San Juan N.F. roads and trails begin opening in April and May

Southwest Colorado is experiencing warm, dry weather in the low country, but many of the San Juan National Forest’s roads and trails remain buried under snow. Roads are closed seasonally to protect drivers from hazardous conditions, to protect wildlife, and to prevent road damage. Wet, muddy areas where snow has begun to melt are easily damaged by hikers, bikers, horses, and vehicles. Budget and resource limitations could hinder future road repairs, so we ask that public please stay off wet and muddy roads and trails and respect gate closures.

TRAILS: Some low elevation trails have begun to thaw out, which can tempt hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Hiking and riding on muddy paths damage our valuable forest assets, such as streams, vegetation, and fish and wildlife. Hikers and bikers often walk or ride along the edges of paths and trails on live vegetation to avoid muddy paths. This damages plants, widens and braids the trails, and leads to erosion and sedimentation in waterways. Still want to recreate? We recommend visiting gravel roads or paved pathways that have melted out and are accessible without causing resource damage.

ROADS: The Dolores and Pagosa Ranger District staff have begun opening roads as conditions allow, except for roads closed to protect elk and deer, which will open May 1st. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening low elevation roads May 1st, and will follow the Motor Vehicle Use Map dates for all roads. Upper elevation and backcountry roads will be opened June 1st or as conditions permit. Spring conditions are variable and even dangerous, and visitors should be prepared to encounter system roads that are impassable due to snow drifts, waterlogged roads, down trees, or other debris. All travel on the Forest is regulated by the Motor Vehicle Use Maps that can be found online. For specific road information, visit our road conditions webpage or contact your local district office listed below:

Columbine Ranger District (970) 884-2512
Dolores Ranger District (970) 882-7296
Pagosa Ranger District (970) 264-2268



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Check out our online trail guides:

• Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com

• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com