Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use Restrictions

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

Salida, Leadville and South Park Ranger Districts

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Occupancy and Use

 

PROHIBITIONS:

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness on the Leadville, Salida and South Park Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (“Described Area”):

1. Entering or being in the Described Area with more than 15 people per group, or a maximum combination of 25 people and pack or saddle animals in any one group. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f).
2. Possessing a dog that is not under physical restraint of a leash, except for working stock dogs or dogs used for legal hunting purposes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s).
3. Camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and National Forest System (NFS) trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).
4. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire within 100 feet of any lake, stream, or NFS trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a)
5. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal within 100 feet of any lake, stream, or NFS trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(aa).
6. Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(e).
7. Possessing, storing, or transporting any plant material, such as hay or straw, except livestock feed that has been chemically or mechanically processed to destroy viable seeds (e.g., pelletized feed and rolled grains). 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(t).
8. Leaving pit toilets uncovered before vacating the Described Area or depositing any human waste within 100 feet of springs, lakes, or streams.  36 C.F.R. § 261.57(g).
9. Possessing or using a bicycle, wagon, cart, or other vehicle, including a wheelbarrow or game cart.  36 C.F.R. § 261.57(h). 

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA:

The described area includes National Forest System Lands within the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area on the Leadville, Salida and South Park Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted in Exhibit A. Only National Forest System Lands are impacted by this order. 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources, and public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION:

1. This Order shall be in effect from September 3rd, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. through September 2nd, 2030, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to the alerts webpage. 
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Salida Ranger District in Salida, Colorado, (719) 539-3591, the Leadville Ranger District in Leadville, Colorado, (719) 486-0749, the South Park Ranger District in Fairplay, Colorado, (719) 836-2031, and the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Pueblo, Colorado, (719) 553-1400, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes Order 2020-02 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on 8/26/2025

/s/ Ryan Nehl

Forest and Grassland Supervisor

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands