Current Conditions

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

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.

 If you need help identifying the Ranger District you are most interested in, please use the map below.

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Severe flooding on Oct 10-13, 2025 created ongoing safety and access concerns on roads, trails and in waterways on the Columbine and Pagosa ranger districts. Some roads and vehicle bridges suffered severe damage. Wilderness trail bridges on Vallecito Creek and West Fork trails were destroyed by flooding, and replacement is not expected to take place until at least 2027. Visitors should visit respective trail pages for detailed information, and proceed with caution as many trails have not yet been assessed post-flood. See the above roads tables for specific details.

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. 

Following the flood event, the San Juan National Forest applied for and was awarded Federal Highway Administration financial support through their Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program. Thanks to this funding, repair work will begin as early as spring 2026 and will continue through 2027. ERFO was established to assist federal agencies with the repair or reconstruction of federally owned roads (among other infrastructure) that are open to public travel, that have suffered serious damage by a natural disaster or a catastrophic failure.

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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.

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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.