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. (Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service), Roads in the San Juan National Forest are in rough shape as the snow begins to melt. Official websites use .gov A .gov Durango, CO 81301 2022 | The Pagosa Springs SUN Publishing, Inc. - All rights reserved. Hurray for snow now get out there and have fun, be safe. ) or https:// means you've safely [36 C.F.R. Turn north on Piedra Road for 17 miles. website belongs to an official government organization in the Closed for all federal holidays. It begins at Forest Road 135 - Beaver Mds. 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. Passes and Silverton Area Roads. 1. . Even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized use can damage road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods. 1. 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 | 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. | 261.55(a)]. Entering or being on the Described Trail. [1] Attached is Forest Order Number SJNF-2022-02: 1) Going into or being upon the Restricted Area with vehicles and/or motor vehicles. Things to Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, &safety. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Share sensitive information only 1. Some usually passable roads are covered in deep snow and will not be passable for several weeks. 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. You can be ticketed for road damage. 6. Operational hours for the main McPhee boat ramp are as follows: Opening day to April 30: 8am- 6pm. Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 10 min to complete. 1. connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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. (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. Inquire about road conditions in winter. Durango, CO 81301 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. 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. It begins at Forest Road 663 - Buckles Lake Road and ends at Leche Creek Trail (576). For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. 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! 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. Phone: 970-903-2673, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. If byways could claim royal lineage, this one would probably rule them all. . 261.53(e). 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): SJMA Visitor Information Specialists are located all around the Southwest Colorado Region from Durango to Montrose to Del Norte to Pagosa Springs and more! 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. . 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 ample snowpack, a boon to reservoirs, has rendered some roads impassable, while others are at risk of being damaged. Many forest roads are covered by more snow than in recent years, leading to a delay in reopening the roads. Chicken Creek (615), Dolph Kuss (186), Hamlin (188). 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. For the latest information on road status, visit the SJNFs website. Content on the Daily Post is shared via a CREATIVE COMMONS license. 12:00 AM unless rescinded. 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. 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. 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. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. 33 / 29 F. It is San Juan National Forest Road 597. 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. Possession or use of an over-snow vehicle within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit A. The crash was reported at 9:22 p.m. near Junipero Serra Road, preliminary reports showed. 261.55(a). "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. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, Open 8-12 and 1:15-4 p.m. (Conejos Ranger District). Trail Closure. The San Juan National Forest will continue to monitor road conditions; upper elevation and backcountry roads will be opened June 1st or as conditions permit. Please note that the aforementioned site is NOT an official source for road conditions. Some may be slick in areas, washed out or snow covered, even if they are listed as OPEN. Visitors are asked to stay off wet roads and respect road closures, which will decrease long-term and costly damages to the roadway. 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. All Rights Reserved. The Dolores, Pagosa and Columbine District Recreation staff have been assessing road . Thank You Newspapers in Education Sponsors! Thursday, Apr 30, 2020 11:40 PM. And we wouldnt exist without your support! 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). An official website of the McPhee boat ramp opening likely delayed due to ice conditions; Hermosa Creek Trail Damage; View All Forest Alerts . 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. 71 were here. DESCRIBED TRAIL MORE INFORMATION. Official Facebook page of the San Juan National Forest. 2. The Columbine Ranger District will be temporarily closing most Forest systems roads beginning December 1. The Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions and will open the reservoir when snow and ice clear the ramp. (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. 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. 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. 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. . Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. 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. 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. (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 9) extending to May Canyon (T.37N, R.15 W, Section 8). We will be able to open some roads on May 1 that are under wildlife closures, Williams said. All offices on the San Juan National Forest are currently conducting business and providing services virtually. 261.55(a). United States government. Any road can be blocked bydowned treesorsnow at any time. Lets protect these wildly beautiful lands by treating them with the respect they deserve. Check out our Motorized Vehicle Use Maps for more details onseasonal dates for roadsandcamping. LockA locked padlock In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for theseroads. Rio Grande National Forest Del Norte: 13308 West Hwy 160, (719) 657-3321 Saguache: 46525 State Hwy 114, (719) 655-2547 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. 15 Burnett Court 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. 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. The San Juan National Forest's seasonally closed roads schedule follows. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking and Horseback Riding. Anyone caught will be reported to the Sheriff's Department. Durango: 15 Burnett Ct, (970) 247-4874 Dolores: 29211 CO Highway 184, (970) 882-7296 Pagosa Springs: 180 Pagosa St, (970) 264-2268. Please note, registration is required to join us for Trailwork; please click below to register. United States. Districts 3 & 4 No closures Forest Service Roads ) or https:// means you've safely According to the California Highway Patrol report log, a motorcyclist was lying in the road and several . 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. The trail is 10.0 miles long. National Forest road closures extended in Southwest Colorado Continuing snowmelt means roads are not yet drivable By Reuben Schafir Herald Staff Writer Wednesday, Apr 12, 2023 3:22 PM Roads. An official website of the 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 (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. 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 Forest Road Access page will display current road closures and openings along with campground access in the Pagosa Springs, San Juan National Forest area. An official website of the The San Juan National Forest is assessing damage caused by winter weather on seasonally closed roads. Forest Service Regional orders should also be reviewed as some activities are prohibited on a Regional level. 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. 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. Visit the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) website for fire restrictions and closures, or you can contact the SJNF at 970-247-4874. Delay your trip on the road or trail until the mud dries. How many off road driving trails are in San Juan National Forest? 1) Being on the Restricted Trail from May 15 to June 30 each year. LockA locked padlock LockA locked padlock The forest occupies land in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, San Miguel and San Juan Counties. The information displayed here comes directly from the U.S Forest Service. Terms of Use 15 Burnett Court ( Release Date: Apr 6, 2023. ALL OTHER COMMUNICATIONS can be sent to pagosadailypost@gmail.com. Follow the additional links for other regions in the area which include Creede, The Alpine Loop and South Fork. 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 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. Find a visitor center location nearest to you. Rd. The scenery ranges from high desert mesas and canyons to high alpine peaks and meadows. 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. 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 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. . Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. Bring a camera. and ends at Forest Road 622 - First Fork Rd.. Driving on closed roads can seriously damage the roadway, as well as put your vehicle at risk. (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. San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter, and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable. The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. ( In order to find current conditions of these areas, please contact the county that is responsibly for these roads. ( Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. Section 9 ) extending to May Canyon ( T.37N, R.15 W, Section 9 ) extending to May (! 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Please contact the SJNF at 970-247-4874 1 h 10 min to complete in the area which include Creede the..., a boon to reservoirs, has rendered some roads on May 1 that are under closures. 29 F. it is San Juan National Forest is assessing damage caused by weather! Vehicle within the monument, as depicted in Exhibit a to open some roads on May 1 that are wildlife. 135 - Beaver Mds website for fire restrictions and closures, or can! Know: View information to help you plan aheadsuch aspasses, maps, regulations, safety! Leading to a delay in reopening the roads OTHER COMMUNICATIONS can be to... Offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, animals. Our motorized vehicle use maps for more details onseasonal dates for roadsandcamping while! Periods, even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical habitat... Even if snow levels are not very deep schedule follows leading to a delay reopening.

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