Portions of the Boulder and Canyon Lakes Ranger Districts reopen

Portions of the area closed last week in response to wet and flooded conditions on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland have re-opened on the Boulder and Canyon Lakes Ranger Districts.

Several areas have re-opened to recreational use on the Boulder Ranger District including south of Highway 119, Ruby Gulch and Gordon Gulch. The following Forest Service roads (FSR) are open; Ruby Gulch Road System (FSR #328) and Gordon Gulch Road System (FSR #226.1, #228.1, #228.1A, #228.1B, #228.1D, #233.1A, #233.1F, #233.1 C, and #120J from Highway 72 to junction with #233.1C). Some additional roads are also closed to recreational use outside the closure area. These include roads in the Gross Reservoir area including Winiger Ridge, Forsythe Trailhead, and associated trails including access roads FSR #97.1 and #359.1. Additionally, the access road FSR #357.1 to Front Range Trailhead and the Bunce School Area including FSRs #105, #202.1, #217.1 are closed.

The area that has opened on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District includes most lands and facilities located north of Highway 14, as well as areas within 1/2 mile south of Highway 14. Some select areas remain closed and those will be signed and/or gated. This includes the Young Gulch Trail, Stevens Gulch Day Use, and Upper Landing Day Use. Additional areas not originally included in the order that are now closed due to moderate to extensive damage include 7-Mile Road (FSR 225), Kelly Flats Road (FSR 168), and Chicken Park Road (FSR 181) and spurs.

Please respect this and all signed closures. They are in place for public safety and to allow for rehabilitation efforts. For reopened campgrounds, no water is available. A map of the closed area, along with other flood information, is available online at www.fs.usda.gov.

Although these areas have re-opened, conditions remain wet and additional rain or snow could also impact conditions of currently opened areas. Please continue to check our flood website or follow us on Twitter @usfsarp.

Areas that have re-opened are still near or accessed by routes that are being used by those conducting road repair, continuing emergency response support and other activities. Visitors should expect delays and additional restrictions may be in place by county. The current condition of many forest roads is unknown until our initial assessment is completed. Please use caution in all rain affected areas. Road status and closure information be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/roads.

Remember, your safety is your responsibility. Continue to check the web for the latest information on road closures and conditions. If you encounter an unsafe situation on a road or trail that is open, please stop and turn around. Emergency response access is limited. Be prepared with emergency supplies when traveling.