BLM - Gunnison Field Office
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
NFS ROAD 510 AND 510.3B AREA CLSOURE
Temporary closure of the North Clear Creek Falls road and parking lot, now through September 30th. While contractors work on these areas the lands within the boundary starting at the intersection of Colorado State Highway 149 and North Clear Creek Falls NFS Road 510 then following NFSR 510 for ½…
Sangre de Cristo Domestic Goat Restriction
Restriction order prohibiting domestic goats in parts of the Rio Grande National Forest to protect Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from disease.
Fall/Winter Slash Pile Burns Planned
Rio Grande National Forest announced today their winter slash pile burning plans. As conditions allow, fire crews plan to burn numerous piles of woody debris from timber sale and thinning project areas across the Rio Grande National Forest. This year’s pile burn areas include:Saguache Ranger…
Motor Vehicle Seasonal Groomed Road Closures
This special order is to protect public safety by preventing damage to groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski routes.
Wolf Creek Pass Winter Recreation Area
This special order restricts parking, camping and snowmobile use at Wolf Creek Pass.
Food Storage Regulations
This special order covers food storage restrictions from April 1 to December 1 annually, within recreation sites across the entire Rio Grande National Forest. The purpose of this Order to protect wildlife and human safety by reducing the risk of adverse interactions between bears and humans.
Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Occupancy & Use
This special order covers the entire Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area including the portion on the San Isabel National Forest. The includes restrictions on group size, camping, campfires, horse use, dogs, switchback cutting, and wagon or cart use.
Beaver Creek Recreation Area Use Restrictions
This special order restricts camping, parking, and dogs in the Beaver Creek Recreation Area. It also prohibits boats at Million Reservoir.
Big Meadows Recreation Area Use Regulations
This special order prohibits camping, parking, campfire and stove use, and restricts dogs within the Big Meadows Recreation area on the Divide Ranger District.
Camping limit on Rio Grande National Forest
This special order establishes a 14-day camping limit within a continuous 30-day period anywhere on the Rio Grande National Forest.
La Garita Wilderness Use Restrictions
This special order covers the entire La Garita Wilderness area including portions on the Gunnison National Forest. The order restricts group size, camping, campfire and stove use, equipment storing, horse use, dogs, and cutting switchbacks on trails.
Weminuche Wilderness and South San Juan Wilderness Restrictions
This special order restricts group use, horse use, camping, campfires, and dogs in the Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas.
Spectacle Lake Restriction
This special order prohibits anyone from being in Spectacle Lake due to biological considerations.
Camping Restriction N. Crestone Trailhead
This special order restricts camping at the North Crestone Trailhead.
Forest Road #950 N. Crestone Closure
This special order closes FSR # 950, near Crestone, seasonally from November 25 to May 1 annually.
Park Creek Road Speed Limit
This special order establishes a 25 MPH speed limit on FSR # 380 Park Creek Road.
Alamosa Canyon Speed Limit
This special order establishes a speed limit of 20 MPH or less on FSR # 250 in the Alamosa Canyon.
Rito Hondo Day Use Area
This special order restricts parking, camping, boat use, and campfire use around the Rito Hondo Dam.
Road Canyon Reservoir Day Use Area
This special order restricts parking, camping and campfire uses in the area around Road Canyon Reservoir #1.
Conejos Canyon Roads and Camping Restrictions
This special order restricts the vehicle use and parking and limits camping to designated areas on FSR# 250 along the Conejos River.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
2026-2027 GMUG National Forests Prescribed Pile Burn Plan
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed pile burns during the fall and winter seasons. Forest Service officials estimate this work may continue through spring 2027 as conditions allow. Fire managers use these prescribed pile burns to remove excess…
2026-2027 GMUG National Forests Prescribed Burn Plan
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fires during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Forest Service officials estimate this work may continue through spring 2027 as conditions allow. Each prescribed fire start date will differ based on several…
Gold Mountain Wildfire Roads and Trails Closure Order v 4.0
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District reduce closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire beginning Sept. 15 at 12:01 a.m.
TERMINATION OF ORDER - FIRE RESTRICTIONS
TERMINATION OF ORDERPursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and/or (b), the prohibitions listed below and applicable to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and/or Gunnison National Forests are hereby terminated.NAME OF ORDER02-04-00-26-27GMUG Stage 1 Fire RestrictionsDATE SIGNED9/2/26EFFECTIVE9/3/26 at…
Dallas Area Closure order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will temporarily close National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity of Dallas Trailhead on County Road 17 beginning Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. to ensure public safety during a Ouray County construction project.
