Pagosa Forest Service Roads Open as Conditions Allow

The Pagosa Ranger District will begin opening Forest roads as they become clear of snow and are no longer saturated with snowmelt.  Based on this year’s snowpack, some roads may be opening later than in the recent years. 

Forest Service roads are seasonally closed to protect road surfaces, as well as for public safety. Roads will remain closed until most of the road surface can withstand traffic without damage. Roads closed for surface protection are being monitored, and gates will be opened as soon as the snow melts and road bases dry out. However, recent monitoring indicates that, while access roads may appear dry in the proximity of closure gates, conditions become snow packed and muddy as elevations rise and one continues traveling the road.

An open gate does not authorize users to damage roads. Damage is defined as: ruts 1 inch deep or deeper on gravel roads or 4 inches deep or deeper on native surface roads. Caution should be utilized when parking adjacent to roads, as road shoulders may be very soft. 

As a reminder, all ATV trails on the Pagosa Ranger District are closed to motorized use until May 15, while single-track motorized (motorcycle) trails remain closed to motorized use until June 15.   

For additional information on travel management, road/trail openings, or to pick up a free Motor Vehicle Use Map, contact the Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268 or stop by and visit us Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm at 180 Pagosa Street.

Current information on other seasonal Pagosa Ranger District road openings is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan. Click on the “San Juan Road Info.” link located on the right side of the page under the “Quick Links.” box.