The Ice Fire area closure has been reduced. The closure area now includes lower Ice Lakes Trail, lower Clear Lake Road and South Mineral Road (Forest Service Road 585) from a new gate just past Goldenhorn camping area to where it crosses Clear Creek past South Mineral Campground.
South Mineral Campground is excluded from the closure, however, access to the campground via South Mineral Road is prohibited because of fire-related hazards. The updated closure applies to all public entry, including hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, skiers and all motorized use, including snowmobiles.
Public entry into this area is prohibited for the safety of users. Fire crews report numerous fire-weakened trees on the lower sections of Ice Lakes Trail and the Clear Lake Road. Crews had cleared the Clear Lake road numerous times before the recent snowfall, but trees, rocks and boulders continued to fall. Soils saturated by rain and snow and loosened by freezing and thawing will be even more unstable.
In the spring, Forest Service crews will work to mitigate hazards along the Ice Lake Trail and Clear Lake Road. The closure is currently in place until July 31, 2021, however, it could be lifted earlier, extended later or the boundaries could be adjusted depending on conditions.
For more information, call Columbine Ranger District at 884-2512.
