White River National Forest
 
 

Current Conditions and Regulations

Federal Regulations and White River National Forest Special Orders 

Conditions

Remember, conditions can change rapidly, especially in backcountry areas. Always check weather reports and current conditions prior to your trip.

General Updates and Conditions: 5/22/2018: 

As winter has passed and spring/summer arrives, conditions will be extremely variable across the forest.

Summer/wheeled travel season began on May 21st on some roads, and begins 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 refer to our Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) page for this information.

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.

Campgrounds & Day Use Sites

Please see our chart of all campgrounds on the White River National Forest, complete with dates, prices, links to each campground page, and more.

 

Current Conditions Reports by Ranger District:

Know Before You Go:

Off highway vehicle on a forest road. Motorists: View Motor Vehicle Use Maps to see what routes are open by season and travel type. 
Mountain bikers climb up a rocky trail

Bicycles + Fat Tire: Roads & trails are closed to all bicycles 11/23 - 5/21 annually. Summer/wheeled season is scheduled to begin on May 21 on some roads, and as late as June 21 on others. Map of routes open to biking: Summer Designated Bike Route System Map (PDF, 13 MB). View press release about fat-tire bikes.

Forest fire

 Fire information & restrictions.