Sunday, April 12, 2026

Roads and trails 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 muddy or snowy in the high country. To find a specific road's status, visit our Roads Conditions webpage. Many 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. We ask that the public please stay off wet and muddy roads and trails and respect gate closures.

TRAILS: Many high-elevation trails have begun to thaw out, which can tempt hikers, bikers and horseback riders. 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 low and mid-elevation trails, 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 been opening roads as conditions allow, except for roads closed to protect elk and deer, which will open May 1. The Columbine Ranger District will begin opening low elevation roads May 1 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 snowdrifts, 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

Severe flooding on Oct 10-13, 2025 created ongoing safety and access concerns on roads, trails and in waterways on the Columbine and Pagosa ranger districts. More info here.



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