Snowpack Limits Routt National Forest Access this Memorial Day Weekend

Late spring snowpack will limit road access and delay the opening of most developed campgrounds on the Routt National Forest this Memorial Day weekend. While there will still be some opportunities to explore and camp, Forest visitors are reminded to call their local ranger district office to know what is open and accessible.

The following are area-specific conditions:

Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District – The Hinman Campground will be open for the upcoming holiday weekend for $12 per night with restroom and trash service available. Water, however, is not yet available and campers are reminded to bring plenty for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Fish Creek Falls Day Use Area is also open for $5 per day with restroom and trash service. There are very few dispersed camping opportunities available because of impassable roads. For the most current information, please call the District Office at (970) 870-2299.

(As a side note, if you ever get the opportunity, be sure to hike the Gilpin Lake / Gold Creek Lake Loop just north of Steamboat Springs. It's one of my favorite hikes in Colorado.)

Parks Ranger District – The Aspen Campground near the town of Gould will be the only recreation facility open this holiday weekend. While fees will not be charged, campers should be aware that water, trash and restroom services are not yet available; therefore they should plan to bring plenty of water and pack out their trash. Access is limited to most dispersed areas, so please contact the District Office at (970) 723-2700 for the most up to date information.

Yampa Ranger District – All developed campgrounds are currently snowed in and there is very limited access across the District for free dispersed camping opportunities. However, approximately 11 designated dispersed camping sites are open in the Bear River Corridor southwest of the town of Yampa. These first-come, first-served sites cost $5 per night and have standard picnic table and fire ring amenities. Two restroom facilities are located near group sites and campers are required to pack out their trash. For the latest information, please contact the District Office at (970) 638-4516.

(As another side note, the Devils Causeway is an exciting hike - for those that dare to cross it!)

Campground reservations are not required for any of the campgrounds open this holiday weekend on the Routt National Forest. As additional campgrounds open later in the season, reservations may be made for some reservable sites through ReserveUSA by phone at 877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. Where available, reservations are recommended for holiday weekends such as Memorial Day.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Memorial Day Weekend on the Arapaho National Forest

Eleven campgrounds on the Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County, Colorado will be open today for the Memorial Day Weekend, and with a forecast of warm weather and sunny skies, it should be an ideal time to enjoy the Arapaho National Forest.

Late spring snows and recent rains have left much of the Forest’s road system soggy and mucky, so gates will remain closed across much of the Forest, and seasonal closures are still in place to protect the road surface. According to the ranger district’s Motor Vehicle Use Map, which can be obtained for free at the district office in Granby, the majority of National Forest roads become available for use around June 15th. The lower portions of several roads, including Vasquez, Beaver Creek, Crooked Creek and Kawuneeche may have a few sites available for dispersed camping, although the ground in these areas may still be wet.

The Arapaho National Recreation Area is an ideal place to recreate at this time of year with seven developed picnic areas, six campgrounds (all of which are open) great fishing piers, boat ramps and trailheads. Lower than average water levels in Lake Granby create expansive beaches where the family can play. Monarch Lake loop is a very popular early season trail and offers a visitors cabin where you can learn more about the history of the area. Portions of that trail, as well as many others on the district, are still snowy and muddy, so if you plan to hike the entire loop be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

In the Winter Park area, Idlewild and St. Louis Creek campgrounds both open this weekend as well. Denver Creek Campground on Colorado Highway 125 is also open. Water may not be available in all campgrounds so be sure to call ahead or check the Sulphur Ranger District recreation webpage.

Due to the wet conditions, off-highway vehicles are currently restricted from riding on motorized trails and roads until the seasonal closure is lifted on June 15th. And, while mountain bikes may not be prohibited from various trails, staying on dry trails will help minimize resource damage.

For additional information you can stop by the Sulphur Ranger District Office at 9 Ten Mile Drive in Granby to pick up maps, information about wildlife, souvenirs and books. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. You can also call 970-887-4100, or visit the USFS website at www.fs.usda.gov\arp.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com