U.S. Forest Service-Rio Grande National Forest

02/27/2026

Please feel free to contact the Divide Ranger District with any questions 719-657-3321.

02/18/2026

12/24/2025

In accordance with the Administration’s Presidential Action, our offices will be closed Dec. 24–26 in observance of the holiday. National forests and grasslands will remain open for your enjoyment.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season. ❄️🌟

11/24/2025

09/17/2025

Update: See attached news release from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office

There is currently a large search and rescue operation in progress on the Rio Grande National Forest at and around the Rio de los Pinos trailhead near Trujillo Meadows Reservoir. Please be aware of increased traffic and activity in the area.

08/26/2025

🔥 WE'RE HIRING: Wildland Fire Positions 🔥
The Rio Grande National Forest is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team! You'll play a critical role in our fire program, protecting communities and supporting forest health in Colorado and beyond! If you're committed to teamwork, public service and fire management, we want to hear from you.

🌲OPEN POSITIONS:
• GW-08/09 Assistant Fire Management Officer (Fuels)
• GW-07/08 Supervisory Fire Engine Operator
• GW-06/07 Fire Engine Operator
• GW-05/06 Suppression Module/WFM Squad Leader
• GW-04/05/06 Wildland Firefighter - Apprentice 1-2 positions
• GW-05/06 Assistant Fire Engine Operator
• GW-0462-03/04 Wildland Firefighter – Fire Suppression 1-2 positions
📍 LOCATIONS:
• Del Norte, CO / Monte Vista, CO / Saguache, CO
💻 ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
• Apply here: https://www.usajobs.gov
• Deadline to apply is Sept. 24,2025
ℹ️ LEARN MORE
Learn more about the Rio Grande National Forest by visiting our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande. For benefits, information about working in wildland fire, or more information about the USDA Forest Service, visit www.fs.usda.gov.

07/11/2025

Where's all the smoke coming from?
Most likely, it is from the two new wildfires at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
The NWS US National Weather Service Pueblo Colorado issued an Air Quality Alert at 9:10 that includes much of the Rio Grande National Forest.
https://www.weather.gov/pub/
Here is the Air Now map that shows San Luis Valley towns at elevated levels of concern:
https://fire.airnow.gov/ #9.13/37.6818/-106.4499

The photo shows a smoke drift map from yesterday. It should be updated soon.

The new wildfire outbreaks in western Colorado and eastern Utah highlight the fact that it's time to remain vigilant in our well known fire prevention basics:
Be careful with anything that can cause a spark to reach dry fuels
Always drown, stir, and feel your campfires before leaving
Check for fire restrictions where you are going
Don't park on dry grass or brush
Don't let your trailer's safety chains drag on the pavement
Please be safe out there!

07/03/2025

Liberty Fire Update
The lightning caused Liberty Fire was detected late on July 1. A huge shout out goes to the Baca Grande Volunteer Fire Department who conducted the initial response and continued to help extinguish the fire the next day. The .35-acre fire is located just off Liberty Road approximately 8 miles south of Crestone, CO.

With excellent fire suppression efforts by all involved, including several training opportunities, the fire is expected to be declared controlled later today. Fire crews will remain on the fire as long as it is necessary to ensure the fire is no longer a threat. There will be no further updates unless fire activity changes.

The photos show a firefighter cutting a small tree close to the lightning struck tree and the whole fire suppression crew on day 2.
Thanks for the hard work Baca Grande VFD!

07/02/2025

07/01/2025

Don't let your fun turn into flames.

As you make plans to celebrate the 4th of July, please remember that fireworks are prohibited on public lands.

Possessing, igniting, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on national forests and grasslands.

05/23/2025

Memorial Day Weekend Safety Tips
This is just a reminder that nearly all the Rio Grande National Forest roads are open BUT they may not all be fully passable due to snow and mud barriers. Please do not attempt to go around these areas as it commonly leads to getting stuck. This typically leads to long and unpleasant recovery actions that can be dangerous. They can also cause unnecessary damage to our natural resources.

Due to persistent snow, Elwood Pass, Blowout Pass and Stony Pass are all impassable. The Lobo Overlook is also still closed.

Finally, Trujillo Meadows and Mix Lake campgrounds will not be open this weekend.

The photo of two tire tracks going partially in a snow drift on a road is from Elwood Pass in May a few years ago.

05/15/2025

Forest Roads To Open This Week

The seasonal road closures on the Rio Grande National Forest are set to end tonight, May 15, 2025. Most of the forest road gates will be opened, but at higher elevations, many roads may still be impassable due to mud and snow.

Forest Supervisor Dennis Kuhnel says "Please remember that the conditions on the ground may vary greatly between areas and often, one end of a road to the other. I encourage the public to make good choices when traveling on a road that is full of snow or mud. Be a good land steward and turn around before getting stuck or causing damage and try your trip another day.”

Read the news release here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/newsroom/releases/forest-roads-open-week