Memorial Weekend – Roads, Trail Conditions Opening Up

Release Date: May 21, 2015

Contact(s): Mariah Leuschen, 406-548-1174, Marna Daley, 406-587-6703

Bozeman, MT– Memorial Weekend is often the first camping weekend of the year for many families; districts across the Custer Gallatin National Forest are working to open seasonal gates, campgrounds and infrastructure for the upcoming weekend.  Earthquake Lake Visitors Center opens daily (including holidays) May 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Numerous roads, campgrounds and trails are also opening.  This year roads and trails have been melting off sooner than normal and the temptation can be to explore deeper into the forest.  However many portions of roads and trails remain closed due to soft road conditions or wildlife concerns.  Please respect these closures and tread lightly on those roads and trails already open.  Much of the longer-term damage to trail systems and roads can be greatly reduced by treading lightly when conditions are muddy and wet, benefiting the longer-term recreational use of the road and trail systems in place. 

            Close to Bozeman, the Hyalite Day Use Site is able to be reserved through www.recreation.gov, along with several Cabins across the Forest and Langhor, Chisholm and Hood Creek campgrounds are open.  Through Gallatin Canyon many of the roads and campgrounds are opening and concessionaire operated campgrounds in the Hebgen Basin are also open, visit www.hebgenbasincampgrounds.comfor information on Rainbow Point, Cabin Creek, Baker’s Hole, Beaver Creek or Lonesomehurst.  Campgrounds around the Yellowstone, Gardiner, Beartooth, Ashland and Sioux Ranger Districts are opening as scheduled as well.  The Beartooth Highway is scheduled for opening Memorial Weekend, pending weather conditions; check Montana DOT for updates.  Halfmoon campground on the Yellowstone R.D. has a new re-route, but muddy conditions exist and avoiding the road until conditions dry and firm up is recommended.   

Seasonal trail crews are staring in the coming weeks, but recreationists should expect downed trees and unmaintained conditions during the early part of the season, until crews are on board and able to get out on the ground.

“It’s a great reminder to always check with your local ranger district for the current updates on a respective road or trail conditions, prior to heading out,” said Mariah Leuschen, Public Affairs Specialist.  “Whether going for a day hike or overnight carry your essentials including food, water, extra layers, map, compass and bear spray.”  Keep bear spray readily available and properly hang or store food and attractants.  For information on Being Bear Aware and general information visit online at: www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatinor on facebook at:  Custer Gallatin National Forestfor updates.

For updated road, trailandcampground information pleasecallthe respective ranger districts:

• Ashland Ranger District:  406-784-2344
• Beartooth Ranger District:  406-446-2103
• Bozeman RangerDistrict:  406-522-2520
• Bozeman:  24 hourInformation:  406-522-2534
• Gardiner Ranger District:  406-848-7375
• Hebgen Lake Ranger District:  406-823-6961
• Sioux Ranger District:  605-797-4432
• Yellowstone Ranger District:  406-222-1892