Any road can be blocked bydowned treesorsnow at any time. Hurray for snow now get out there and have fun, be safe. The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Updates to this page are made as soon as the Ranger Districts relay the information. Ranger District Offices. 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 trails youre about to enjoy wouldnt exist without our year-round work to plan, build, and maintain them. Riding or tethering a horse or other saddle or pack animal on the Great Kiva Trail (699), the Great House Trail (632), or the archaeological sites accessed by these trails, as depicted in Exhibit B.. Camping Information: Camping is allowed in most places on the Forest. 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. 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.. Find a visitor center location nearest to you. McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions; Hermosa Creek Trail Damage; View All Forest Alerts . House Creek boat ramp to open May 1. 36 C.F.R. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1st. 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. 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. 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. 71 were here. (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. 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. Terms of Use Visitors should be aware that special orders regarding many uses and activities may be in effect on the San Juan National Forest. 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. Things to Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, &safety. All proceeds support SJMAs stewardship and conservation education programs in southwest Colorado! 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 Restricted Trail is in Montezuma County, Colorado. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening most low elevation roads May 1 st. Pagosa Springs Jeep Rentals, Electric Fat Tire Bikes, SUPs, & Kayaks. Driving off trail seriously impacts the fragile tundra. Off roading was a lot of fun. Visitors enjoy the area for its great fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. 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 Hermosa Creek Trail may be IMPASSABLE for stock and some motorcycles. [1] The San Juan National Forest covers over 1,800,000 acres of mostly untouched wilderness area in Southwest Colorado. The San Juan National Forest is assessing damage caused by winter weather on seasonally closed roads. The Dolores and Pagosa Ranger District Recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. 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. 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. Official Facebook page of the San Juan National Forest. 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. FSR 578 (Hermosa Park Road) will close on November 15. This road is suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, though there may be some potholes to avoid. and ends at Forest Road 666 - Fawn Gulch Road. Camping within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. Possessing a dog (except for service dogs) while on the Great Kiva Trail (699) or the Great House Trail (632), as depicted in Exhibit B. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874. 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. 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. An official website of the 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. 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 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. 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. Many forest roads are covered by more snow than in recent years, leading to a delay in reopening the roads. Durango: 15 Burnett Ct, (970) 247-4874 Dolores: 29211 CO Highway 184, (970) 882-7296 Pagosa Springs: 180 Pagosa St, (970) 264-2268. It really damages the road surfaces, which is expensive and causes us to have to re-close the roads to do repairs, Williams said. Others run adjacent to waterways that are at risk of flooding. 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. 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. connected to the .gov website. 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. Even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized use can damage road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods. Closure in effect September 23 at 12:01 a.m. through September 24 at 12:00 a.m. (a period of 24 hours). Road Closures Affecting Disaster Routes Transportation Agencies Antelope Valley Transit Authority Santa Clarita Transit Metro Link Notable . ) or https:// means you've safely In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for these roads. Thursday, Apr 30, 2020 11:40 PM. 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. 261.55(a). Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. 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. 12:00 AM unless rescinded. An official website of the The segment of McPhee Overlook Trail #155 beginning at the Forest Service boundary fence 36 C.F.R. 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 information displayed here comes directly from the U.S Forest Service. Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. 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. Entering or being within mile of Companion Rock, depicted in Exhibit B, between March 15 and July 31, excluding the Great House Trail (632). - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Open 8-12 and 1:15-4 p.m. Click on theheadingto view current special orders. (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 9) extending to May Canyon (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 8). Rd. Closed for all federal holidays. The Dolores and Pagosa Ranger District Recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. Entering or being on the Described Trail. This trail is 9.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,794 ft. P.O. 1) Being on the Restricted Trail from May 15 to June 30 each year. Forests. In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for theseroads. . 2022 Durango Trails Inc | Privacy Policy. These special ordersapply to visitors and activities on the 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. Inquire about road conditions in winter. 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. 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 road or trail is not ready for travel if you leave a tire print or a boot print in the mud. 