Current Conditions
Post-Flood Conditions as of November, 2025
Severe flooding on October 10-13, 2025 created ongoing safety and access concerns for Forest users on the Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts of the San Juan National Forest on roads, trails, and in waterways.
Visitors should expect dangerous conditions on roads and trails ranging from deep mud, washouts, continued flooding, instability, and changing conditions. Our available forest road crews will be assessing the widespread damage to roads, trails, bridges, and other infrastructure and repairing priority roads as time and their availability permits well into 2026. Trail bridges on multiple trails were washed away during the flood events. Visitors should visit respective trail pages for detailed information, and proceed with caution as many trails have not yet been assessed post-flood.
Rivers and streams experienced conditions changes, some of which may be hazardous to boaters and other users. Visitors should proceed down waterways with caution. Hazards include log jams in Vallecito Creek and other waterways, shifting boulders, debris slides, and watercourse changes.
Forest Road Status
We regularly update the tables below to help users determine road conditions on the Forest. If infrastructure such as bridges or culverts appear damaged and are not noted below, please report it to the information line voicemail at (970) 501-5830 and do not attempt to cross.
The Forest Road Status tables are updated as soon as the Ranger Districts relay the information. Check out our Motorized Vehicle Use Maps for more details on seasonal dates for roads and camping. Any road can be blocked by downed trees or snow at any time. Do not cause ruts or road damage and do not get stuck. You can be ticketed for road damage. The Forest Service and the Counties do not rescue stranded vehicles.
As of October 29, 2025
| Road Name | FR Number | Open Date (Weather Dependent) | Closure Date (Weather Dependent) | Special Conditions |
| Andrews Lake | 590 | 11/30 | ||
| Beaver Meadows: Mile 2.6 - 9 | 135 | 5/1 | 12/31 | |
| Beaver Meadows: Past Mile 9 | 135 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Bedrock Creek* | 792 | 12/15 | ||
| Boren Creek* | 794 | 12/15 | ||
| Burnt Timber | 595 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Cascade Divide | 579 | 5/1 | 11/14 | |
| Chattanooga* | 820 | Weather Dependent | Weather Dependent | No gate; therefore are not regularly monitored.* |
| Clear Lake* | 815 | Weather Dependent | Weather Dependent | No gate; therefore are not regularly monitored.* |
| Columbus Basin** | 498 | Open | Opens and closes with La Plata County Rd, 124 | |
| East Florida | 596 | 5/1 | 12/31 | |
| Endlich Mesa | 597 | 5/1 | Closed 12/01/24 | |
| East Vallecito at Mile 1.5 | 603 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| Elbert Creek | 581 | 5/1 | 11/14 | |
| First Notch: Mile 0.5 - 7.1 | 620 | 5/1 | 12/31 | |
| First Notch: Past Mile 7.1 | 620 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Fossett Gulch | 613 | Open | ||
| Haviland Lake / Chris Park | 671/ 791 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| Henderson Lake | 081 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Hermosa Park: Mile 0.4 - 8.7 | 578 | Gate will open 5/17/25 | 11/14 | |
| Hermosa Park: Mile 8.7-25.3 (Bolam Pass) | 578 | Gate will open 5/17/25 | 11/30 | |
| Hotel Draw | 550 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| Junction Creek: Mile 3.5 -10.9 | 171 | 5/1 | 12/31 | |
| Junction Creek: Past 10.9 | 171 | 6/1 | 12/1 | Rockslide near Monument Hill from flooding event (Oct 2025); road is passable but not with trailer |
| Lange Canyon | 132 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| La Plata Canyon County Rd** | 124 | Open | La Plata County has completed the road repair from Oct. 2025 flooding event. | |
| Lime Creek Rd* | 591 | Partially open via barricades at Spud Lake on the south side and at Hwy 550 on the north | Partially closed due to road damage from flooding event, Oct. 2025 | Road damage from flooding event, Oct. 2025. |
| Little Molas Lake | 6/1 | 11/30 | ||
| Lower Hermosa | 576 | 5/1 | 12/31 | |
| Middle Mountain | 724 | Open | Reduced to one lane with significant damage caused by flooding event, Oct. 2025. | |
| Missionary Ridge (lower to gravel pit) | 682 | 5/1 | ||
| Missionary Ridge past Mile 5.7 | 682 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Mitchell Lakes* | 740 | Weather Dependent | Weather Dependent | No gate; therefore are not regularly monitored.* |
| Ophir Pass* | 679 | Weather Dependent | Weather Dependent | No gate; therefore are not regularly monitored.* |
| Pine River* | 602 | Open | ||
| Red Rim | 076 | 6/1 | 11/30 | |
| Relay Creek | 580 | 5/1 | 11/14 | |
| Relay Station | 743 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| South Mineral Creek* | 585 | Weather Dependent | Weather Dependent | No gate; therefore are not regularly monitored.* |
| Sauls Creek | 608 | 5/1 | 11/30 | |
| Spring Creek | 537 | 5/1 | 12/25 |
* These forest roads are not gated; therefore are not regularly monitored. Please call (970) 884-2512 for the most up-to-date information.
