Last weekend’s warm weather drew many people to campgrounds on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. For ten campgrounds, this was their last weekend of the season. As a reminder, the ten closed campgrounds are:
Aspen Glen
Bellaire Lake
Big Bend
Big South
Sleeping Elephant
Chambers Lake
Dutch George
Kelly Flats
Mountain Park
West Lake
Dowdy Lake Campground is open year round; however, the back two loops are closed for the season. Last weekend was also the final weekend for the Redfeather Visitor Center and Stub Creek Visitor Center. The Deadman Lookout Tower will remain open through mid-October.
Fall can be a busy time in the forest, especially with hunters. Hunters are reminded to follow all the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife hunting regulations, as well as Forest Service shooting and travel regulations. Please remember many other recreational activities are taking place in the area.
Wearing bright colors is required for hunters by the CDPW, but it is recommended for everyone enjoying the forest this time of year. Making yourself visible to other forest users is very important.
Another important safety, especially during hunting season when dispersed camping is abundant, is to be aware of falling tree hazards. With the current mountain pine beetle epidemic, this is an increased hazard. Visitors should make sure to avoid dense patches of dead trees, especially on windy days. Make sure to park vehicles and place tents in areas away from dead trees and take a saw or ax with you to remove fallen trees from roads in case you become trapped.
If you have questions about any recreation activities on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, please call our visitor information specialists at 970-295-6700. You can also check our website at www.fs.usda.gov/arp.