Herald Staff Report
The Hermosa Creek Watershed and adjacent land along US Highway 550 are closed to public entry because of the 416 Fire. The closure is necessary to protect public health and safety as a result of aerial firefighting operations and unknown future fire activity, according to the San Juan National Forest.
The closures include the following:
Being within the area depicted on the closure order map, which includes the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area, the Hermosa Creek Wilderness, Forest Service lands within the Purgatory Resort permit area, and lands adjacent to Highway 550.
Several roads, incluing:
Lower Hermosa Road (NFSR 576) Mitchell Lakes Road (NFSR 740)Hermosa Park Road (NFSR 578) from U.S. 550 to Celebration LakeCascade Divide Road (NFSR 579)Hotel Draw Road (NFSR 550) east of its intersection with Scotch Creek Road (NFSR 550)Junction Creek Road (NFSR 171) beyond mile marker 17.5 but not including Neglected Mine Road (NFSR 574)Elbert Creek Road (NFSR 581)Relay Creek Road (NFSR 580)The following trails:
Hermosa Creek Trail (NFST 514)Pinkerton-Flagstaff Trail (NFST 522)Jones Creek Trail (NFST 518)Goulding Creek Trail (NFST 517)Dutch Creek Trail (NFST 516)Upper Dutch Creek Trail (NFST 497)Little Elk Creek Trail (NFST 515)Big Lick Trail (NFST 499)Elbert Creek Trail (NFST 512)Clear Creek Trail (NFST 550)South Fork Trail (NFST 549)Neglected Trail (NFST 547)Salt Creek Trail (NFST 559)Big Bend Trail (NFST 519)Corral Draw Trail (NFST521)The Colorado Trail remains open.
The closure will remain in effect until Saturday or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. Extension of the closure timeframe or area may occur depending on fire activity.
Violations of the closure are punishable by up to a $5,000 fine for an individual, or $10,000 fine for an organization, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
For more information on the closure, people can contact the San Juan National Forest at (970) 247-4874.