** Winter access on La Plata Canyon Road, CR 124 has changed. La Plata County installed a gate at the cattle guard and will be closed each December through May. All forms of recreation are still welcome - snowmobiles, skiers, fat tire bikes, snowshoeing etc.
Camping Information: Camping is allowed in most places on the Forest. Please note on the Columbine Ranger District, La Plata Canyon and South Mineral Creek allow camping in designated sites only, and camping is not permitted along the Junction Creek Road the first 8.5 miles. Please use existing campsites along Forest Service roads, but do not travel farther than 300 feet from these roads to access the sites. In South Mineral Creek, no motor vehicles are allowed off South Mineral Road (FDR 585) or Clear Creek Road (FDR 815) to access camping sites.
As of December 2, 2025
| Road Name | Forest Road Number | Status | Open Date | Closure Date | Special Condition |
| Barlow Creek (to Bolam Pass)* | 578 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| Bean Canyon | 257 | Open | |||
| Beaver Rim | 529 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection (closes when House Creek road system closes) |
| Beaver Rim F | 529F | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection (closes when House Creek road system closes) |
| Black Mesa* | 533 / 611 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| Black Snag | 512 / 241 | 512 Open 241 Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Boggy Draw | 527 | Open | |||
| Carlyle Point | 525 | Open | |||
| Cherry Creek | 320 | Open to gravel pit | Gate past gravel pit opens on 5/1 and closes on 12/1 for seasonal wildlife protection | ||
| Chicken Creek | 385 | Open | |||
| Chicken Creek D | 385D | Closed | Chicken Creek Ski Area in winter months | ||
| Cottonwood | 532 | Open | |||
| Cottonwood A | 532A | Open | |||
| Dolores-Norwood (County Road 31) | 526 | Open | North of Kinder Morgan compressor station will remain open and semi-maintained throughout the winter. | ||
| Echo Basin | 566 | Open | |||
| Glade | 514 | Open | |||
| Grouse Point | 390 | Open | |||
| Haycamp Point | 558 | Open | |||
| Hillside Drive* | 436 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| House Creek, lower | 528 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| House Creek, east | 528.1 | Open | |||
| House Creek, upper | 529D | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Lone Dome | 504 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Lower Boggy Draw | 258 | Open | |||
| Madden Peak | 316 | Open | |||
| McPhee Park | 531 | CLOSED | FOREST CLOSURE ORDER IN EFFECT | ||
| Millwood | 559 | Open | |||
| Oak Knolls | 249 | Closed | 249 C is open | ||
| Ormiston Point | 521 | Open | |||
| Railroad Grade | 568 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Ramparts | 328 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Red Arrow | 567 | Open | |||
| Ridge Point | 271 | Open | |||
| Roaring Fork/Divide* | 435/564 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| Rock Springs (Haycamp) | 556 | Open | Open to to 556/558 intersection; FSRs, 557, 558 and arterial routes open. | ||
| Ryman Creek | 240 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| Scotch Creek (to Hotel Draw)* | 550 | Open | No gate; weather dependent; Incredibly rough road (Roaring Fork as alternative) | ||
| Stoner Mesa | 686/875 | Open | |||
| Taylor Mesa* | 545/547/555/248 201/864/692/592 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| West Dolores / Meadows* | 535 | Open | No gate; weather dependent | ||
| West Mancos | 561 | Open | Open to Transfer Campground |
* These roads do not have a gate therefore are not regularly monitored. Please call (970) 882-7296 for the most up-to-date information.
As of December 2, 2025
Buckles Lake Road (NFSR 663) will be undergoing roadbed reconditioning and surfacing beginning October 30, 2025, with an expected completion date of November 30th . The project includes the entire length (7.5 miles) of the road from highway 84 to the Buckles Lake trailhead. The project will NOT include road closures, but users can expect delays of up to 30 minutes. Heavy truck traffic and equipment operating within the roadway should be expected and users should drive with caution. This work will repair deferred maintenance items associated with road drainage and surface conditions in preparation for upcoming vegetation management projects in the area.
West Fork Road (NFSR 648) is open to West Fork Campground. See closure order for details on bridge closure following flooding damage.
