Rio Grande National Forest Holiday Safety Reminder

Del Norte, Colo., June 27, 2025 – The Rio Grande National Forest would like to remind visitors to stay safe and recreate responsibly on area public lands. Recreating outdoors is an important way of life for Coloradans and visitors alike, and we need everyone’s cooperation to help us provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience while preserving your natural areas for future generations.

“The Independence Day weekend is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the Rio Grande National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Dennis Kuhnel. “The National Forest provides abundant opportunities to connect with nature. We want folks to be safe and respectful so that they can take full advantage of their visit, while leaving it in great condition for the next visitors.” 

Going prepared with reliable information is important to having a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors should KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, plan ahead, and exercise these essential responsible recreation guidelines over the Independence Day weekend and throughout the summer, including:

• Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited on all public lands in the area. They can start wildfires and leave unnatural debris. Possession is not allowed so leave them at home and enjoy them in the right places. Your public lands are never the right place.
• Fire: Be fire safe. The forest is currently in moderate fire danger, but the recent hot, dry and windy weather is slowly changing those conditions. Have campfires in safe locations only. Use existing fire rings when possible. Please don’t burn when it’s windy. Never leave your campfire unattended. Use the drown, stir and feel method to ensure your campfires are dead out, before you leave. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
• Weather: Check the weather forecasts, especially if you are going into the high alpine environments. Visit public lands with a friend or a family member. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan on returning. Make sure to bring plenty of water and food. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for changing weather conditions. The high country may be significantly cooler than the valley bottom.
• Overnight: If you’re planning on spending the night, do you know where you’re spending the night? If you don’t, do you have a “Plan B?” Many developed sites that are reservable are likely fully booked. In addition, our dispersed sites are now more occupied than ever before.
• Dispersed Camping: Use existing dispersed campsites whenever possible. These sites have already been impacted. By using them, you protect other sites from the impacts of camping and high foot or vehicle traffic that can lead to area resource degradation.
• Waste: Bury all human and pet waste. Leaving it on the surface can lead to unsanitary conditions in high-use areas. Leave the area in a condition that you would want to find it.
• Streams: High country streams may still be difficult to cross during peak hours of run-off. Be aware of stream levels in the morning and ensure you have a way back in the afternoon when water will be at its highest.
• Trails: Operate Off-Highway Vehicles in a responsible manner. Respect trail restrictions. Use appropriate speeds, especially in high-use areas. Stay on roads and trails. Just one off-road user can lead to multiple operators following tracks and damage to the resource. Visit the Visitor Maps and Guides page for Rio Grande National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps. These maps advise users on the legal routes for all motorized uses.
• Trash: Remember to “Leave No Trace” and be prepared to pack out all trash when receptacles are full or not available.

For the status of RGNF recreation sites, visit our Recreation page BEFORE planning your visit to public lands.

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