Missionary Ridge Road and area closure lifted for the Elkhorn Fire

Durango, Colo., Wed. Aug. 6, 2025 — The Missionary Ridge Area and Road Closure associated with the Elkhorn Fire has been lifted. The closure included the National Forest System (NFS) roads 682 and 077, Missionary Ridge Road and Wallace Lake Road, as well as several townships and sections (See Elkhorn Fire Closure Map). This does not mean the area is safe, but rather the need has passed for the emergency closure due to active fire and firefighting resources. The Elkhorn Fire is not contained, so caution is advised if traveling to the area.

Burned areas are susceptible to a variety of hazards such as erosion and fire-weakened trees. Trees that remain standing but were exposed to ground fire can be easily blown over due to burned out roots or soil that no longer has vegetation holding it in place. 

We would like to thank the public for their patience and support throughout the fire closure for the Elkhorn Fire. These closures were a vital component in keeping the public safe in a sometimes rapidly changing landscape, and firefighting personnel safe and able to focus on their duties.

For official fire information, follow the Elkhorn Fire Inciweb page or contact the Elkhorn Fire Information desk at 2025.elkhorn@firenet.gov or 970-385-8700. 

For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website, or follow us on social media (X and Facebook).

-USDA-

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