Elk Fire Trail Closure - Updated January 1, 2025

The Elk Fire trail closures: closure map and Forest Order.

These temporary trail closures are in effect due to the increased risk of debris flows from impacts of the Elk Fire. What is a debris flow? Often referred to as mud slides, debris flows are fast moving landslides made up of a powerful slurry of mud, boulders, or entire trees that can be dangerous to anyone in their path. Landslides, in general, are not uncommon in the Bighorn Mountains but due to the Elk Fire it is very likely that debris flows will occur after or during spring run off or during a significant precipitation event. Due to this increased risk, trails that access areas with high debris flow likely hood are temporarily closed, including Tongue River Canyon. Time is the best treatment for reducing the risk. For more information on debris flows visit the USGS at https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-debris-flow?page=1