The San Juan National Forest will begin closing roads to wheeled motorized traffic, as well as some trails, beginning Dec. 1 as winter conditions begin to arrive.
Across the three ranger districts, staff will close gates on roads and trails according to conditions as snow arrives.
“Even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized use can damage road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods,” forest spokeswoman Lorena Williams said in a news release. “Seasonal road and trail closures also protect critical habitat for deer and elk in winter and early spring when temperatures are cold, snow is deep, and food is scarce. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females.”
Most roads and trails generally open again around May 1.
Hermosa Park Road (Forest Service Road 578), behind Purgatory Resort, closed Nov. 14. The Little Molas and Andrews Lake roads are already closed as well.
In the Dolores Ranger District, a handful of roads and trails will close Dec. 1, including Lone Dome road (FSR 504) from the Dolores River below McPhee Dam; House Creek road (FSRs 528 and 529D); Ryman Creek road (FSR 240); Black Snag road (FSR 241); Railroad Grade road (FSR 568); and the McPhee Overlook Trail from the town of Dolores to House Creek Campground.
Most roads in the Pagosa Ranger District will close by Dec. 15 and Dec. 22.
Up-to-date information on the status of SJNF roads and trails can be found online at bit.ly/3YY7gjE.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