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. Turn north on Piedra Road for 17 miles. on official, secure websites. Snow is still covering some roads, making passage difficult. Seasonally closed roads on the San Juan National Forest will open Friday. The Recreate Responsibly Coalition also offers guidelines and tips for getting outside and staying healthy while practicing responsible outdoor recreation and wildfire prevention activities. 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. USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest Then there are the roads themselves, snaking through the woods in the shadow of impressive 14,000-foot peaks. 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. A. ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS can be sent to pagosadailypost@gmail.com. 261.55(a). **Winter access on La Plata Canyon Road, CR 124 has changed. A dedicated website for the Alpine Loop is coming soon and will be linked here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. The ample snowpack, a boon to reservoirs, has rendered some roads impassable, while others are at risk of being damaged. 261.53(e). 1. L.A. County road closures include Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road at California 2 and Angeles Forest Highway; Mt. 2022 | The Pagosa Springs SUN Publishing, Inc. - All rights reserved. Durango, CO 81301 2. ) or https:// means you've safely on official, secure websites. 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. The Pagosa Ranger District recreation staff have been assessing roads this spring and opening as conditions allow. Durango, CO 81301 Travel 2 miles, then turn right on East Toner Road (FR 637). (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Stuck vehicles can be expensive to extricate and can cause damage in the process. Trails are the cornerstone of our community and the gateway to the outdoors. Entering or being on the Described Trail. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to How many off road driving trails are in San Juan National Forest? Travel on muddy roads or trails creates damage that lasts throughout the year. La Plata County installed a gate at the cattle guard and will be closed each December through May. 6. 4. United States government. Help support our work so you can continue to connect to the outdoors by giving to Durango Trails! Make sure to review forest and wilderness regulations, as well asLeave No Trace Principles. 5. Follow the additional links for other regions in the area which include Creede, The Alpine Loop and South Fork. The Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and will open the reservoir when snow and ice clear the ramp. McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions. The Forest Service and the Counties do not rescue stranded vehicles. | 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. It begins at Forest Road 663 - Buckles Lake Road and ends at Leche Creek Trail (576). Record of the Decision for the San Juan National Forest Land and Resource Management . The scenery ranges from high desert mesas and canyons to high alpine peaks and meadows. 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. These roads will open in the spring as conditions allow, generally around May 1. 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. Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. 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. 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. 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. SJMA Visitor Information Specialists are located all around the Southwest Colorado Region from Durango to Montrose to Del Norte to Pagosa Springs and more! Some may be slick in areas, washed out or snow covered, even if they are listed as OPEN. It begins at Forest Road 667 - East Fork Rd. . PO Box 9 Forest Service Regional orders should also be reviewed as some activities are prohibited on a Regional level. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Post Contributor 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. Also, check out the San Juan Jeep Roads website for real-time information provided by the public. (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. Please note that the aforementioned site is NOT an official source for road conditions. (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 San Juan National Forest will continue to monitor road conditions; upper elevation and backcountry roads will be opened June 1 or as conditions permit. Sorry. Join us for trail maintenance/construction on Horse Gulch on May 17th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. LockA locked padlock Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. This order is needed to protect public safety and wildlife along the McPhee Overlook Trail #155. 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. We will be able to open some roads on May 1 that are under wildlife closures, Williams said. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874. For specific road information, visit the road conditions Web page or contact the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268. If byways could claim royal lineage, this one would probably rule them all. 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. Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation, San Juan Water Conservancy District & Dry Gulch. Visit the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) website for fire restrictions and closures, or you can contact the SJNF at 970-247-4874. 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 | 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. All forms of recreation are still welcome - snowmobiles, skiers, fat tire bikes, snowshoeingetc. (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. 3. 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. 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. connected to the .gov website. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF ROAD CLOSURE SIGNS AND BARRICADES BEING REMOVED OR DRIVEN AROUND. Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-02: 1) Going into or being upon the Restricted Area with vehicles and/or motor vehicles. Click on the heading to viewspecial ordersissued by the Rocky Mountain Region. The Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and will open the reservoir when snow and ice clear the ramp. website belongs to an official government organization in the use Durango as a jumping-off point for hiking and camping in the San Juan National Forest, . ( 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.

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