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Find a list of all current Forest Orders, which set the local rules, regulations, and closures that apply at Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
Know Before You Go
Before you head out, make sure you have a well-researched plan as well as a back-up plan. Conditions in the forest can change, causing closures or restrictions. Make sure you always know the latest and check the weather before heading out. Always #KnowBeforeYouGo!
The Food Storage Order requires visitors to safely store food and other scented products like toothpaste and deodorant when they’re not actively cooking or eating. Bear resistant containers include bear lockers in campgrounds, bear resistant canisters (sold in stores), and food stored out of sight in closed and locked vehicles. Food can also be secured by properly hanging it 10 feet off the ground spaced between two trees, but this can be challenging in higher elevation areas where trees are stunted and scarce.
The order applies when visitors are either in a developed recreation site such as a campground or within 300 feet of either side of the centerline of any open public road (as indicated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map); and additional areas where conflicts with bears and people are known to occur: Lost Lake, Diamond Lake Backcountry Travel Zone, and Jasper Lake Backcountry Travel Zone.
Located NW of Nederland, Rainbow Lakes Road (FSR 116) serves two major trailheads (Sourdough & Rainbow) and a developed campground (Rainbow Lakes). Camping along the road has been increasing. Camping will be prohibited within a quarter-mile of either side of the road for one year (see map).
Located W of Jamestown, the Ceran Saint Vrain Trail is popular with a diverse group of recreationists. Along this 2-mile stretch of trail, staff identified 70+ campsites created by visitors looking for a short backpacking opportunity. The small area doesn't support both overnight and day use opportunities.
Located just south of the Town of Winter Park, Vasquez and Little Vasquez creeks serve as the drinking water supply for the town’s thousands of residents and guests. It is also a key access point to Winter Park’s famed mountain bike trail system. In recent years, Vasquez (FSR 156) and Little Vasquez (FSR 148), both narrow access roads to the Arapaho National Forest in this area, have become riddled with new visitor-created campsites, crammed between the road, the hillsides and the creek. There are no restroom facilities, trash receptacles or permanent campfire rings in this area. This temporary closure order and map will restrict camping within a quarter-mile on either side of Vasquez and Little Vasquez.
Located southwest of Evergreen, the Maxwell Falls and Cub Creek trailheads are enormously popular launching points for a dayhike through a dramatic canyon. This area also draws campers and late-night partiers who have campfires that are often left unextinguished. In close coordination with local fire departments, the Jefferson County Sheriff and other local elected officials, the Forest has designated this area as “day use only” for the next five years. It is now prohibited to camp, have a campfire or be in the Maxwell Falls area between sundown and sunrise.
Located west of Gross Reservoir, Winiger Ridge provides 26 designated campsites with metal fire rings. Recently, visitors have been pushing closer to the reservoir, creating new campsites along County Road 68J/FSR 68.2B, which is a rough 4WD road that is very difficult for emergency services and firefighters to traverse. In many cases, campsites have been set up on private property due to the fragmented landownership of the area. Issues with unattended campfires, trash, resource damage from off road driving and trespassing on private property have led to the decision to close this corridor to camping for two years while Forest staff focuses on providing higher quality sites along Winiger Ridge. Eventually, more sites may be added along Winiger Ridge to meet higher demand.
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