San Juan National Forest

Flash Flood Watch issued August 29 at 11:56PM MDT until August 30 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

August 29th, 11:56 PM — 1:00 AM

The Flash Flood Watch for the Gold Mountain Burn Scar will expire for a portion of southwest Colorado, including the following area, Northwest San Juan Mountains. The flash flooding threat has ended. Therefore, the Flash Flood Watch will expire at midnight MDT tonight.

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.

Mainstem Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project NFSR 578 Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety during the construction and rehabilitation of the Mainstem Hermosa Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project.

Bear Activity High Across San Juan National Forest

Bear activity is very high across the San Juan National Forest. Campers should plan ahead and be prepared to secure food and scented personal items away from their camps to avoid bear/human conflict.

STAGE I FIRE PROHIBITIONS FOR ZONE I

Starting July 30th, 2026, fire restrictions are changing for the San Juan National Forest. Zone 1 fire restrictions drop from Stage II to Stage I. Zone II fire restrictions drop from Stage II to no restrictions. View attached maps for Zone I and II details.

Mainstem Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety during the construction and rehabilitation of the Mainstem Hermosa Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project.

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

This purpose of this Order is to protect physical and biological resources of the Lizard Head Wilderness, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.

Falls Creek Closure Area, Camping, and Motor Vehicle Travel Restrictions

This San Juan National Forest forest order describes closure areas, as well as camping and motor vehicle travel restrictions in the Falls Creek.

West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order

The Pagosa Ranger District's West Fork Bridge is closed by Forest Order due to damage during the October 2025 flood events. Forest Road 648 (West Fork) is closed at location identified by this order.

Multiple roads and trails damaged by flooding on SJNF

In early October, severe flooding events created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest. Available forest employees are assessing the many roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure that was damaged or…

Lemon Reservoir Restrictions

The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest:

Cascade Flume Safety Closure

Area closure: The purpose of this Order is for public health and safety during the Cascade Tacoma Flume repair. The recent failure of the flume resulted in infrastructure damage and a landslide that has destabilized the Described Area. Concerns for public safety include loose debris, continuing…

McPhee Reservoir Prohibitions

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the infestation of aquatic nuisance species.

Mancos/Dolores Camping Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and natural resources.

Purgatory Ski Resort Area Vehicle Use Restrictions

From November 15 through April 30 annually, it is prohibited to use an over-snow vehicle (snowmobiles, timber sleds, and ski bikes) or mechanized vehicle that lacks a motor, such as a non-electric bicycle, on the Described Roads and Described Trails and OFF NFS roads in the Described Area. (See map…

Chicken Creek Ski Area Dog Restrictions

Dogs are not allowed in the Chicken Creek Ski Area from December 15 to March 15, annually in order to protect public safety.

McPhee Overlook Trail Seasonal Closure

The purpose of the seasonal closure of the McPhee Over Trail is to protect critical winter wildlife habitat.

Andrews Lake Camping Restrictions

Andrews Lake area is closed to camping in order to protect natural resources.

La Plata Canyon Camping and Fire Restrictions

La Plata Canyon Camping and Fire Restrictions are in place to protect the natural resources in this beautiful, very popular area. Camping is prohibited outside of Forest Service designated camping areas (Darby, La Plata City, Bay City, Miners Cabin, and Madden Creek) and developed campgrounds…

Hermosa Creek Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

In order to protect the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails in the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, the following are prohibited:Entering or being upon a trail, campsite, or other area by a group larger than 15 people, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 in one…

Forest Wide Camping Stay Limits

In order to protect natural resources and to provide for public health and safety, the following are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the San Juan National Forest:Camping, or leaving camping equipment at any location or within three (3) miles of any prior…

Chimney Rock National Monument Occupancy and Use Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to protect the objects of the monument through implementing restrictions prescribed in the Chimney Rock National Monument (CRNM) Final Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Grizzly Peak Research Natural Area Special Closure Order

This order implements prohibitions necessary to provide protection of natural conditions and processes in order to facilitate research and education and maintain biological diversity – the purposes for which RNAs are established on National Forest System lands – within the Grizzly Peak RNA.

Forest Orders

Visit our Forest Order page for a list of all the current Forest Orders: Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Camping, Occupancy, and Use Restrictions.Forest and Regional orders are generally temporary in nature and are designed to protect public safety and our natural resource. After review, Regional…

Lower Piedra

From Recreation.gov

**ALERT: Campground will be closed for the 2026 season due to flooding damage.**

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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…

Rio Grande National Forest

Stage 2 Fire Prohibitions - Fire Restrictions are Terminated, effective 12:01 AM Friday, July 31

Update: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be rescinded effective 12:01 AM Friday, July 31st, 2026. Done at Del Norte, Colorado, this 29th day of July 2026. /s/ Dennis Kuhnel Forest Supervisor Rio Grande National ForestOriginal:The Rio Grande National Forest is implementing Stage 2 Fire…

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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…

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

Wolf Creek Pass Winter Recreation Area

This special order restricts parking, camping and snowmobile use at Wolf Creek Pass.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Rio Grande National Forest

Spectacle Lake Restriction

This special order prohibits anyone from being in Spectacle Lake due to biological considerations.

Rio Grande National Forest

Camping Restriction N. Crestone Trailhead

This special order restricts camping at the North Crestone Trailhead.

Rio Grande National Forest

Forest Road #950 N. Crestone Closure

This special order closes FSR # 950, near Crestone, seasonally from November 25 to May 1 annually.

Rio Grande National Forest

Park Creek Road Speed Limit

This special order establishes a 25 MPH speed limit on FSR # 380 Park Creek Road.

Rio Grande National Forest

Alamosa Canyon Speed Limit

This special order establishes a speed limit of 20 MPH or less on FSR # 250 in the Alamosa Canyon.

Rio Grande National Forest

Rito Hondo Day Use Area

This special order restricts parking, camping, boat use, and campfire use around the Rito Hondo Dam.

Rio Grande National Forest

Road Canyon Reservoir Day Use Area

This special order restricts parking, camping and campfire uses in the area around Road Canyon Reservoir #1.

Rio Grande National Forest

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.

Transfer Campground

From Recreation.gov

PLEASE NOTE that the Horse Sites are located before reaching the campground on the opposite side of the road off FSR 561. The Horse Sites are in a separate area.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

Gold Mountain and Elk Wildfires - Area Closure Order v 3.0

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests have reduced previously established closure areas associated with the Gold Mountain and Elk wildfires. Updated closure boundaries went into effect August 24 at 5 p.m. and remain in place through Dec. 1.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

All lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning August 20 at 12:01 a.m. through December 31, unless rescinded.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Order

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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 National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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.

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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…

Uncompahgre National Forest

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