USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest

USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest Official page of the San Juan National Forest.

The Swiss Roll Fire continues to smolder and creep, with occasional isolated tree torching, but has not grown significan...
09/04/2026

The Swiss Roll Fire continues to smolder and creep, with occasional isolated tree torching, but has not grown significantly over the past few days. The roughly two-acre fire is located south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz Meadow east of HWY 160 on the Pagosa Ranger District.

Some rain is expected in the area in the coming week, which fire managers expect will keep the fire in check.

Fire crews do not plan to engage the Swiss Roll Fire due to extremely high threat to safety from falling dead trees, and lack of access in the case of a medical emergency. Additionally, the fire is not expected to threaten life or property thanks to its remote location and low likelihood of significant growth.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire daily, and will implement an indirect containment strategy with predetermined action points if fire growth reaches certain locations.

*HERMOSA PARK ROAD UPDATE*The closure timeline for Hermosa Park Road has been significantly reduced. Only two days of fu...
09/04/2026

*HERMOSA PARK ROAD UPDATE*

The closure timeline for Hermosa Park Road has been significantly reduced. Only two days of full road closure will be required to complete the Hermosa Creek Culvert Project. One of the closure days is Tuesday, September 8. The second day is dependent on heavy equipment availability, but occur between September 9-11. We will announce the second closure date as soon as possible.

Visit our Hermosa Creek Watershed page for more details on this project, under the Projects dropdown: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/natural-resources/hermosa-creek-watershed

We will keep the information line up to date for public to call for the most recent information on the Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project: ‪(970) 501-5830‬

Location: NFSR 578 will be closed just beyond the intersection of Hermosa Park Road and Hermosa Creek Trailhead.

Access: From the Purgatory/Hwy 550 side, visitors will have full access to the Hermosa Creek Trailhead, parking, camping, and restrooms. Trailer turnaround will remain available at the trailhead. From the Dolores direction, the closure will begin at the intersection of Hotel Draw Road and Hermosa Park Road.

The closure will apply to vehicles, bicycles, foot traffic, and equestrian use for public safety. The Blackhawk Pass/Colorado Trail loop will not be accessible during this period. Fishing and hiking access will remain open outside the closure area.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Durango
Visit Durango
La Plata County Government

WE'RE HIRING! Dates to Apply: 9/3/2026 - 9/9/2026Apply now through www.USAJobs.govThe is currently hiring:GS 5/6/8 Sup...
09/03/2026

WE'RE HIRING!

Dates to Apply: 9/3/2026 - 9/9/2026
Apply now through www.USAJobs.gov

The is currently hiring:

GS 5/6/8 Support Services Specialist (permanent)
1 position in Dolores, CO
1 position in Bayfield, CO
https://forestservicecareers.usajobs.gov/job/883086700

Support Services Specialists manage ranger district operations. They are a vital asset to the office as they manage communications, procurement, property management, space management, records management, mail service, and customer service.

GS 9/11 Archaeologist (permanent)
1 position in Bayfield, CO
https://forestservicecareers.usajobs.gov/job/883340800

Archaeologists work to identify, evaluate, and preserve historical, cultural, and pre-contact resources on national forest lands while balancing sustainable land management and project needs. They are a vital member of the Heritage Resources Program as one of the primary resource consultants for program managers before work can commence.

Learn more about these positions on our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/working-with-us/careers

La Plata County Government
Fort Lewis College
The Durango Herald
Pueblo Community College Southwest
The Pagosa Springs SUN newspaper
The Journal
Montezuma County Colorado
Archuleta County
Jobs in Durango and Surrounding Area
Durango Job Connection
San Juan College

Construction is well underway on the Mainstem Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project! In mid-August, contractors beg...
09/02/2026

Construction is well underway on the Mainstem Hermosa Creek Culvert Installation Project!

In mid-August, contractors began delivering material to the site, re-channeled the existing creek inside a temporary culvert, and constructed a temporary road to bypass traffic during construction. Last week, they delivered the concrete footers designed to hold the metal arch that creates the culvert (see photos). As the project progresses, there is a need to move the temporary culvert and bypass road to continue construction and allow traffic to pass the project area.

The SanJuanNF initially planned for a six-week road closure at this location to limit traffic congestion during the construction window. However, based on the contractor’s needs and progress, we’re happy to announce that the road closure will only last 2 days between September 8th and September 11th. One of the closure dates is September 8, and the second day will be later in the week, to be announced. We will update the phone line and webpage as soon as we know the exact timing of the closure. In addition to the full day closures, the public should be prepared for temporary delays (up to a few hours) when passing through the project area and still expect heavy construction equipment in the area.

We want to thank the public for their understanding and patience during this project. We know it’s a popular and beloved destination, and we look forward to sharing this improved watershed with you.

