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.

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.

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.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

Cannabis Possession Prohibited

Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…

Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions

Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a…

Office Closure (Questa): March 18

The Questa Ranger Station will be closed on March 18 for staff training, resuming normal hours on March 25. Visit or call another office.

Office Closures (Forest-Wide): March 26

All offices will be closed March 26, 2026, for staff training. Some services are available online:Firewood PermitsCampground Reservations

Avalanche Potential

Visitors to the forest should be aware of potential avalanche activity throughout the winter months. Go to the Taos Avalanche Center for updates.

Annual Summer Closure of Wheeler Peak, Williams Lake, and Surrounding Area

The Carson National Forest temporarily closes the Wheeler Peak and Williams Lake area each summer for about a week for local community, traditional purposes.The 2026 dates will be determined in the summer, but the closure has historically taken place in mid- to late August.The following trails will…

Seasonal Road Closures

Seasonal winter road closures for vehicles went into effect Jan. 1. Most will reopen around May 1. Visitors may still use the roads by other means, such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.Closures and dates are broken down in a series of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) by ranger…

Timber Harvest in Progress Near Pot Creek, Taos

An active timber harvest for forest restoration is occurring on the Camino Real Ranger District off Forest Service Roads 115A, 115B, and 476*.For everyone's safety:Keep an eye out for logging truck signage and look for dust from haul traffic to anticipate encounters.Listen for trucks/equipment…

Pile Burning Updates

This page will hold daily summaries of any winter pile burning ignitions. View the full list of potential locations. Contact the public information officer listed below for any questions.Feb. 20Fire crews continue to patrol and monitor prescribed fires, including pile burns, until they are called…

Collapsed Bridge on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25)

A bridge over the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara has collapsed. It's located on the West Fork Santa Barbara Trail (#25), 2.3 miles from the Santa Barbara Trailhead and about a quarter mile from the Middle Fork (#24)/West Fork (#25) intersection.For a more exact location, search for 36.054280°,…

Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak

Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage. Proceed with caution when around them. Specific locations include general forest areas along Highway 518 south of Pot Creek and…

Placer Fork Trail Flooding

A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable.

Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles

The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3). For background on the closure, read the news release.DocumentationForest OrderMap

Occupancy and Use

The following are prohibited on the Carson National Forest: Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261 .58(a).Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by state law. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(bb).Exemption: Persons 21…

Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails

Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:Comales Canyon Trail: About 200 deadfall are blocking the the eastern half of the loop near the junctions with the Comales Cutoff…

Fawn Lakes Drained

Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.

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.

Seasonal Prohibition of Motor Vehicles on Roads and Trails

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect wildlife by implementing specific seasonal road and trail closures identified in the September 26, 2022, Final Record of Decision for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests Motorized Travel Management (MVUM)…

Downed and weakened trees on South Platte Ranger District

Due to sustained high winds from the last stormfront, expect to see many downed and weakened trees on roads and trails in the South Platte Ranger District.Be mindful that, even if a tree looks okay, it may be weakened and could fall. Forest Service crews are working on clearing trees over the next…

Seasonal area closure for Rock Climbing near Devils Head Trailhead

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.Please note that this closure is only in effect between March 1 and July 31 of each year.The purpose of this Order is to protect American peregrine falcons, a species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.Please see the attached document…

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and South Park ranger districts.This order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness and to protect the character, solitude and condition of this wilderness.Please see the attached document for more…

Wigwam Spur Trail, NFST 609.A closure

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and a sensitive riparian habitat from further damage.

Trinchera Road and Vicinity Closure Order

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety by prohibiting entry into the associated road and surrounding area while logging operations are underway.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

South Platte Ranger District Over-Snow Vehicle Use

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Mount Evans Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Lost Creek Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Mount Massive Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Collegiate Peak Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Waldo Canyon Burn Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety due to impacts of the Waldo Canyon fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use Regulations

This order affects the San Carlos and Salida ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness and Spanish Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Pike National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte and South Park ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Occupancy and Use Prohibitions

This order affects the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

San Isabel National Forest Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

South Catamount Dam Repair

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety during Colorado Springs Utilities South Catamount Dam repair.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

East Bear Gulch Trail Seasonal Closure Order

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nesting sites. The peregrine falcon is listed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a species of State Special Concern, and guidelines have been identified that calls for no…

Food Storage Prohibitions on Pike-San Isabel National Forests

This order affects the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.The purpose of the order is to protect public safety by minimizing adverse interactions between bears and humans.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Castle Rock Area Closure

This order affects the Salida Ranger District.The purpose of the order is to protect an active golden eagle nest site.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Holy Cross Wilderness Prohibitions

This order affects the Leadville Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character by managing recreational use within the Holy Cross Wilderness.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Occupancy and Use Prohibitions Pertaining to Lakes

This order affects the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public safety.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Rampart Range Road 300 Winter Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Crags Winter Area Closure

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety and natural resources.Please see the document below for more information and associated maps.

Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the Pikes Peak Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to implement requirements of the July 17, 2016, final Decision Notice for the Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project designed to protect a unique population of greenback cutthroat trout, a threatened species under the…

Occupancy and Use Restrictions with Designated Camping and Parking Areas

This order affects the South Platte Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

East Indian Creek Road Closure

This order affects the San Carlos Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect public safety due to erosion and flooding in the area affected by the Spring Creek Fire.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Badger Flats Occupancy and Use Restrictions

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.Please see the attached document for more information and associated maps.

Prohibition on Camping in Areas Posted as Closed to Camping

This order affects all districts on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.The purpose of this order is for protection of public health and safety and resource protection due to flood potential and environmental and facilities damage within the Hayman Burn…

Seasonal Restriction on Dogs Near Section House and Wagon Cabin

This order affects the South Park Ranger District.This order is needed to protect the health and safety of the public staying at the huts through the winter months. Melted snow provides the water source. To prevent fecal contamination of this water source, it is essential that dogs are not…

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.

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…

McPhee Park Road Closure Order

The purpose of this order is to protect natural resources.

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.

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…

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.

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…

Check Avalanche Conditions Before Heading Out

Avalanche conditions can change quickly. Before venturing into the backcountry, always check the latest avalanche forecast to stay safe and make informed decisions.Anyone venturing into the field should be cautious. Avoid avalanche terrain. View current conditions:…

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…

GMUG National Forests begin prescribed fires

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fire operations over the next several months, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation…

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 announces temporary closure of Little Bear Campground and the Island Lake day-use area for reconstruction and rehabilitation starting June 2. The Little Bear Campground closure is expected to last…

Crystal Creek Road Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the Bald Timber Sale.

Forest Hill Road and Area Closure

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety due to the presence of mine tailings that contain elevated levels of lead and arsenic.

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.

Lizard Head Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary 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.

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.

Mount Sneffels Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use

This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Mount Sneffels 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.

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.

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