durango: 15 Burnett Ct, (970) 247-4874 Dolores: 29211 CO Highway 184, (970) 882-7296 Pagosa Springs: 180 Pagosa St, (970) 264-2268. 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. From Pagosa Springs: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 to Piedra Road (County Road 600/FR 631). Closed for all federal holidays. website belongs to an official government organization in the Closure in effect September 23 at 12:01 a.m. through September 24 at 12:00 a.m. (a period of 24 hours). Districts 3 & 4 No closures Forest Service Roads (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Q&A: Durango student helped lead the fight to carry and use Narcan on campus, Mason Lodge awards Bayfield High School student, among others, Longtime Southwest Colorado vineyard to open tasting room in Durango, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. 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. Rd. 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 Then there are the roads themselves, snaking through the woods in the shadow of impressive 14,000-foot peaks. 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 San Juan National Forests seasonally closed roads schedule follows. Also, check out the San Juan Jeep Roads website for real-time information provided by the public. 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. 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. In addition, it is important to understand how to recreate responsiblyin Colorados backcountry. Check out our Motorized Vehicle Use Maps for more details onseasonal dates for roadsandcamping. Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-01: 1) Going in or being upon the portions of NFS lands within the Restricted Area that are groomed for Nordic skiing use from November 15th to March 15th annually, unless a person uses skis or snowshoes. Share sensitive information only TheDolores Ranger District is delaying the opening of McPhee Reservoir to motorized boat use due to winter conditions blocking access to the main reservoir at the main boat ramp. Help support our work so you can continue to connect to the outdoors by giving to Durango Trails! https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. and ends at Forest Road 622 - First Fork Rd.. 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 | Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Release Date: Apr 6, 2023. Forests. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It begins at Forest Road 663 - Buckles Lake Road and ends at Leche Creek Trail (576). All forms of recreation are still welcome - snowmobiles, skiers, fat tire bikes, snowshoeingetc. The Dolores and Pagosa Ranger District Recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. connected to the .gov website. 261.55(a)]. The Pagosa Ranger District recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. 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.. (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. The Forest Road Access page will display current road closures and openings along with campground access in the Pagosa Springs, San Juan National Forest area. The Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and will open the reservoir when snow and ice clear the ramp. All Rights Reserved. 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. The San Juan National Forest includes approximately 1.8 million acres of federal lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service in Southwestern Colorado. 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Not get stuck information on road status, visit the Forest Service restrictions and closures, or can...: camping is allowed in most places on the San Juan Jeep roads website for real-time information provided by U.S.... Gulch on may 17th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm ) website for real-time information by...