The San Juan National Forest has announced plans to close part of Hermosa Park Road (NFSR 578) behind Purgatory Resort later this summer to replace culverts that will allow for the passage of Colorado River cutthroat trout.

Although the closure won’t begin until Aug. 19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning hunters and anglers of the closure in advance of the March 1 opening of the big game license draw application period.

The forest has released a map detailing the closure with marked areas where trailers can be turned around.

The road is a major access point to Game Management Unit 74, located north of Durango. It will be closed for roughly the final 2 miles leading to the Upper Hermosa Trailhead, where it crosses Sig and Relay creeks, from Aug. 19 to Sept. 13.

The closure will primarily impact archery season, as well as a September bear hunt and tags for deer and elk above timberline.

CPW District Wildlife Manager Luke Clancy said the forested area accessed through the Upper Hermosa Trailhead is the most popular in GMU 74.

Hunters can still access the trailhead by foot and bike from U.S. Highway 550, and by high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles via state Highway 145, north of Rico.

During the nearly monthlong closure, Forest Service personnel will replace culverts that will reconnect cutthroat trout habitat that is fragmented. The new culverts will also better protect the road when waters run high.

SJNF spokeswoman Lorena Williams said the closure is an inconvenience, but one with a good cause.

“What it will do to benefit the Colorado River cutthroat trout is pretty significant,” she said.

Tips on applying to the draw

• Don’t wait until the last minute, make sure all application materials are ready in advance.
• Check which units have over-the-counter tags, and which do not.
• Check the brochure for land or access closures and other changes.
• Use the right hunt code.
• Purchase a qualifying license and include the number on the order for a big game license.

Clancy said the closure will not impact the Elbert Creek Road or the Relay Creek Road, both of which are commonly used by hunters.

CPW spokesman John Livingston clarified that the project is taking place during hunting season because the construction must occur after the snowmelt runoff has declined and before the weather conditions begin to degrade.

The big game draw opens March 1 and closes April 2. Information can be found in CPW’s big game brochure at bit.ly/4301MGk.

rschafir@durangoherald.com