GMUG highlights Great American Outdoors Act projects
Improvement projects will run throughout summer until work is complete
(Delta, CO, April 06, 2026) — Visitors to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests should be aware of temporary recreation area closures and construction activity during the 2026 season as the GMUG continues delivering major recreation improvements funded through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA).
GAOA, signed into law on August 4, 2020, remains a historic investment in America’s public lands, providing the Forest Service with critical resources to modernize recreation facilities, improve access and address long‑standing maintenance needs. The GMUG continues to benefit from these investments, with several significant projects scheduled for construction this year that enhance safety, infrastructure and the visitor experience.
The following GAOA projects are planned for summer 2026:
Little Bear Campground and Island Lake Day Use Area Reconstruction – Grand Valley Ranger District
Construction continues through 2026, including trenching new water and electrical lines and installation of new toilets and infrastructure. Campground and day use area will remain closed while construction is taking place.
One Mile Campground Water System Replacement – Gunnison Ranger District
Construction is scheduled to begin June 2026. The campground will remain open, but visitors may encounter crews and temporary closures for safety.
Silver Jack/Beaver Lake Fence Replacement – Ouray Ranger District
Replacement of aging fencing will begin as sites become accessible. Campgrounds and surrounding areas will remain open, but visitors may encounter crews and temporary closures for safety.
Bear Creek National Recreation Trail Reconstruction – Ouray Ranger District
Construction resumes May 11, 2026. The trail will remain open, but visitors may encounter crews and temporary closures for safety.
Wetterhorn Trail Reconstruction – Ouray Ranger District
Crews will return mid‑July 2026 to continue trail reconstruction. The trail will remain open, but visitors may encounter crews and temporary closures for safety.
Crag Crest National Recreation Trail Reconstruction – Grand Valley Ranger District
Work is expected to begin summer 2026, once high‑elevation snow melts. The trail will remain open, but visitors may encounter crews and temporary closures for safety.
Forest‑wide Trail Reconstruction and Maintenance – All Districts
Work will occur across several trail systems, including Dark Canyon, Throughline, Skyline and Mt. Lamborn. Trails will remain open, but users should expect crews on the trail and potential short delays.
Forest‑wide Kiosk Replacement – All Districts
Map and kiosk design is underway, with installation of new trailhead kiosks set to begin late 2026/early 2027. Minimal visitor impacts are expected.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, expect construction-related delays and check for closure updates before traveling. For the latest information on conditions, closures and forest news, please visit the official GMUG website.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has, for more than 100 years, brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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