Conditions can change rapidly. Always check weather reports and current avalanche conditions prior to your trip.
As winter winds down and spring/summer arrives, conditions will be extremely variable across the forest.
Winter/over-snow travel season is designated to be November 23rd – May 20th annually, by our Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), meaning roads and trails are closed to wheeled travel (including bikes) and open to over-snow use, including snowmobiles, during these dates. Winter MVUMs show where motorized over-snow use is allowed.
During the winter, trails remain open to hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Biking is not currently allowed on forest roads or trails during the winter travel season, which ends on May 20 (see press release about fat-tire bikes).
Summer/wheeled travel season is scheduled to begin on May 21st on some roads, and as late as June 21st on other roads that travel to higher elevations. Motorized and mechanized vehicle users are responsible for knowing when and where they can take vehicles. Please see our Summer Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) to see what routes are open to motorized vehicles, which types of vehicles, and what the dates are.
Snowmelt rates vary from year to year, but on average:
- Mid-April: Snow level around 8,000 feet.
- Mid-May: Snow level around 9,500 feet.
- Mid-June: Snow level around 10,000-10,500 feet.
- Mid-July: Snow usually mostly clear except on highest north-facing slopes and passes.
For the most current road and trail condition reports for each district, see our district reports section below.
