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Winter Travel Season Begins November 23 on the White River National Forest
Release Date: Nov 21, 2019
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. – The White River National Forest winter motor vehicle use season begins this Saturday, November 23, 2019 and ends May 20, 2020. Some gates and roads may be closed earlier due to early snow accumulation at high elevations. Please contact your local Ranger District office to check on the status of winter closures prior to driving into the Forest.
During the winter season, all wheeled vehicles (including bikes) are limited to plowed routes or designated routes open through special order. Winter Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) identify routes and areas designated for “over the snow” motor vehicle travel (such as snowmobiles). Motor Vehicle Use Maps are free and available at all Ranger Districts or online. Please respect the shift from summer to winter travel even if the snowpack is minimal. Seasonal winter closures are in place to provide critical winter habitat for wildlife, for winter recreational activities, and for visitor safety.
During the winter months, snowmobile clubs groom many roads as a public service using a combination of volunteer time and funding from partners and private donors. Please help protect their investment, groomed surfaces, and winter recreation opportunities by respecting signage and travel restrictions.
Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area: The Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area changed to winter use and “over the snow” vehicles on November 15. The area will start charging fees on Saturday, November 30 when grooming and plowing operations begin. Season passes are now available for purchase at the Eagle-Holy Cross and Dillon Ranger District offices for $65. Day passes will be available at Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area trailheads for $10.
Fat-tire biking: Fat-tire biking is limited to plowed routes that are open to wheeled vehicles or designated routes open through special order. Currently, all trails are closed to fat-tire bikes in the winter in accordance with the White River National Forest 2011 Travel Management Plan.
For more information contact your local Ranger District. You may also find information online at http://bit.ly/WRNF_Travel_Mgmt.
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