Seasonally closed roads on the San Juan National Forest will open Friday.
The Dolores, Pagosa and Columbine District Recreation staff have been assessing road conditions this spring and opening roads as conditions allow, with the majority opening Friday. The San Juan National Forest will continue to monitor road conditions; upper elevation and backcountry roads will continue to be opened as conditions warrant.
Roads are closed seasonally to wheeled motorized vehicles to protect critical wildlife habitat and/or to prevent damage to road surfaces. Closures offer wildlife herds forage, shelter and protection from disturbance over the winter and into early spring, when animals are most vulnerable.
Seasonal closures also prevent damage to road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods, even if snow levels are not very deep. Spring conditions are variable and visitors should be prepared to encounter roads that are impassable because of snow drifts, waterlogged roadbeds, down trees or other debris.
Forest visitors should follow the state order about recreation and the Rocky Mountain Region’s temporary closure of developed recreation sites order and implementation of fire restrictions order.
This includes all San Juan National Forest developed recreation sites, such as Haviland Lake, McPhee and House Creek campgrounds and boat ramps, as well as day-use areas and trailhead restrooms.
