South Park Ranger District

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 219, 320 Hwy 285
Fairplay, CO 80440
Phone: 719-836-2031
Fax: 719-836-3875

Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Located on the northwest corner of US Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 9, at the only stoplight in Fairplay.

About the Area

South Park Ranger District includes South Park, part of the Mosquito Range, Eleven Mile Canyon and Jefferson Lake Recreation Areas and the Tarryall Mountains and Puma Hills.

The district manages 456,599 acres ranging in elevation from 7,100 to 14,285 ft. mostly in Park and Teller counties.

The main highways through the district include Highway 285 south of Kenosha Pass to Trout Creek Pass, and Highway 24 from Florissant, Colorado, to the intersection with Highway 285 at Trout Creek Pass.

Holiday Tree permits go on sale on October 10, 2024, at Recreation.gov.

Holiday trees go on sale for the South Park Ranger District on October 10 at Recreation.gov.

For additional information about how to obtain a Holiday Tree permit please click HERE.

Be sure to follow these tips to care for your tree at home.

South Park Ranger District campgrounds close October 14, 2024

Campgrounds on the South Park Ranger District will officially close on October 14 at 12:00 p.m.

For more information on recreation sites on the South Park Ranger District please visit out recreation webpage.

Lake George Dam Removal is complete!

In 2023, an abandoned low-head diversion structure at the mouth of Elevenmile Canyon, near the town of Lake George in Park County, Colorado was removed. This dam was located on the mainstem of the South Platte River. The Canyon and several segments of the South Platte River, downstream of the dam, provide habitat for several naturally-reproducing, wild trout fisheries, including popular sportfishing species such as rainbow trout and brown trout.

Dams cause a number of impacts to rivers. To name a few, they block natural water flow and sediment movement, deter transport of vital nutrients, and reduce suitable habitat for aquatic insects. Additionally, the dam acted as a barrier to upstream fish passage into better breeding and feeding areas.

The project involved restoration work by installing bank stabilizing features, aquatic habitat improvement features to create pools and shelter for fish, and planning of native willows, grasses, and trees along the streamside corridor. Improved vegetation conditions will provide shade, cover, and natural food sources for aquatic life and other land-dwelling species.

This project has also improved recreational opportunities by creating and accessible trail to a fishing access bench.

The area remains closed to the public until the 2025 season, depending on adequate vegetation recovery and the status of completion of other restoration and site improvements. Please contact the South Park Ranger District Office at 719-836-2031 for the most recent information.

Bald and Golden Eagle Wildlife Seasonal Closure (January through July)

To protect nesting birds of prey, the Forest Service will be implementing annual area closures around the areas of the west side of LaSalle Pass, near the entrance to Elevenmile Canyon, Observatory Rock, and Eagle Rock. The closures comprise all activities in the area including hiking, rock climbing, and drone use. The climbing locations upcanyon from the Riverside Campground in Elevenmile Canyon will remain open year-round. The closures are in effect from January 1^st through July 31^st annually.

Eagle Rock/Observatory Rock closure order, map

LaSalle/Elevenmile closure order, map A, map B

Bald and golden eagles are sensitive to disturbance from people during their nesting season and excessive disturbance may cause frequent nest abandonment and resulting nest failure. These closures will protect long-established eagle nesting areas, allowing birds to settle into their nest site without human disturbance.

Federal and state law prohibit disturbing any nesting birds of prey. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting closures and locations that are signed for other raptor nesting areas. Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas.

District-wide Annual Wildlife Seasonal Gate Closures (January 1 - June 15)

Annual seasonal gate closures are in place for several reasons including protection of big game species and protecting roads from damage from January 1 - June 15. Please refer to Motor Vehicle Travel Maps to determine legal routes. A final record of decision for motorized travel management was signed on Sept. 26, 2022.

Personal Use Fuelwood and Transplant Sales

South Park Ranger District now sells fuelwood and transplant permits year-round. First time buyers must come into the office. After your first puchase, you can download and mail-in requests:

Fuelwood order form and fuelwood information

Transplant order form and information:

We encourage people to transplant their trees and shrubs either in the spring before buds begin to open, or in the fall after the plant has gone dormant. This will increase the plant’s chances of survival and reduce the amount of work it takes to keep them alive.

The allowable species to transplant:
SHRUBS: Cinquefoil, Kinnikinick, Buffalo Berry, Woods Rose, Gooseberry and Common Juniper.
TREES: All tree species except 5-needled pine trees (Bristlecone and Limber pines).

The transplant program provides an excellent opportunity to plant trees and shrubs on your property while adding an aesthetic value to your community. A tree’s chance of survival is greatly increased if its new home is similar to its old home. By digging transplants on the national forest you can stay close to home for your planting stock.

CONDITIONS:
• Permits are non-refundable.
• No machine digging.
• Maximum allowable height is eight feet.
• All holes dug shall be filled in.
• Trees removed must come from the South Park Ranger District.
• Prohibited areas include: Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area, Jefferson Lake Recreation Area, Eleven Mile Canyon, Campgrounds, Picnic Areas, Lost Creek Wilderness, and Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.

Travel Management update

Forest Service Road 659 in Beaver Creek and 669 in Crooked Creek are closed to all Off Highway Vehicles including ATV’s, UTV’s, and motorcycles that do not have a state license plate. This closure has been in effect since 2010.

Please refer to Motor Vehicle Travel Maps to determine legal routes. A final record of decision for motorized travel management was signed on Sept. 26, 2022.