Ophir Pass Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District will temporarily close Ophir Pass Road (National Forest System Road 630) on weekdays beginning Aug. 24 to ensure public safety during hazardous‑materials removal and construction work at the abandoned New…
Island Lake Road Closure
The west end of Island Lake Road, National Forest System Road 116, is closed to allow crews to bury a powerline beneath a section of the roadbed.
Governor Basin Area, Road, and Trail Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will implement a temporary closure in the Governor Basin area to protect public health and safety during a time‑critical removal action at the abandoned Governor Basin Mine Site. Fafo Holdings, LLC will…
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Order
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use
Beaver Park Pit Closure Order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District closed public access to the Beaver Park Gravel Pit area beginning June 17 to protect public health and safety during active gravel crushing operations.
Mount Sneffels Wilderness Occupancy and Use
This order establishes specific restrictions within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness to protect natural resources, wildlife and the overall wilderness character. It outlines limits on group size, camping, campfires, waste disposal, dog control and other activities to reduce environmental impacts in…
Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Uncompahgre Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
La Garita Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the La Garita Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Powderhorn Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Powderhorn Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the summer as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help…
Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day Use Area, Roads and Trail Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District continues seasonal and year‑round closures for the Little Bear Campground, Island Lake day-use area and associated trails. These closures are required to ensure public safety during reconstruction…
Gold Creek Bridge Closure Order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District to temporarily close Gold Creek Bridge and surrounding area for public safety during bridge reconstruction efforts starting March 17, 2026. The closure prohibits entry onto or travel on the bridge and…
Colorado Ski Safety Act
Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order…
Crested Butte Winter Recreation Management 2025-19
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District will implement annual winter travel restrictions beginning Dec. 31, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030, in the Crested Butte Area.
Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. to April…
Grand Mesa Winter Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District is temporarily closing several roads in Mesa County to ensure public safety while timber is being harvested in the area. The following roads will be closed to visitors Monday through Friday from Dec. 10…
Crystal Creek Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations
To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.
Taylor Park Reservoir Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources from the zebra mussel/quagga mussel and other aquatic invasive species infestation.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
The purpose of this Order is to mitigate the effects of high levels of use and to protect natural resources and wilderness character.
Crested Butte Area Camping and Fire Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public safety, as well as to provide high-quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.
Tincup Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire and to protect public safety, natural resources, and property in the Tincup area.
Taylor Canyon and Reservoir Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Forest visitors, to protect NFS resources and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Taylor River Corridor of the Gunnison National Forests
Food and Refuse Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.
Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.
Irwin Lodge Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.
General Occupancy and Use on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
This Order is necessary to protect Forest visitors, to protect the resources of the National Forest System within the Restricted Area, and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors.
West Elk Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the West Elk Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Raggeds Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
East Portal Closed Due to Wildfires
East Portal remains closed due to fire activity and post-fire hazards. Do not enter closed or burned areas until further notice.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited except within designated metal fire grates at campgrounds and picnic areas. Additional restrictions apply.
Blue Mesa Water Update
As of 8/22 cyanotoxin levels were negative/below acceptable State of Colorado public health levels at Iola Basin. Cautionary signs will remain posted around Iola Basin on Blue Mesa Reservoir due to possible future reoccurrence as conditions may change.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
2026-2027 GMUG National Forests Prescribed Pile Burn Plan
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed pile burns during the fall and winter seasons. Forest Service officials estimate this work may continue through spring 2027 as conditions allow. Fire managers use these prescribed pile burns to remove excess…
2026-2027 GMUG National Forests Prescribed Burn Plan
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fires during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Forest Service officials estimate this work may continue through spring 2027 as conditions allow. Each prescribed fire start date will differ based on several…
Gold Mountain Wildfire Roads and Trails Closure Order v 4.0
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District reduce closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire beginning Sept. 15 at 12:01 a.m.
TERMINATION OF ORDER - FIRE RESTRICTIONS
TERMINATION OF ORDERPursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and/or (b), the prohibitions listed below and applicable to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and/or Gunnison National Forests are hereby terminated.NAME OF ORDER02-04-00-26-27GMUG Stage 1 Fire RestrictionsDATE SIGNED9/2/26EFFECTIVE9/3/26 at…
Dallas Area Closure order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will temporarily close National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity of Dallas Trailhead on County Road 17 beginning Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. to ensure public safety during a Ouray County construction project.