For more information about the project, call the information phone line (970-501-5830) or visit the Hermosa Creek Watershed webpage https://tinyurl.com/4w57nrue

Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Durango
La Plata County Government
Visit Durango
Five Rivers Trout Unlimited

Recent rainfall has reduced fire activity on the Swiss Roll Fire, located south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz M...
09/01/2026

Recent rainfall has reduced fire activity on the Swiss Roll Fire, located south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz Meadow east of HWY 160 on the Pagosa Ranger District. Fire crews do not plan to engage the Swiss Roll Fire due to extremely high threat to safety from falling dead trees, and lack of access in the case of a medical emergency. Additionally, the fire is not expected to threaten life or property thanks to its remote location and low likelihood of significant growth.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire daily, and will implement an indirect containment strategy with predetermined action points if fire growth reaches certain locations.

Additional moisture forecasted for the end of the week is expected to keep this fire in check as it has for nearly two weeks.

Despite recent rainfall, the moisture received has not been enough to reduce current fire safety precautions. Vegetation...
08/31/2026

Despite recent rainfall, the moisture received has not been enough to reduce current fire safety precautions. Vegetation across the area remains dry, and the risk of wildfire continues to be high. We ask everyone to remain vigilant and follow all fire restrictions in place.

Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect in Zone 1 on the and surrounding areas:
▪ Campfires allowed only in FS-installed metal or concrete rings within established campgrounds
▪ No fires in dispersed camping areas in Zone 1
▪ Propane/gas stoves with an on/off switch are allowed; charcoal is not
▪ Fireworks are not permitted

For additional details, visit the San Juan NF Alerts page: https://tinyurl.com/Stage1Zone1

Thanks for doing your part and continuing to follow current fire restrictions—it truly makes a difference.

A small fire has been discovered on the ridgetop east of Trimble, CO, likely caused by lightning. Fire managers are work...
08/31/2026

A small fire has been discovered on the ridgetop east of Trimble, CO, likely caused by lightning. Fire managers are working on a plan to staff the Freed Canyon Fire in the coming days once a break in the weather allows. The current threat of lightning is too high to send firefighters in.

The fire appears to have low spread potential and is burning in the Missionary Ridge fire scar.

Hermosa Happenings Upper Pine River Fire Protection

08/30/2026

Firefighters on the Columbine Ranger District have wrapped up operations on both the Medicine Creek Fire (north of Baldy Mountain) and Youngs Canyon Fire (west of Florida Campground).

Crews finished containing Youngs Canyon Fire this morning and are hiking out this afternoon. On the Medicine Creek Fire, no smoke has been detected for the last 24 hours. They will continue to monitor both fires in the coming days to ensure fuels are extinguished.

Fire managers on the Pagosa Ranger District of the are reporting a small increase on the Swiss Roll Fire, updating the...
08/29/2026

Fire managers on the Pagosa Ranger District of the are reporting a small increase on the Swiss Roll Fire, updating the current size to 1.5 acres, with some visible smoke on the fire. The fire is located south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz Meadow east of HWY 160.

The crew that evaluated the fire today determined that the hazards, particularly the significant number of dead standing trees, are too great to safely insert firefighters for direct engagement.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire daily, and will implement an indirect containment strategy with predetermined action points if fire growth reaches certain locations.

The area is forecasted for continued afternoon thunderstorm buildup with chances of precipitation through August 31st, with an opportunity for additional moisture on the fire the end of next week. This fire has the potential to be on the landscape for several weeks, or until the fire receives substantial rain.

Town of Pagosa Springs
Archuleta County, CO Sheriff's Office
Archuleta County
Pagosa Weather
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Visit Pagosa Springs

Update 7:00pm: Fire crews established a saw and handline around the fire tonight with the assistance from the Type 3 hel...
08/29/2026

Update 7:00pm:

Fire crews established a saw and handline around the fire tonight with the assistance from the Type 3 helicopter. With the forecasted rain and potential thunderstorms projected for the next few days, crews plan to monitor and follow up on the fire tomorrow morning.

————

Update 4:45pm:

Columbine fire managers are utilizing a Type 3 helicopter to drop water on the fire from Lemon Reservoir. These operations will likely continue for the next several hours. If you are recreating in this area, please stay vigilant of your surroundings and give the helicopter crew plenty of room to conduct their operations.

——————

Firefighters on the Columbine Ranger District are hiking in to the newly discovered 1/4-acre Youngs Canyon Fire west of Florida Campground. Smoke is visible from County Road 243 near Lemon Reservoir. This lightning-caused fire was spotted around 9am this morning and is a known fire — please do not report.

Two engines are also on scene to provide support. There are no values at risk and crews anticipate containment later today.

Address

Durango, CO

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19702474874

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