Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Winter Weather Advisory issued October 31 at 10:37AM MDT until November 2 at 6:00PM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO

10:37 AM — November 1st, 5:00 AM

* WHAT...Snow expected above 10, 000 feet. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches. Locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. * WHEN...From noon Sunday to 6 PM MST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.

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.

Overview

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland spans nearly 2.9 million acres across northern Colorado and southeastern/central Wyoming. The forest is currently open and accessible, though it's deep into winter season with several operational changes. As of mid-December 2025, all district campgrounds are closed for the season but remain open for dispersed use without services (no water or trash service—pack it in, pack it out). Key highways WYO 130 (Snowy Range) and WYO 70 (Battle Pass) are closed for winter. Seasonal gate closures are in effect for roads 42, Seedhouse, 550, Buffalo Pass, and Elk Park. Many roads are inaccessible due to snow, and some backcountry roads have deep ruts requiring high clearance vehicles. The Centennial Visitor Center remains open (call 307-742-9730 for hours), and Christmas tree permits are available through late December. District offices have limited holiday hours through early January 2026. Current conditions show moderate status across all units. Road conditions can be rough, particularly in the Laramie Peak area where switchbacks shouldn't be driven with campers after moisture. Winter recreation like skiing, snowmobiling, and winter camping are popular activities during this season.

Campgrounds

Aspen Campground Aspen Campground Battle Creek Campground Bear Lake Campground Bear River Designated Dispersed Big Creek Lakes Campground Blackhall Lookout Blacktail Creek Campground Bobbie Thomson Campground Boswell Creek Campground Bottle Creek Campground Bottle Creek Group Picnic Site Bow River Campground Brooklyn Lake Campground Brush Creek Pavilion Brush Creek Work Center Barrack Campbell Creek Campground Chapman Reservoir Campground Cold Springs Campground Crosho Lake Camground Curtis Gulch Campground Deep Creek Campground Deep Creek Campground, Medicine Bow-Routt Dry Lake Campground Dumont Campground Dumont Lake Campground Esterbrook Campground Freeman Reservoir Campground

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