Ophir Pass Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District will temporarily close Ophir Pass Road (National Forest System Road 630) on weekdays beginning Aug. 24 to ensure public safety during hazardous‑materials removal and construction work at the abandoned New…
Island Lake Road Closure
The west end of Island Lake Road, National Forest System Road 116, is closed to allow crews to bury a powerline beneath a section of the roadbed.
Governor Basin Area, Road, and Trail Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District will implement a temporary closure in the Governor Basin area to protect public health and safety during a time‑critical removal action at the abandoned Governor Basin Mine Site. Fafo Holdings, LLC will…
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Order
Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use
Beaver Park Pit Closure Order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Norwood Ranger District closed public access to the Beaver Park Gravel Pit area beginning June 17 to protect public health and safety during active gravel crushing operations.
Mount Sneffels Wilderness Occupancy and Use
This order establishes specific restrictions within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness to protect natural resources, wildlife and the overall wilderness character. It outlines limits on group size, camping, campfires, waste disposal, dog control and other activities to reduce environmental impacts in…
Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Uncompahgre Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
La Garita Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the La Garita Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Powderhorn Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Powderhorn Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations this spring, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the summer as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help…
Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day Use Area, Roads and Trail Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District continues seasonal and year‑round closures for the Little Bear Campground, Island Lake day-use area and associated trails. These closures are required to ensure public safety during reconstruction…
Gold Creek Bridge Closure Order
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District to temporarily close Gold Creek Bridge and surrounding area for public safety during bridge reconstruction efforts starting March 17, 2026. The closure prohibits entry onto or travel on the bridge and…
Colorado Ski Safety Act
Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order…
Crested Butte Winter Recreation Management 2025-19
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District will implement annual winter travel restrictions beginning Dec. 31, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2030, in the Crested Butte Area.
Almont Triangle winter wildlife closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District is renewing the annual winter closure for the Almont Triangle area, which will span from Dec. 12 at 12 a.m. to April 30 at 11:59 p.m., and each subsequent year through 2030 from Dec. 1 at 12 a.m. to April…
Grand Mesa Winter Road Closure
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Grand Valley Ranger District is temporarily closing several roads in Mesa County to ensure public safety while timber is being harvested in the area. The following roads will be closed to visitors Monday through Friday from Dec. 10…
Crystal Creek Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Regulations
To protect natural resources and wilderness character, this order describes prohibitions in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Matterhorn Mill Site Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and the historic Matterhorn Mill.
Taylor Park Reservoir Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources from the zebra mussel/quagga mussel and other aquatic invasive species infestation.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
The purpose of this Order is to mitigate the effects of high levels of use and to protect natural resources and wilderness character.
Crested Butte Area Camping and Fire Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public safety, as well as to provide high-quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.
Tincup Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfire and to protect public safety, natural resources, and property in the Tincup area.
Taylor Canyon and Reservoir Camping Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect Forest visitors, to protect NFS resources and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors in the Taylor River Corridor of the Gunnison National Forests
Food and Refuse Storage Order
The purpose of this Order is to is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-wildlife interactions.
Doctor Park (NFS Trail 424) Seasonal Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide seasonal resource protection for migrating bighorn sheep.
Irwin Lodge Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public health and safety and to avoid visitor conflicts.
General Occupancy and Use on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
This Order is necessary to protect Forest visitors, to protect the resources of the National Forest System within the Restricted Area, and to provide quality recreational opportunities for visitors.
West Elk Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the West Elk Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Raggeds Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Overview
The BLM Gunnison Field Office manages over 600,000 acres of public land in the upper Gunnison River Basin of southwestern Colorado, spanning Gunnison, Hinsdale, Saguache, San Juan, Ouray, and Montrose counties. The office is currently operating under Stage 1 fire restrictions (as of September 5, 2025), which means campfires are only allowed in agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, and devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted. Notable recreation areas include Hartman Rocks Special Recreation Management Area, portions of the Powderhorn and Uncompahgre wilderness areas, and the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway. Four campgrounds have adjusted fees as of 2024: Oh Be Joyful (including River Flats) and Mill Creek at $20/night, and Red Bridge and The Gate at $10/night. Some sites at Oh Be Joyful and Mill Creek are now reservable through Recreation.gov. The area features diverse ecosystems from 7,000 to over 14,000 feet, including three 14ers, and is home to the largest population of Gunnison sage-grouse. Year-round restrictions include prohibitions on fireworks, leaving fires unattended, and using tracer ammunition. The office is open M-F 8:00am-4:30pm at 2500 E. New York Ave., Gunnison, CO 81230.
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