U.S. Forest Service-Arapaho & Roosevelt Natl Forests Pawnee Natl Grassland

08/20/2026

Two area and trail closures, one at the southern end of Long Draw Road in Larimer County and one near Parika Lake and Baker Creek in the Never Summer Wilderness, will be in effect August 23 - 30 to support the Poudre Headwaters Project. These closures prohibit public access to these areas while work is ongoing. To see the full orders and maps visit our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/alerts/grand-ditch-and-tributaries-chemical-reclamation-area-area-and-trail-closures

To learn more about the Poudre Headwaters Project, visit the project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/animals-plants/animals/poudre-headwaters-project

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing another phase of the Poudre Headwaters Project during the week of August 24-30, 2026.

Young greenbacks require food, space, and protection from non-native predators and competitors, like brook trout, which outcompete greenbacks. Removal of brook trout is a key factor for recovery success.

This project takes place on the west side of RMNP and involves the removal of all non-native fish from the Grand Ditch and upstream and downstream tributaries inside the park. Once removed, native Greenback cutthroat trout will be reintroduced into its native range in the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River.

The first phase of this project inside RMNP took place during August 2025. This year’s project will be very similar to last year’s project. Because of the level of activity associated with the implementation of the Poudre Headwaters Project, all areas and trails within the project zone will be closed to all uses beginning on Monday, August 24 through Sunday, August 30. The Colorado River Trail and the Grand Ditch will be closed.

To remove non-native fish, aquatic biologists will apply a piscicide called rotenone to the 14.3-mile Grand Ditch system and its upstream and downstream tributaries. Rotenone is commonly used by state and federal land management agencies. This project will be led by biologists with the U.S. Forest Service. Other partners include Colorado Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This project is possible thanks to support provided by Trout Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

While this project is underway, the following trails will remain open: East Inlet Trail, North Inlet/Tonohutu Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Coyote Valley Trail, Onahu Trail, and Timber Lake Trail. The Holzwarth Historic Site and Harbison Meadows Picnic Area will also remain open.

Fishing access will remain open in all areas along the Colorado River located south of the Colorado River Trailhead, including near the Holzwarth Historic Site and Coyote Valley.

To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/management/poudre-headwaters-project.htm

Image Credit: NPS Map

08/19/2026

Big game hunting on the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee has kicked off with the start of pronghorn season on the Pawnee National Grassland. Hunting is a long-standing use of public lands, and will continue throughout the fall and winter

Hunting the Arapaho Roosevelt Pawnee this year? Remember to exercise caution when shooting, carefully inspect areas for other forest users, and keep in mind dry conditions when discharging fi****ms, parking vehicles or camping. Follow all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations and federal regulations while hunting. Learn more here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hunting

Non-hunting visitors should practice good situational awareness during big game seasons as well. Consider wearing bright/neon colors while recreating, and make noise while moving to alert hunters to your presence.

08/18/2026

Planning to head to Devils Nose Target Range this week? Forest Service staff will be on site part of Friday to answer questions. The site is temporarily closed Thursday (8/19) for target line maintenance and general clean-up.

08/18/2026

Draining is complete at Meadow Creek Reservoir, near Granby, to allow for inspection and upgrades of the dam by Denver Water. The area remains open for use, though low water levels limit on-water recreation opportunities. Read Denver Water's press release to learn more: https://ow.ly/MGgq50ZAZGC

Lower water levels increase the potential for cyanobacteria, or toxic algae, in the reservoir. Cyanobacteria can cause illness in humans and animals. Signs have been posted in the area to notify the public of this potential. Learn more about cyanobacteria on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website: https://ow.ly/ffcP50ZAZGB

(Photo courtesy of Denver Water)

08/14/2026

Access to Vasquez Road (FSR 148) from Winter Park has reopened following the completion of construction along the town-operated section of the road. This reopening provides a direct route to the Vasquez Creek area from Highway 40. Remember: dispersed camping is prohibited along Vasquez Road from the forest boundary to the intersection with FSR 897.

08/13/2026

Thanks to our public safety partners who look out not only for hikers on the trails but our four-legged friends as well!

08/11/2026

Thunderstorm chances will be on the increase Wednesday through Friday, with locally heavy rainfall and even a threat of flash flooding by Thursday and Friday. While recent burn scars will be most susceptible, localized flooding will also be possible in urban areas and on portions of the plains. Stay weather aware over the next few days, and never drive through flooded roads.

08/11/2026

**Update: the application window for these positions has closed**

Looking to spend your fall and winter on the National Forest? Canyon Lakes Ranger District in Larimer County is looking for live-in volunteer hosts for historic ranger cabin rentals at Buckhorn and Redfeather Ranger Stations. Learn more and apply through volunteer.gov:

Buckhorn Ranger Station: https://ow.ly/J7AV50ZygTZ
Redfeather Ranger Station: https://ow.ly/FyMg50ZygTX

08/10/2026

Despite recent rainfall in some areas of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, large fuels like dead and downed trees remain very dry and receptive to fire. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for National Forest lands in Larimer, Boulder, Gilpin, Clear Creek , Grand and parts of Jefferson counties to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all campfires including charcoal. Propane or gas devices with an on-off switch or valve can still be used in areas cleared of all fuels and debris within 3 feet of the device.

By following current fire restrictions, visitors help protect forests, wildlife habitat, watersheds that provide drinking water, recreation opportunities, and nearby communities from the impacts of human-caused wildfires.

08/09/2026

Join us in wishing a happy 82nd birthday to Smokey Bear Thank you for always reminding us that “only you can prevent wildfires.”