GMUG plans partial, temporary closure of Bear Creek Trail
Closure to ensure safety in support of reconstruction efforts
Contact Information: Daniel Malta daniel.malta@usda.gov
MONTROSE, Colo. (May 07, 2025) — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announce temporary closure of Bear Creek National Recreation Trail for reconstruction efforts from May through October. The trail will be closed Monday through Friday but will remain open on weekends.
Crews will resume work to reconstruct portions of the trail between the trailhead and Yellow Jacket Mine, including extensive construction of stone retaining walls, drainage structures and low water crossings.
The upper sections of Bear Creek Trail will remain open and are accessible via Engineer Pass and Horsethief Trail.
“The safety of the public and the workers involved in the trail reconstruction project is our top priority,” said Dana Gardunio, district ranger for the Ouray Ranger District. “By closing the affected section of the trail, we aim to complete reconstruction work efficiently and mitigate potential hazards during the construction process.”
The work to reconstruct the trail is using funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and is being completed through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation.
For current road conditions and closures, visitors can contact the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5300.
About the Forest Service: The USDA 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, 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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