The Ice Fire Closure Area is now closed until September 15, 2021 or until otherwise rescinded. The Columbine Ranger District coordinated closely with San Juan County to evaluate area hazards posed to life-safety and the resulting need to extend the closure order time frame. Forest Order SJ-2021-02 extends the closure (map), which includes South Mineral Campground as well as the lower Ice Lakes Trail, the lower Clear Lake Road (NFSR 815), and the South Mineral Road (NFSR 585) from a new gate past Goldenhorn camping area to where it crosses Clear Creek past South Mineral Campground. The closure applies to ALL public entry, including hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, skiers, and all motorized use.
Due to construction activities on the dam at Haviland Lake and the low snow pack in the San Juan mountains, Haviland lake will be low or could be dry during the summer of 2021. Please check with the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office to determine what water levels will be like during your stay: (970) 247-0855.
All offices on the San Juan National Forest are closed but are conducting business virtually. The U.S. Forest Service is taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously & is following USDA & public health guidance. Please contact local offices for updates and more information.
San Juan National Forest HQ: (970) 247-4874
Columbine Ranger District: (970) 884-2512
Dolores Ranger District: (970) 882-7296
Pagosa Ranger District: (970) 264-2268
Telephone for Hearing Impaired: 711
Facility/Activity Status Updates
Developed recreation sites, including group campsites will open for the 2021 season.
Trails, trailheads and general forest areas will remain accessible for public use.
Dispersed camping, hiking and river uses are allowed.
Currently there are no Fire Restrictions are in place on the San Juan National Forest.
Drought has a firm grip on Southwest Colorado and fire danger will soon be on the rise. Please practice fire safety precautions to prevent human-caused fires, and NEVER leave a campfire unattended. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Never toss your cigarette butt on the ground. Be aware of the possible fire hazards from your vehicle: Be sure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle, do not park on dry grass or brush as the hot exhaust can start a fire.
For more information on fire restrictions (Stage I-III explained), fire danger levels, and fuels management, check out SJNF's Fire Management Page.
08/10/20: Rock slide reported on the CDT, South of South River Peak. A 30’ section of the CDT is covered by a rockslide of loose shale that is extremely dangerous to cross, with significant exposure and rocks still shifting. This section is now impassable to stock animals. Call Pagosa District for more information: (970) 264-2268.
Visitors should be aware that special orders regarding many uses and activities may be in effect on the San Juan National Forest. Forest Service Regional orders should also be reviewed as some activities are prohibited on a Regional level. Click on the heading to view current special orders.
Click on the heading to view special orders issued by the Rocky Mountain Region. These special orders apply to visitors and activities on the San Juan National Forest.
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