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. 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. 1) Being on the Restricted Trail from May 15 to June 30 each year. Content on the Daily Post is shared via a CREATIVE COMMONS license. and ends at Forest Road 666 - Fawn Gulch Road. All proceeds support SJMAs stewardship and conservation education programs in southwest Colorado! 36 C.F.R. 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. Rd. Travel on muddy roads or trails creates damage that lasts throughout the year. 36 C.F.R. Travel 2 miles, then turn right on East Toner Road (FR 637). ) or https:// means you've safely Updates to this page are made as soon as the Ranger Districts relay the information. LockA locked padlock Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. It begins at Forest Road 663 - Buckles Lake Road and ends at Leche Creek Trail (576). (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Stuck vehicles can be expensive to extricate and can cause damage in the process. USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest United States government. Official Facebook page of the San Juan National Forest. . Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Open 8-12 and 1:15-4 p.m. Great trail some snow in april turned around near top but overall good trail moderate to easy. The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 33 / 29 F. It is San Juan National Forest Road 597. San Juan Skyway Final Report (December 2014) Special Considerations Be prepared for summertime afternoon thundershowers. 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! SJMA Visitor Information Specialists are located all around the Southwest Colorado Region from Durango to Montrose to Del Norte to Pagosa Springs and more! Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. ) or https:// means you've safely 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 | It begins at Forest Road 667 - East Fork Rd. 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. The Picture below is what is currently open and closed in Pagosa Springs. Bring a camera. and ends at Forest Road 622 - First Fork Rd.. Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, San Juan Water Conservancy District & Dry Gulch. (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. LockA locked padlock . 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 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. All forms of recreation are still welcome - snowmobiles, skiers, fat tire bikes, snowshoeingetc. pretty easy trail nothing technical at all the end of the trail is a little anti climatic but other then that nice drive through the trees. Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? 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. This trail is 9.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,794 ft. And we wouldnt exist without your support! Inquire about road conditions in winter. 15 Burnett Court 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. 261.55(a). This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though there may be some potholes to avoid. 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. 15 Burnett Court Delay your trip on the road or trail until the mud dries. Make sure to review forest and wilderness regulations, as well asLeave No Trace Principles. Share sensitive information only 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. Ranger District Offices. LockA locked padlock San Juan National Forest Headquarters 15 Burnett Court Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-4874. DOLORES, Colo., April 6, 2022 The San Juan National Forest's Dolores 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 McPhee boat ramp. The trail is 8.8 miles long. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females. Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. The San Juan National Forests seasonally closed roads schedule follows. | 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. Passes and Silverton Area Roads. 3. You can be ticketed for road damage. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Contact: Columbine Ranger District (970) 884-2512. Lets protect these wildly beautiful lands by treating them with the respect they deserve. L.A. County road closures include Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road at California 2 and Angeles Forest Highway; Mt. 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. The San Juan National Forest's seasonally closed roads schedule follows. Follow the additional links for other regions in the area which include Creede, The Alpine Loop and South Fork. May 1 - Sept 19: 6am - 8pm. 15 Burnett Court Driving on closed roads can seriously damage the roadway, as well as put your vehicle at risk. San Juan National Forest - Alerts & Notices Columbine Ranger District Road Status Contac t: Columbine Ranger District (970) 884-2512 Any road can be blocked by downed trees or snow at any time. 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. Seasonal closures go into effect at the end of November or mid-December to prevent people from traveling dangerous, unmaintained roads. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com, The Pagosa Daily Post is published by Bill Hudson Productions, PO Box 2152, Pagosa Springs CO 81147. These roads will open in the spring as conditions allow, generally around May 1. 4. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Turn north on Piedra Road for 17 miles. Hermosa Creek Trail may be IMPASSABLE for stock and some motorcycles. (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. 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 US Forest Service begins road closures on Nov 30th & Dec 15th for the Pagosa Springs San Juan region. "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. How many off road driving trails are in San Juan National Forest? Terms of Use Please use existing campsites along Forest Service roads, but do not travel farther than 300 feet from these roads to access the sites. 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. Latest storm: 13 inches of snow Wolf Creek Ski Area Snow Report March 11, 2 p.m. Great Backyard Bird Count to kick off Friday, Registration open for youth volleyball leagues, What a long, strange trip to kill four dams, Volunteer opportunities available with Weminuche Audubon Chapter, Officials ask for help in locating missing person, Take advantage of COVID-19 resources before end of public health emergency. Entering or being on the Described Trail. 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. | The trail is 10.0 miles long. 261.53(e). The crash was reported at 9:22 p.m. near Junipero Serra Road, preliminary reports showed. connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This order is needed to protect public safety and wildlife along the McPhee Overlook Trail #155. Please don't go beyond where you are comfortable driving. Sept 20 - Oct 31: 8am - 6pm. From Pagosa Springs: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 to Piedra Road (County Road 600/FR 631). Click on theheadingto view current special orders. Spring conditions are variable and visitors should be prepared to encounter system roads that are impassable due to snow drifts, waterlogged roadbeds, down trees or other debris. Be aware that passes can vary with weatherany time of year. 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. 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. The segment of McPhee Overlook Trail #155 beginning at the Forest Service boundary fence The San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado is closed to visitors on Tuesday because of a large wildfire and dry, warm conditions that raise the risk of further blazes. It is one of 13 America's Byways designated in Colorado. on official, secure websites. Driving off trail seriously impacts the fragile tundra. The scenery ranges from high desert mesas and canyons to high alpine peaks and meadows. According to the California Highway Patrol report log, a motorcyclist was lying in the road and several . FSR 578 (Hermosa Park Road) will close on November 15. ) or https:// means you've safely Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please click below to register. Monday through Friday. P.O. 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. The Dolores Ranger District will be temporarily closing several Forest system roads and trails beginning December 1 and thereafter based on snow conditions. San Juan National Forest Photos (571) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.3 miElevation gain 488 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Please remember, that the roads are multi-use and to go slow when passing bikers and hikers so as not to throw gravel or put them at risk. Even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized use can damage road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods. United States. Please call (970) 884-2512 for the most up-to-date information. 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. A. . Indicate that you would like to share your letter with our readers. A dedicated website for the Alpine Loop is coming soon and will be linked here. 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. (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. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. Newspaper and tourism guides serving Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs, Colorado since December 9, 1909. Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. We will be able to open some roads on May 1 that are under wildlife closures, Williams said. Any road can be blocked bydowned treesorsnow at any time. Anyone caught will be reported to the Sheriff's Department. 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. Phone: 970-903-2673, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. 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. For specific road information, visit the road conditions Web page or contact the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268. With the respect they deserve travelers should always be prepared for winter and. To complete want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news the. Anyone caught will be temporarily closing several san juan national forest road closures system roads and trails beginning December 1 and thereafter based snow... 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