San Juan National Forest officials are urging outdoor recreators to use caution when exploring the backcountry, even as dry, warm weather persists across Southwest Colorado.
Many of the San Juan National Forest’s roads and trails remain muddy or snowy in the high country, or remain in seasonal closure to protect wildlife and to protect drivers from dangerous conditions, as well to prevent road damage, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.
Wet, muddy areas where snow has begun to melt are easily damaged by hikers, bikers, horses and vehicles, the release said.
Instead, the Forest Service recommends using low- and mid-elevation trails, gravel roads and paved paths that have already dried out.
Road access across the forest will continue to expand in the coming weeks as conditions improve. Staff members on the Dolores and Pagosa ranger districts have begun opening some roads and trails ahead of schedule, though routes closed to protect elk and deer will remain so until May 1.
For the Columbine Ranger District, lower-elevation roads will open May 1, with higher-elevation and backcountry routes expected to open June 1 or later, depending on conditions.
The Forest Service said spring conditions in the high country can change quickly and may include lingering snowdrifts, standing water, downed trees and other hazards, making some roads impassable.
jbowman@durango herald.com