| Road Name | FR Number | Status | Open Date | Closure Date | Special Conditions |
| Archuleta Creek | 618 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Black Mountain | 661 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Closes with Plumtaw (634) |
| Blanco River | 656 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Blue Creek / Big Branch | 012/664 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Buckles Lake (Main Gate to 2nd Gate) | 663 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | Under Construction. Upper end has been closed. See announcement above. Expect 30 minute delays through Nov 30. |
| Buckles Lake (above 2nd Gate) | 663 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | Under Construction. See announcement above. Expect 30 minute delays through Nov 30. |
| Burns Canyon to 2nd gate | 649 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Burns Canyon above 2nd gate | 649 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Castle Creek to Opal Lake TH | 660 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Castle Creek to Fish Creek TH | 660 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Chris Mountain | 681 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Closes with Snow Ranch Road (628) |
| Devil Creek to State Wildlife area | 627 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Devil Mountain | 626 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| East Fork | 667 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | Proceed with Caution, Road Damage from flooding |
| East Toner | 637 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Proceed with caution. Culvert plugged at Wainwright. Open & closes with Middle Fork (636) |
| Echo Canyon (Nipple Mtn opens) | 029 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Eight Mile Mesa | 651 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Fall Creek | 039 | Closed | Closed indefinitely due to severe culvert washout from flooding event, Oct. 2025. | ||
| Fawn Gulch | 666 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| First Fork at Main Gate | 622 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Proceed with caution. Road damage from flooding event, Oct. 2025. |
| First Fork at Sheep Creek Gate | 622 | Open | Conditional | Closes 12/15 | Opens & closes with First Fork at Main Gate |
| Fourmile | 645 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Hatcher | 033 | Closed | Closed indefinitely due to road washout from flooding event, Oct. 2025. | ||
| Jack's Pasture | 746 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Jackson Mountain | 037 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Kenney Flats | 006 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Left Hand Canyon | 024 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Lower Piedra to campground | 621 | Closed | Conditional | End of Sept | Closes when Lower Piedra Campground closes (end of Sept) |
| McManus (at Plumtaw intersection) | 633 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Middle Fork | 636 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Monument East | 630 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Closes with Turkey Springs Upper (629) |
| Monument West | 630 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Opens & closes with First Fork (622) |
| Mosca | 631 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Nipple Mountain | 665 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Nipple Mountain above Echo Canyon to MM9 | 665 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Piedra Road | CR 600 / 631 | Open | Conditional | Remains open all year, plowed in winter | |
| Plumtaw | 634 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Poison Park | 644 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Closes with Williams Creek from lake (640) |
| Price Lakes | 731 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Snowball | 646 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | Proceed with caution. Roadbed erosion caused by flooding event, Oct. 2025. |
| Snowball E | 646E | Closed | Closed indefinitely due to road washout from flooding event, Oct. 2025. | ||
| Snow Ranch | 628 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Trail Ridge | 639 | Open | Conditional | 1/15 | |
| Turkey Creek | 647 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Turkey Springs - Upper Gate | 629 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Turkey Springs - Lower/Middle Gates | 629 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | High Clearance 4WD / ATV - UTV Recommended |
| Valle Seco Upper to private property | 653 | Closed | 5/1 | 12/1 | Seasonal closure for wildlife protection |
| West Fork | 648 | Partially Open; Open to West Fork Campground | Conditional | 12/15 | Open to West Fork Campground. See closure order for details on bridge closure following flooding damage. |
| Williams Creek (Gate to the Lake) | 640 | Open | Conditional | Remains open all year, plowed in winter | |
| Williams Creek from lake to Palisades HC | 640 | Open | Conditional | 12/15 | |
| Wolf Creek | 725 | Open | Conditional | Proceed with Caution, Road Damage from flooding |
If you need help identifying the Ranger District you are most interested in, please use the map below.
Fall Colors Report
Find the Golden Aspens
Peak foliage dates are generally pretty consistent, rarely wobbling by more than a few days. Over the past several years, the colors in the San Juan Mountains tend to start mid-September near Silverton and finish up early to mid-October around Pagosa Springs, Purgatory and Dolores. Stay up-to-date with our weekly updates!
Weather
Weather can change instantly and dramatically on the forest, especially at higher elevations or in mountain passes. Sudden, unexpected mountain storms are common throughout the year. Be aware of the possibilities of thunderstorms during the summer, and snow in late spring or early fall.
- Start early. Storms typically hit early afternoon and can last until after dark.
- If you are planning to be above treeline, start early to avoid exposure during afternoon thunderstorms. Check out our Lightning Safety Guidance for more information.
- Expect and be prepared for rain, hail, snow, or biting wind at any time of the year.
Always check the weather forecast prior to setting out for your adventure on Forest Service land. You can check with the local ranger district office for current weather conditions or check current and predicted weather conditions from the National Weather Service. Check for National Weather Service Alerts before your trip.
Avalanche Awareness & Snowpack
Snowdon Peak
(San Juan NF)Avalanches are possible any time you have snow on a slope. The best thing you can do before you head into the mountains is check the avalanche forecast at
Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and the limitations of your body and equipment can help ensure safe and enjoyable outings. Avalanche potential increases with increasing slope angle, snowfall, rain, wind, changing temperatures and many other factors. If you are traveling where there isn't a current avalanche forecast, here are some simple things that will help you avoid avalanches.
- Avalanches are possible when you have snow on a slope steeper than about 30 degrees.
- Most avalanches happen during or soon after a big snowstorm, period of strong winds, or during a thaw (rapid increase in temperature).
- Signs of higher avalanche danger include recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.
No avalanche training? Consider getting some. One option is the free beginner classes offered by Friends of the San Juans. Until you receive training, stick to low profile, non-avalanche prone terrain.
For real-time and historical snowpack data, check out the SNOTEL interactive map and report.
Additional recreation winter tips
Stay safe with additional Winter Recreation Tips.
Current Fire Restrictions / Incidents
Before your visit, it is very important for you to know if there are any fire restrictions in the area. These restrictions may include prohibiting fires outside a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate, use of chainsaws, etc. Visit our Fire Information page for the most up-to-date information