Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds Durango-area trail users that, despite the warming weather, many trails remain closed through April 15 to protect wildlife.
Heavy snowfall this winter has made it more difficult for wintering big game to access food, and they may be in poor physical condition. This makes it even more critical that people observe winter wildlife closures.
Closures are in effect for properties managed by CPW, the Bureau of Land Management and the city of Durango. Public access to those areas is prohibited during the closure period, which is set to protect wintering big-game and spring-nesting peregrine falcons. Violations could result in a citation and fine. All closures are marked with signs, and CPW officers will write citations violations.
Closures still in effect include:
Bodo State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 15. The Smelter Mountain Trail is open for hikers only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dogs are prohibited. Perins Peak State Wildlife Area: Public access is prohibited from Dec. 1 through April 15. Closures remain in effect through July 31 in areas east of County Road 208. Big Canyon and Sale Barn trailheads off U.S. Highway 160 are closed to all public use. South Rim Trail, including portions of Sidewinder and Cowboy trails on BLM accessed from Carbon Junction trail or Crites Connection.Grandview BLM trails accessed from Three Springs.BLM lands above the lower loop trail on Animas City Mountain.All upper trails in the Twin Buttes open-space area.To report violations, call 247-0855.
