Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Roads

• Check Forest Service Road Status. We close roads seasonally, for storm damage, or other situations that may arise.
• Our MVUMs are another great resource for road closure information and to see what types of vehicles we allow on our roads.
• Check state road status at CoTrip. You’ll likely take a state or county road to reach our forest roads, so make sure they're open.

Trails

• Trail Conditions - With over 1,300 miles of trails, specific conditions aren't available, but we do have many great partners who help provide additional information.
• Poudre Wilderness Volunteers hike trails on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District.
• Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance patrol trails in the James Peak and Indian Peaks Wilderness areas on the Boulder and Sulphur Ranger Districts.
• Trail Information - CoTrex is a great resource for information on trails throughout Colorado. Additionally, select an opportunity on our recreation page to see the associated trails and information.
• Stick to Trails. Walk through snow and mud.
• Wear appropriate footwear for wet conditions.
• Avoid stepping on vegetation if you need to step off-trail to let others pass.
• Step back on trail immediately after people pass you.

General and recurring closures, regulations, and special orders

• Visit Alerts to see prohibitions, closures, and regulations for the Forest.

• Visit Recreation to see if the area you’re visiting requires a pass or reservation.
• Looking for permits for events, photography, firewood collection, or other special use? Visit Permits.

• View campground status at Current Conditions.
• Visit recreation.gov for campground reservations and more.

• Check Fire Restrictions to see if the area you’re visiting allows campfires.
• Check local fire restrictions that may apply to National Forest System lands.
• Check our Alerts to monitor wildfire and prescribed burn closures.

• Have a map - Have more than one way to navigate. Download maps, or buy maps online.
• Have a backup plan - Have an alternate plan in case trailhead parking lots, campsites, etc. are full.
• Leave no trace - Pack it in, pack it out.
• Keep wildlife wild - Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a great source to learn more about hunting, fishing and the wildlife you may encounter on your visit.
• Camping and Hiking in Bear Country.
• Proper food and trash storage required.
• Prepare for unpredictable weather - Colorado's weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Make sure to bring food and water. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for cold or wet weather. Check local weather and continue to monitor.
• You might not have cell service - Many areas on the Forests and Grassland don't have cell coverage.
• Review Forest Service safety reminders.