12/03/2025
**CLOSURES**
San Juan National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/
Forest Service News Release
Media Contact:
Lorena Williams
(970) 422-2939
[email protected]
Seasonal road, trail closures in place across San Juan National Forest
Durango, Colo., Dec. 3, 2025 — The San Juan National Forest has begun seasonal closures of National Forest System roads (NFSR) to wheeled motorized traffic, as well as motorized and some non-motorized trails, based on snow conditions and seasonal wildlife closures. These roads will open in the spring as conditions allow, generally around May 1.
Travelers should always be prepared for winter conditions and travel with shovels, tire chains and appropriate safety equipment necessary for winter conditions. Please visit the San Juan National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Road Conditions webpages for up-to-date road closures and conditions across all districts.
Even if snow levels are not deep, wheeled motorized use can damage road surfaces during freezing and thawing periods. Seasonal road and trail closures also protect critical habitat for deer and elk in winter and early spring when temperatures are cold, snow is deep and food is scarce. During these critical times, human disturbance can threaten the survival of deer and elk, especially pregnant females.
The Columbine Ranger District began seasonally closing most NFSR on Dec. 1. NFSR 578 (Hermosa Park Road) closed on Nov. 14 and will remain closed until April 30th as marked on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. The seasonal closure is in place to protect the road surface, visitor safety and to allow Purgatory to safely operate the resort under its special use permit. South Mineral, Little Molas and Andrews Lake have been closed by snow.
The Dolores Ranger District began seasonal closures of several roads and trails Dec. 1 and will continue based on snow conditions. These closures are implemented to protect critical winter habitat.
Roads closing Dec. 1 include:
• NFSR 504 - Dolores River below McPhee Dam
• NFSR 528 and 529D - House Creek area
• NFSR 240 and 241 - Ryman Creek area
• NFSR 568 - Railroad grade near Mancos Hill, and the McPhee Overlook Trail from the town of Dolores to House Creek Campground.
• NFSR 328 – Echo Basin area
The Pagosa Ranger District will be seasonally closing most NFS roads on Dec. 15. For specific road conditions visit the Roads Conditions webpage.
Visitors to the National Forest should be prepared to encounter additional closed gates on roads and trails across the San Juan National Forest as winter conditions develop.
For information on the San Juan National Forest, call 970-247-4874, visit the forest website or follow us on social media (X and Facebook).
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