Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Always check San Juan National Forest's current fire restrictions on the Fire Management page for current restrictions and maps showing active fires.

• San Juan National Forest Rules and Regulations: fire, recreation sites, wilderness areas, roads and trails, occupancy & use, motor vehicles, firearms, gathering forest products, livestock, property, sanitation.
• Dispersed Camping Regulations: Camping outside of developed campgrounds
• Wilderness Area Regulations
  • Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is prohibited in designated Wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, are considered to be "mechanized” equipment and may not take off, land or be operated within designated Wilderness.
  • Weminuche, Lizard Head, San Juan and Hermosa Wilderness Regulations
• Hiking and Camping with Dogs
• Check out the some tips and regulations: SJNF Packing with Livestock.
• E-bike Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• DRONE USE on the National Forest
  • Recreational Drone Tips
  • "Where Can I Fly My Drone?" - The FAA has developed the B4UFly app showing recreational flyers where it is safe to fly their drone. The B4UFLY app is available to download for free at the App Store for iOS and Google Play store for Android.

• Navigation: Be sure to carry a current topographical map of the area. Signing is limited to junctions of Forest Service system trails and typically does not provide mileages. You can't count on cell phone coverage in remote areas!
• Weather: Conditions can change rapidly! Violent afternoon thunderstorms are something the San Juan Mountains are notorious for. Check for National Weather Service Alerts before your trip.
  • Start early. Storms typically hit early afternoon and can last until after dark.
  • If you are planning to be above treeline, start early to avoid exposure during afternoon thunderstorms. Check out our Lightning Safety Guidance for more information.
  • Expect and be prepared for rain, hail, snow, or biting wind at any time of the year.
  • Carry clothing and equipment which will keep you warm and dry, even when day-hiking.
• Altitude: Elevations range from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. Pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks to help prevent altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness. If affected, descend quickly. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid.
• Hazard Trees: Much of the Weminuche Wilderness has been affected by a large outbreak of spruce beetles, which have killed the majority of mature spruce trees. Recent fires have also weakened the trees.
  As a result, visitors must use extra caution when traveling and camping in the vicinity of dead or dying trees. Always be aware of your surroundings!
• High Water: During spring snow melt, expect high, fast water. Water levels may rise dangerously with warm weather or after thunderstorms. Use caution when crossing streams or delay crossing until water levels drop.
• Always treat water found along the trail if you decide to drink it.
• Bring the ten essentials.
• Avalanches: Colorado Avalanche Information Center
• Respect Wildlife: We share the outdoors with a variety of animals who make the forest their home. Remember, these are not pets. View wildlife from a safe distance – use the rule of “thumb”. If you hold your thumb up at arms length, does it cover the animal? Yes? Then you are where you should be. Keep your dogs under control; do not let them chase or harass any wildlife. Do not feed any animals (including those adorable chipmunks and pikas). When camping, store your food properly. And always, pack out your trash.  
  • Bears
  • Bats
  • Mountain lions
  • Snakes

Is the Forest gate closed for the winter? Or for wildlife protection? Check out the most up-to-date information on the San Juan National Forest Roads .

• Detailed maps are highly recommended for your visit particularly for wilderness or backcountry travel. Visit one of our offices to find a map or buy maps online at the National Forest Store or at San Juan Mountains Association online bookstore.
• View Motor Vehicle Use Maps to see what routes are open by season and travel type. Motorized users are responsible for knowing where they can and can't take a motorized vehicle.
• A variety of mobile friendly maps and publications are also available for purchase and download for use with the Avenza app on your mobile device.