Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

High Wind Warning issued October 11 at 10:49AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Cheyenne WY

10:49 AM — October 12th, 6:00 AM

* WHAT...South to southwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...North Snowy Range Foothills including Arlington and Elk Mountain along Interstate 80, Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains, Central Carbon County, and Southwest Carbon County. * WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers.

Wind Advisory issued October 11 at 9:58AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

9:58 AM — October 12th, 6:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * WHERE...Central Yampa River Basin and Lower Yampa River Basin. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

October 9th, 10:53 AM — October 12th, 6:00 PM

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.

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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